Protect poultry from bird flu

Source: Tony Pescatore, UK poultry specialist

Recently a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza, H7, appeared on a large poultry farm in Tennessee by way of migratory ducks and geese. Currently no birds in Kentucky are infected, however, all poultry producers should take precautions and stay aware.

The H7 virus is a North American strain that is of wild lineage, meaning waterfowl could be a source of it. Since this is the season for waterfowl to migrate north in the Mississippi flyway, there will be an increased presence of migratory ducks and geese in Kentucky.

Poultry producers need to be aware of waterfowl in the area. You should avoid these migratory birds and their droppings. Think about lakes, farm ponds, wooded areas, golf courses and parks in your area. Always wear clean footwear and clothing after you have been in these types of environments before taking care of your poultry.

Remember, the strain in Tennessee is highly contagious to poultry but is not to humans or pets.

Follow the FLU method to prevent avian flu in your birds.

F—Flock observation—Early detection is important so make sure to daily observe flocks and note changes in appearance, behavior, and drinking and eating habits.

L—Limit traffic—Contaminated clothing and equipment can spread avian influenza between poultry premises. Be sure to keep a log of visitors and vehicles on your farm. Be aware of places visitors may have had contact with birds or their droppings such as hunting lands, ponds, pet stores, zoos and parks. Visitors can accidently bring disease to the farm. It’s a good idea to have visitors and workers put on clean boots to help stop disease from spreading.

U—Unwanted critters—avian influenza can be spread through the feces and bodily fluids of infected birds, so keep poultry from coming into contact with wild birds. It’s a good idea to keep areas mowed around poultry houses and coops to control wild birds and rodents. Keep all other animals out of the chicken house. You should isolate new or returning birds from the rest of the flock for at least 30 days.

Signs of avian influenza can also be signs of common poultry ailments, but there are differences, because highly pathogenic avian influenza is always fatal. Symptoms include sudden death; little to no appetite or energy; little to no egg production; soft or deformed eggs; nasal discharge; coughing, sneezing or breathing difficulty; swelling around the head, neck and eyes; purple discoloration; loss of muscle control; drooping wings; twisting of the head and neck; inability to move and diarrhea. Birds may have the disease for three to seven days before they show signs, and death can occur between 24 and 48 hours after the first sign.

The University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory will test birds for a fee. The UK VDL and the Murray State University Breathitt Veterinary Lab are both certified through the National Animal Health Laboratory Network to handle bird flu cases.

For more information, contact the Clinton County Cooperative Extension Service at 606-387-5404.

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.

Upcoming meeting of interest to the

Clinton County agriculture industry/family

Private pesticide applicator

The Clinton County Extension Service will host a private pesticide applicator meeting Monday, March 20th at 1:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. at the Extension Office. The meetings will cover information necessary to obtain a private pesticide applicator’s license. The private pesticide cards are valid for three years and are required to purchase restricted use pesticides. Please call the Extension Office at 606-387-5404 for more information. These meetings will satisfy CAIP cost-share educational requirements.

Opening Top Farm Series

The Opening Tip Farm Series hosted by the Clinton and Cumberland County Extension services will continue on Tuesday, March 21st at 6pm CST at the Extension Office in Burkesville. The speaker for the evening will be UK grain and forage economic specialist Greg Halich, presenting on row crop budgets and profitability.

The final session of the program is scheduled for Tuesday, March 28th at the RECC office in Albany, speaker for the evening will be Kelley Yates discussing small ruminant profitability and Tom Keene speaking about Hemp production in Kentucky.

Each session will begin at 6 p.m CST with a meal. Please call the Clinton County Extension Office for more information or if you plan to attend. These meetings will satisfy CAIP cost-share educational requirements.

Clinton/Cumberland

Cattleman’s Association to meet

The Clinton/Cumberland Cattleman’s Association will hold its first quarterly meeting on Thursday, March 23rd at 6pm at the RECC building in Albany. Dr. Michelle Arnold, UK Extension ruminant veterinarian, will present on vaccination protocols for cow/calf operations and tips to help control pinkeye in cattle.

Members or potential members are invited to attend, the meeting will begin with a meal at 6:00 p.m. CST. Please call the Clinton County Extension Office at 606-387-5404 for more information or if you plan to attend, so meal preparations can be made. This meeting will satisfy the CAIP cost-share educational requirements.

Beef Quality Assurance

Two Beef Quality Assurance meetings will be held on Monday, March 27th at 1:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. at the Clinton County Extension Office. Producers approved for cost-share under the large animal investment area are required to have a valid BQA number.

The BQA meeting will last approximately one hour. BQA certification cost is $5 and valid for three years. More BQA meetings will be planned for this spring, so there will be other opportunities to get BQA certified. For more information or to enroll in BQA training please call the Extension Office at 606-387-5404, space is limited.

These meetings will satisfy CAIP cost-share educational requirements.