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2022 NYS Guernsey Breeders Calf Scholarship Awarded to Jim Eshelman

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BELMONT, N.Y. — Jim Eshelman has succeeded in becoming an outstanding member of the Allegany County 4-H Program participating in sheep, poultry and dairy projects in addition to many projects outside of the animal department.  He has demonstrated the ability to feed, raise and show dairy animals at the county fair through our leasing program and will now have the opportunity to show his own registered guernsey calf.

“The Calf Scholarship Award Program is sponsored by the New York State Guernsey Breeders Association for the purpose of encouraging those who do not presently own Guernseys to become involved with the Guernsey Breed.” The application process included writing an essay describing what the award would mean to him, how he would raise and care for the animal, and goals for the future. In addition, award recipients are required to exhibit their animal in at least one local fair and the New York State Fair as part of the terms of accepting the calf award.

Jim has grown through the experiences of his 4-H projects not only as a caretaker of quality animals but by learning as much as he can about the farming industry.  Jim’s activities in 4-H have aided his development of public speaking and marketing abilities that have helped him share his knowledge with others and establish his own farm business selling farm raised meat, eggs and baked good through local Farmers Markets.

Jim takes extreme pride in working with his animals from the moment they are within his care. Stop by the dairy barn to view Jim’s calf along with the other youth exhibitor at the Allegany Country Fair July 18th-23rd. Like to see the youth show? Plan to attend the fair on Wednesday, July 20th; the youth show begins at 9 am.

–Lynn Bliven, Agriculture & Natural Resources Issue Leader
Cornell Cooperative Extension Allegany County

‘Texas Animal Manure Management Issues’ set Aug. 10-11 in Fort Worth

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FORT WORTH, Texas — The Texas Animal Manure Management Issues, TAMMI, conference will return Aug. 10-11 at the Fort Worth Stockyards.

The conference will be held at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Fort Worth Historic Stockyards, 2315 N. Main St.

Registration is available at https://tx.ag/TAMMI2022Reg, and a full agenda for the conference is available as well. Early bird registration, which ends July 16, is $225 per person. Regular registration is $300 and ends Aug. 11. Registration includes lunches and refreshments each day, and reduced-rate lodging is available at Springhill Suites.

The 2022 event will be the first since an inaugural TAMMI conference in 2009, said Zong Liu, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service specialist and assistant professor in the Texas A&M Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering.

Liu, the TAMMI conference chair, said most major livestock industries, including beef and dairy cattle, poultry, equine and swine, are expected to be represented among conference speakers. He said the conference mission is to provide animal waste management education and information to livestock and poultry producers and technical advisors.

“The first conference was wildly successful, and we want to bring it back,” he said. “We think the programs will serve livestock and poultry operations well by providing a comprehensive view of manure management and the latest about technology and information that can help producers and operations.”

What to expect at TAMMI

The conference will include comprehensive discussions regarding waste management, animal mortality, mass mortality events caused by natural disasters or disease outbreaks, greenhouse gases reduction and carbon credits, composting, regulatory requirements and compliance, and machinery and technology to help operations manage waste.

Speakers come from a wide range of backgrounds, including AgriLife Extension and regulatory agencies like U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Texas, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board. Speakers also represent industry associations like the Texas Cattle Feeders Association, Texas Association of Dairymen and Texas Poultry Federation.

This conference will also include continuing education units for nutrient management, Dairy Outreach Program Area, and others, Liu said.

“Facilities are growing, and technology and techniques are rapidly changing within the industry,” Liu said. “The conference will be a great opportunity for producers to learn about the big initiatives and opportunities related to animal waste.”

–Adam Russell
Texas A&M AgriLife Communications

Seeking nominations for American Egg Board

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COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Poultry Association (OPA) is accepting suggestions for nominations to serve on the 2023-2024 American Egg Board (AEB), which is U.S. egg farmer’s link to consumers in communicating the value of the incredible egg. AEB is seeking an ethnically diverse group of candidates. Appointed members will serve a two-year term.

“Board members serve an important role in assisting AEB’s mission to increase demand for egg and egg products on behalf of U.S. egg farmers,” said Jim Chakeres, OPA executive vice president. “It is a pleasure to work with other professionals on a national level in order to guide the egg community and further our commitment to providing safe and affordable eggs for our Ohioans and the rest of the world.”

To be eligible for nomination, individuals must be producers or representatives of producers and they must own 75,000 or more laying hens. Producers who own less than 75,000 hens are eligible provided they have not applied for exemption and are paying assessments to AEB.

The Board is appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and consists of 18 members and 18 alternates from all regions of the country who are egg farmers nominated by certified state and regional organizations representing egg farmers. Members and alternates may not serve more than three consecutive two-year terms in their current position. The diversity of the board should reflect the diversity of their industries in experience of members, marketing strategies, methods of production and distribution, and other distinguishing factors, including but not limited to individuals from historically underserved communities, that will bring diverse perspectives.

All nominations should be submitted by July 13 to OPA at info@ohiopoultry.org.

Ohio is the second largest egg farming state in the nation, producing more than 10 billion eggs each year. Ohio egg farmers make egg safety a top priority and are proud to provide Ohioans with high-quality eggs.

For more information about Ohio’s egg farms, visit www.ohiopoultry.org or www.ohioeggs.com.

— Ohio Poultry Association

Hog inventory down from last quarter

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URBANA, Ill. — The USDA’s June Hogs and Pigs report places the June 1 inventory of all hogs and pigs at 72.5 million head, down just slightly from last quarter and almost 1% lower than a year ago, consistent with pre-report expectations. Likewise, and as expected, market hog and breeding inventories are both down about 1% from a year ago, with market hogs down 0.25% from last quarter and breeding inventories over 1% higher, according to Jason Franken, agricultural economist at Western Illinois University and contributor to the University of Illinois farmdoc team.

Each class of market hog inventories is also down compared to the same time last year, with the lightest weight class down the most, at 1.3% lower. Overall, the number of hogs weighing less than 180 pounds is about 0.9% smaller than a year ago. Those will be the market hogs arriving at processing plants from July through November 2022, Franken says.

“The decline in lighter weight hogs partly reflects that the March through May pig crop is also 1% smaller than last year, as anticipated, with about 1.4% fewer sows farrowed and about 0.5% more pigs saved per litter. Looking forward, summer and fall farrowing intentions are down 0.5% and 1.4% from actual farrowings last year. These numbers should similarly imply somewhat smaller slaughter numbers in subsequent periods,” Franken states.

“Frozen stocks of pork are rebounding but have not yet reached pre-COVID-19 levels. According to the USDA cold storage report, cold stocks of pork at the end of May are up 2% from the previous month and 17% from a year ago. Poultry stocks are also up 2% from the prior month and 1% from a year ago, while beef is down 2% from the prior month but up 25% from last year. Though the numbers are somewhat bearish for pork, there still appears to be plenty of room for growth in cold stocks,” he adds.

“The USDA forecasts U.S. per capita pork consumption at 51.1 pounds per person in 2022, rising to 51.7 pounds per person in 2023, matching the highest it’s been since prior to COVID-19, when it reached 52.1 pounds in 2019. Hence, strong domestic demand is expected to persist.”

The U.S. exported 529 million pounds of pork in April, or about 19% less than in April of 2021. Much of the drop reflects continuously lower shipments to China and Hong Kong every year since December 2020, with China’s rebound from African Swine Fever. With lower exports to China, exports to Mexico, which were 20% higher, comprised 35% of U.S. pork exports in April. The USDA estimates U.S. pork exports in the second quarter of 2022 to be 1.6 billion pounds, or 15% lower than last year, and forecasts the last two quarters of 2022 to be 3.5% and 12.5% higher, respectively, placing the total for 2022 6% below last year. The first quarter of 2023 is forecast to be 1.5 billion pounds, about the same as in the first quarter of 2022.

Taking all of this into account, Franken forecasts hog prices for the next four quarters. This forecast is for the national weighted average net price on a carcass basis for all transactions for producer-sold barrows and gilts, including negotiated and contract prices.

“This net price should be more reflective of what producers receive, on average, and normally runs at a premium of more than $2/cwt over the base price on average. Although contract prices often exceed cash prices, from March-May, this net price averaged $100.34/cwt compared to $105.67/cwt for the corresponding net prices for negotiated or spot transactions,” he says.

“In general, hog prices tend to be higher in the second and third quarters, with lower prices in the first and fourth quarters. Consistent with that pattern, this price series is forecast to average about $103.78/cwt for the third quarter of 2022, falling to $91.70/cwt by the fourth quarter and $92.59/cwt for the first quarter of 2023, before rising to $101.47/cwt for the second quarter of 2023. These projections are consistent with the supply and demand scenario currently anticipated. However, if greater production is realized or if export demand softens, prices may be lower,” Franken concludes.

Discussion and graphs associated with this article available here: https://uofi.box.com/s/42fv1sty13ahpxg0qqv0r97r93jhowzq or here: https://farmdocdaily.illinois.edu/2022/06/hog-inventory-down-but-breeding-herd-up-from-last-quarter.html

— University of Illinois ACES

Suspension of certain poultry, feathered fowl activities is lifted

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ATLANTA — The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) is today announcing that the suspension of certain poultry and feathered fowl activities that was issued on February 16, 2022, has been lifted. Effective immediately, exhibitions, shows, sales (flea markets, auction markets), swaps, and meets pertaining to poultry and feathered fowl can resume within the state of Georgia. GDA urges poultry producers attending such events to follow strict biosecurity.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) continues to be a threat nationwide. GDA remains committed and ready to protect poultry within the state. Please see Commercial, Backyard, & Wildlife cases (USDA APHIS) for more information about HPAI detections in the United States.
Good biosecurity practices are the best defense against AI infection and poultry producers must take the following measures to protect their flocks:

  • Isolate new birds for 30 days prior to introducing them to your flock.
  • Implement strict biosecurity both at home and at events.
  • Monitor flocks for clinical signs consistent with AI.
    • With HPAI, birds may become quiet, not eat and/or drink, have diarrhea, and have discolored combs and feet. Birds may also die suddenly with no signs of disease.
  • Report any concerns to your Veterinarian, State Animal Health Official or Federal Animal Health Official immediately.

AI is a reportable disease in Georgia. If you suspect your birds have avian influenza, call the AI Hotline at 770-766-6850. For more information regarding AI read our frequently asked questions.

GDA Avian Influenza Resource Page

Protect Your Flock (GDA)

Defend the Flock – Resource Center (USDA APHIS)

–Georgia Department of Agriculture

Save the date for Animal Ag Industry Breakfast, August 10

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HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania agriculture professionals, including dairy and beef producers, are invited to the 2022 Industry Breakfast on Mental Health in the Animal Ag Industry. The industry breakfast will be held on Wednesday, August 10 during the 2022 Ag Progress Days. The event will include a free breakfast and conversation about real-time issues facing Pennsylvania agriculture, including mental health and farm stress. The event is free but pre-registration is required at www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/industry-breakfast.

The Center for Dairy Excellence, Center for Beef Excellence, Center for Poultry & Livestock, PA Beef Producers Working Group, and Penn State Extension Dairy and Livestock teams are partnering to host the industry breakfast.

“Ag Progress Days is an ideal time to talk among friends and get solid, useful information about how stress hits us all in agriculture,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. “While we’re together, talking about new technology, management methods and challenges that impact our farms’ bottom lines, we hope you’ll join us to talk about the real costs of stress and where to turn for someone who knows agriculture, knows what you’re facing and can truly help.”

Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding will provide opening remarks, and Dr. Ginger Fenton from Penn State and Gina Pighetti, retired professor from the Tennessee State University, will share the findings of the 2022 Animal Ag Mental Health Survey.

View more details about the event:

  • When: Wednesday, August 10 from 7-9 a.m.
  • Where: Special Events Building at Ag Progress Days
    2710 W. Pine Grove Road
    Pennsylvania Furnace, PA 16865
  • Cost: Free, but individuals must pre-register.

To register for the event, visit www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/industry-breakfast or call 717-346-0849.

The breakfast is being offered as part of a Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture effort, funded by a USDA Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) Grant. The Center for Dairy Excellence, Center for Beef Excellence, Center for Poultry & Livestock, PA Beef Producers Working Group, and Penn State Extension Dairy and Livestock teams are partnering to host the industry breakfast.

For more information about the FRSAN grant or to learn more about the initiative, contact the following partners:

  • Center for Dairy Excellence – 717-346-0849
  • Center for Beef Excellence – 570-687-3150
  • Center for Poultry & Livestock – 717-651-5920
  • PA Beef Council – 814-623-2698
  • Penn State Extension Livestock Team – 484-614-7183
  • Penn State Extension Dairy Team – 724-662-3414

–Emily Barge, Center for Dairy Excellence

2022 North American Manure Expo

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CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — Finally, a super spreader event worth attending! Do not miss the 2022 North American Manure Expo (NAME). Everyone that utilized manure and fertilizer nutrients can benefit from attending. The event will provide tours, field demonstrations, education sessions, and a trade show that highlights manure and nutrient management technologies. This exciting event is being held on Wednesday, July 13th and Thursday, July 14th off of Ingram Drive in Chambersburg, PA. The NAME show guide can be viewed online.

NAME provides an opportunity to hear from experts from across the nation. Speakers will come from 10 states other than Pennsylvania and address a wide range of topics. CCA, nutrient management plan writer, and manure hauler/broker credit opportunities for are a blend of tours, field demonstrations, and in-tent educational sessions. A credit session summary can be viewed online.

The tours and live demonstrations of new equipment are a big part of this show, and in effort to mitigate any poultry biosecurity risks, all manure and compost used will be dairy. There will be no poultry manure or poultry compost on-site. The layer farm tour is at the new Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch, where timing is nearly perfect since the farm construction is nearly complete, but bird inventory will not arrive until September.

The high cost of commercial fertilizer makes this the perfect time to come out and see the latest and greatest advances in manure technology, from variable rate applications to composting to liquid agitation. If you are a plan writer or manure hauler, do not miss seeing all the technology that could help you assist you in helping your clients get the most nutrients out of their manure. If you are a livestock producer and apply your own manure, attend the show to see how this technology and equipment could make your operation more efficient in its manure utilization.

Side-by-side comparisons can be made when vendors will demonstrate the latest in manure application technologies at Manure Expo. (Courtesy Photo)

July 13

The event kicks off at 8:00 a.m. July 13th with in-person tours away from the Expo grounds. Farm tours (leaving every half hour) will visit a robotic dairy and a brand-new poultry layer operation that is still under construction. Another tour will visit area streams, focusing on how streamside and in-stream Best Management Practices can reduce runoff and improve stream health. Both tours leave from the main grounds of the Expo site off of Ingram Drive. The show grounds will then open at 11:30 a.m. with the return of the first tours to the Expo grounds. The grounds will remain open while manure agitation demonstrations run from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at a nearby farm.

Tours: Choose from one of two tour options on July 13 – 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Both tours have limited bus space and require registration at manureexpo.org. Act 49 Certified hauler/brokers and Act 38 Nutrient-Management plan writers can receive 3.5 CEU’s from attending one of the tours. Tours have differing departure times; selection can be made at registration. Cost is $22.85 and includes bus transportation and a lunch voucher to be used at any of the food vendors.

  • Robotic Dairy and New Poultry Layer Tour: This tour will take participants to a dairy that robotic systems that feed, milk, and collect manure will be demonstrated. The second stop will be the new Blue Springs layer facility of Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch. The 2.3-million-layer facility is under construction and will not populate with birds until August, so recent disease concerns within the poultry industry will not affect tour scheduling. This is a unique opportunity for people to see innovative manure handling technologies, including belt drying and centralized manure collection.
  • Stream Tour: Led by Penn State water Extension specialists, tour attendees will explore impacts of excess nutrients on a local stream as well as providing hands-on opportunities for attendees to assess stream health and the benefits of buffers and stream restoration practices. One stop will be at a stream located in an agricultural area and another will be at the stream’s forested headwaters.

After the tours the NAME trade show with over 60 exhibitors will be open. Other July 13 highlights include a dairy manure pit agitation demonstrations taking place between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. A bus will take participants to the agitation pit, where they will watch different brands of manure agitators and pumps at work. July 13 closes out with a choice between attending Puck Pump School or Dairy Power Smart Manure Aeration Systems sessions.

July 14

On July 14th, the grounds open at 7:30 a.m. A variety of educational sessions begin at 8:00 a.m. Live manure application demonstrations will be held throughout the day and a live spill response demonstration occurs at 3:30 p.m. The show ends at 5:00 p.m. with the closing of the show grounds.

The trade show is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Vendors will show the latest in products and technology, providing an excellent opportunity to interact, ask questions and learn about a variety of manure handling techniques.

Simultaneous education sessions that provide a wide array of topics from national experts.

Tent 1 Sessions:
8:00 a.m.: Manure Injection of Digestate – Sailesh Sigdel, Penn State University

8:30 a.m.: Injecting Manure into Cover Crops – Melissa Wilson, University of Minnesota

9:00 a.m.: Injection & Drag Hose Corn Side-dressing – Glen Arnold, Ohio State University

Tent 2 Sessions:
8:00 a.m.: Can we generate better as-applied maps to document manure applications? – Richard Meinert, University of Connecticut

8:30 a.m.: Economic considerations for the development of a decision support tool for manure management systems – Varma Vempalli, University of Arkansas

9:00 a.m.: Manure Management at Herbruck’s New Blue Springs Layer Farm in Mercersburg, PA – Herbruck’s representatives

Tent 3 Sessions:
8:00 a.m.: Precision Agriculture and Variable Rate Manure Application at Lesher’s Poultry Farm – Leslie Bowman, Lesher Poultry Farm, Inc.

8:30 a.m.: Weed Seeds in Manure – Chryseis Modderman, University of Minnesota & Stephanie Kulesza, North Carolina State University

9:00 a.m.: How we run our manure service in Indiana – Rob Buiter, Fastrack Fertilizer

Tent 4 Sessions:
8:00 a.m.: Investing in Soil Health and Manure – Nick Hepfl, Penn State University

8:30 a.m.: Calculating the Economic & Environmental Benefits of Low Disturbance Manure Injection (LDI) – Eric Rosembaum, Pennsylvania 4R Alliance

9:00 a.m.: Variable Rate Manure Applications – Are You Ready for It? – Eric Rosembaum, Pennsylvania 4R Alliance

Tent 1 afternoon sessions:
12:30 to 1:00 p.m. – Pennsylvania’s Commercial Hauler and Broker Regulations and Record Keeping, Mike Aucoin, Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission

1:00 to 1:30 p.m. Food Processing Residual (FPR) Application in Pennsylvania, Kevin Beer, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

Manure spreader demonstrations

are a highlight on July 14, including:

10:30 a.m. to 12 noon: On-site solid manure demonstrations

2 – 3:30 p.m.: Liquid Manure Demonstrations

3:30 – p.m.: Spill response demonstration

Manufacturers will show off their latest technologies and attendees can ‘kick the tires.’

Pre-registration and a registration fee are required for the morning tours on July 13th, but the agitation demonstration tour and all other events are free-of-charge. If you are interested in learning more about the NAME and registering for a tour, please visit the website at www.ManureExpo.ca or call the Franklin County Conservation District at 717-264-5499.

There will be food vendors on-site, so stop by the show, check it out and grab some lunch or an early dinner. Another vendor will be selling ‘Rejected Manure Expo Slogan’ T-shirts. Hope to see you there. Be part of the mooovement!

Feel free to contact us:

Co-chair Robb Meinen, rjm134@psu.edu, 814-865-5986

Co-chair Jennifer Bratthauar, jbratthauar@franklinccd.org, 717-264-5499

–PennState Extension
via North American Manure Expo

With Jefferson Co. detection, WA leads the nation in backyard flocks with bird flu

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OLYMPIA, Wash. — A backyard flock in Jefferson County tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) on July 1. With 29 total backyard flocks impacted, Washington now leads the nation in the number of infected backyard flocks.

“We’re really facing an unprecedented situation,” Dr. Itle, Washington state veterinarian, said. “Our staff has stepped up to the challenge and has done a tremendous job responding to these reports, identifying which flocks are infected, and taking quick action to limit the spread of the disease.”

Despite the high number of detections in backyard flocks, no commercial flocks have yet had detections. This is important not only for commercial producers but for the state’s food security and economy. Eggs are regularly one of Washington’s top 10 commodities with a value of over $220 million in 2020.

“Even though the extra biosecurity measures have put an extra burden on both backyard and commercial flock owners, the good news is that it is working,” Itle said. “Those that have kept their flocks isolated and have been careful not to bring the virus in themselves still have healthy flocks.”

Itle continues to recommend that flock owners keep their birds confined and covered until 30 days after the last detection of HPAI in the state. The unseasonably cold, wet conditions have caused both migratory birds and the virus to linger in the environment.

“We could be in this for the long haul,” Itle said. “In Europe, they have been dealing with this virus continuously for the past 18 months. While we hope that won’t be the case here, it is a possibility and we should be prepared for it.”

WSDA has numerous resources for flock owners to learn about bird flu and protect their flocks, including a bird flu webpage with information about each confirmed flock with HPAI, an interactive map, frequently asked questions, and a Facebook group dedicated to updates about bird flu in Washington.

If your flock experiences sudden death or illness of multiple birds, call WSDA’s Sick Bird Hotline at 1-800-606-3056. Birds that have already died should be double-bagged and kept in a cooler on ice until WSDA veterinarians can arrange for sampling. Sick or dead wild birds should be reported using the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s online reporting tool.

— WSDA

North American Manure Expo brings national experts to Chambersburg

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CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — The 2022 North American Manure Expo (NAME) is returning to Chambersburg, PA. Last held at this location in 2015 the event brings vendors and experts from across the continent to an event that focuses on manure and nutrient management. “We get so excited when we can bring Manure Expo to the Mid-Atlantic region”, say Robb Meinen, co-chair of the 2022 NAME and member of Penn State Extension, “It’s an opportunity for local people to improve their operations through exposure to the latest technologies that enhance agronomic, economic, and environmental nutrient utilization, while also allowing Pennsylvania to show off our industries.”

NAME will occur on July 13 and 14 at a field location on Ingram Drive in Chambersburg. NAME kicks off on July 13 with a choice of two tours. One tour will visit the robotic milking, feeding, and manure handling systems at Oakleigh Dairy and then move to Herbruck’s Blue Spring Poultry Ranch to see learn how the most modern egg layer facility will operate. Blue Springs is nearing construction completion and will not be populated until September 2022, meaning that industry disease transfer is not a concern with the poultry farm visit. The second tour option will be led by Penn State Extension Water Team members and will visit newly installed stream restoration and habitat best management practices at the Owl’s Club property before moving to a headwater stream location near Mont Alto. The Stream Tour will teach participants how to evaluate and monitor stream health.

The rest of Manure Expo is full of education and field demonstration events. Demonstrations will include equipment for manure agitation and for applying solid and liquid manures. “Nowhere else can you see such a deep field of manure handling and application equipment”, says Meinen. It’s a play on words but, we’ve been saying that we finally have a super spreader event worth attending.” This is also an opportunity to hear from experts from ten other states who will be on hand to discuss a wide range of topics from side-dressing corn to how to make decisions concerning manure treatment technologies. Attendees are expected from far and wide as well, the 2015 NAME drew people from 26 states to Chambersburg.

To learn more about the North American Manure Expo visit their website at ManureExpo.org. From the site you can link to the event show guide, see who the speakers will be, register for a tour, and review the two-day agenda to pick which events you wish to attend. To minimize biosecurity concerns for attending farmers the demonstrations will feature only cattle manure. No poultry manures will be on site. There will also be food vendors on site. Tour attendance does require pre-registration to reserve a bus seat. Registration can occur on the NAME website or by calling the Franklin County Conservation District at (717) 264-5499.

An aerial view of what the 2022 North American Manure Expo should look
like. This photo is from when the event was last held in Chambersburg in 2015. (photo by Penn State Extension)

–Penn State Extension

Maine issues update regarding bird flu cases

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AUGUSTA — Today, due to another detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Maine in a small, non-commercial group of backyard birds on June 28, Maine Animal Health Officials with the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, announced the continuation of their advisory recommending cancellation or postponement of competitions, exhibitions, shows, swaps, or other in-person events encouraging the gathering or comingling of domestic fowl or poultry.

Advisory: The risk for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) remains high, and bird owners are advised to keep birds indoors to prevent the spread of this disease. The trends observed with past North American HPAI outbreaks are that we often see a reprieve in the summer months. Unfortunately, this is not the pattern observed in the current outbreak. Animal Health Officials in Maine now recommend that all competitions, exhibitions, shows, swaps, or other in-person events encouraging the gathering or comingling of domestic fowl or poultry be postponed until at least 30 days after the last detection of an infected flock in our state.

If organizers proceed with a poultry event, follow these important guidelines for keeping birds and other flocks healthy. Most importantly: if a flock at home is not healthy, DO NOT go to the poultry show. Even if not bringing birds, clothes and footwear could carry disease into this environment. In addition:

  • Minimize contact with the birds on exhibit and with their environments
  • Wash hands on the way into and out of the exhibit
  • Clean and disinfect poultry cages between use
  • Keeping gallinaceous (chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl) birds physically separate from waterfowl at the exhibit is strongly recommended. Consider not bringing waterfowl to the exhibit, as they can carry this virus without showing signs of illness.
  • Be prepared to respond to suspect or confirmed cases of influenza: document show participant information, make a plan for restricting access to the exhibition barn, and keep contact information for state and local veterinarians handy.

The risk assessment for HPAI transmission is ongoing and dependent on dynamic factors such as weather and wild bird migratory patterns. As the southern migration begins this Fall, adjustments to our flock management practices may remain necessary to protect these birds. Keep an eye on the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry website for new information about the status of the HPAI outbreak. Recommendations and regulations for Maine’s bird owners can be found here: https://www.maine.gov/dacf/ahw/animal_health/.

For a complete snapshot of HPAI in Maine, the state’s response, a list of frequently asked questions, and additional HPAI resources, visit maine.gov/dacf/hpai.

To report sick poultry or unusual domestic bird deaths, call the USDA’s toll-free sick bird hotline at 1-866-536-7593.

To report a strange-acting or dead wild bird, call the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife at 207-287-8000. If after hours, contact the ME DIFW regional office at 1-800-452-4664.

–Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry