A free 15-minute video or DVD on preventing exotic Newcastle disease and avian influenza is now available for small flock poultry owners and bird fanciers.
USDA's Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service is offering the information as part of USDA's Biosecurity for Birds campaign. The video or DVD can be ordered by calling 301-734-7799 or via e-mail at birdbiosecurity@aphis.usda.gov.
The Biosecurity for Birds campaign was created to inform noncommercial poultry owners and bird fanciers about the signs of serious poultry diseases, to ask them to report sick birds and to give them information on practicing backyard biosecurity to keep their birds safe and healthy.
The campaign was initiated following a outbreak of END in California and other western states in 2002 and 2003 that resulted in deaths of thousands of birds and cost taxpayers and bird owners hundred of millions of dollars in eradication cost and lost poultry and jobs.
In addition to discussing how to recognize and report END and AI, the video/DVD includes tips to help bird owners prevent the spread of these and other avian diseases. These include:
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap, water and a disinfectant before entering an area where birds are kept.
• Keep cages, food and water clean on a daily basis. Clean and disinfect equipment that comes in contact with birds or their droppings, including feed scoops, shovels, rakes and brooms.
• Clean and disinfect car and truck tires, poultry cages and equipment when traveling to a location where other birds are present.
• When taking birds to a fair or exhibition, keep those birds separated from the rest of the flock and watch them for at least two weeks after the event to ensure that they didn't pick up a disease.
• Keep new birds separate for at least 30 days before incorporating them into the flock.
• Do not share birds, lawn and garden equipment, tools or poultry supplies with neighbors or other bird owners.
• Call the local Cooperative Extension office, local veterinarian, the state veterinarian or USDA veterinary services office to report sick or dead birds. The USDA toll-free line is 866-536-7593.
More information on how to recognize signs of END and AI, plus additional steps that can be taken to protect birds, can be accessed at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vsbirdbiosecurity.
