MDFA - News - Disease Alert for Poultry Exhibitors & Exhibitions


Administration Home News Room Facts & Stats Info Kits News Releases Newsletters Farm & Market Report APR News Pesticide News The Apple Report Publications Contact Us	News Bureau of Animal Health Disease Alert Attention Poultry Exhibitors & Exhibitions All poultry exhibitors and managers of poultry exhibitions are advised to take precautions to protect flocks against two serious poultry diseases that have broken out in the U.S. recently. Low Pathogen Avian Influenza (AI), a respiratory disease of poultry, turkeys, gamebirds and waterfowl was diagnosed in a commercial egg laying facility in Connecticut in March, 2003. Exotic Newcastle Disease (END), an acute rapid-spreading contagious respiratory disease of all birds has been diagnosed in some western states including California., Nevada., Arizona and Texas as of April 9, 2003. END is caused by a virus, it is characterized by respiratory distress (gasping), or encephalitis (brain infection), or diarrhea. Birds can die so rapidly that you may not see these signs. END is highly fatal to young chicks and it causes severe drop in egg production. Any birds that exhibit signs of these diseases should be reported immediately to the Massachusetts Department of Food and Agriculture at (617) 626-1795. Outbreaks of Avian Influenza and Exotic Newcastle disease highlight the importance of increased biosecurity on farms and at exhibitions. The following biosecurity measures should be followed: Exhibitors and show superintendents should evaluate the security on their premises. All poultry should be inspected, at least, daily to insure they are in good health. Only clean shaving, cages, feeders and waters should be used at exhibition. Birds should only be purchased from National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) approved flocks. Only birds which are currently certified Salmonella Pullorum clean and approved by NPIP may move to exhibition in Massachusetts. All birds entering or reentering the exhibitors flock should be isolated from the main flock for a minimum of 10 days. Any clothes and footwear, which were worn at the exhibition should be cleaned and washed before you enter your flock. All bird carriers should be cleaned of manure and other organics. The carriers should then be disinfected prior to contact with the flock, a solution of 10% bleach and water should be adequate. Any time poultry is commingled there is a potential for disease spread. It is your responsibility to apply protections and good management practices which will minimize your risk. More information on poultry biosecurity is available on the MDFA website at www.mass.gov/dfa/animalhealth	More information: Bureau of Animal Health Biosecurity Guidelines for Poultry Facilities Avian Influenza Alert Exotic Newcastle Update Bureau of Fairs