Poultry: Preparing for Avian Flu
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is expected to arrive in the Northeast this fall or next spring. The Vermont State Veterinarian’s office strongly encourages all poultry owners to obtain a federal premises identification number. This number will aid regulatory officials in providing information to owners pre-outbreak and assisting owners with disease control. To obtain a unique ID number call: 802-828-2421.
Please take preventative measures to reduce the risk of this disease in our area and in your flock(s). Of utmost importance:
- Keep poultry away from wild birds, particularly waterfowl and shorebirds, and remove wild bird attractants from poultry housing areas.
- If poultry are housed indoors, don’t let wild birds (or their fecal material) into barns.
- Clean and disinfect all equipment prior to entry into a barn or poultry housing area.
- Use barn-specific boots and coveralls, and consider using boot baths/washes.
- Do not bring disease home with you – if you exhibit your poultry at fairs or swaps, do not share cages or equipment with other poultry owners.
All poultry owners, regardless of size and business structure, should familiarize themselves with signs of illness and call your veterinarian or the State Veterinarian’s Office if you see the following symptoms:
- Nasal discharge
- Difficulty breathing
- Lethargy
- Discolored wattles or combs
- Drop in egg production
- Sudden death
Visit http://agriculture.vermont.gov/animal_health/avian_influenza_preparedness for more from Vermont State information.
Also, all Vermont poultry owners should read this letter from the state veterinarian: https://netforum.avectra.com/public/temp/ClientImages/VTVMA/f5cfffe2-8f1f-46f3-af79-a9fc52e218f3.pdf and complete the associated audit form: https://netforum.avectra.com/public/temp/ClientImages/VTVMA/7245f802-f2e8-45d0-b7e4-c1512d46b1a1.pdf
Call Dr. Johnson for further consultation on biosecurity measures or for hard copies of the above letter and audit form. Dr. Johnson will gladly visit your farm and complete the audit form with you for a consultation fee.
CALVS is owned and operated by Dr. Dianne Johnson. Dr. Johnson graduated from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech in May 2012. Dianne is thankful to be back in Vermont (the other “VT”), where she is close to her family and many friends.
Prior to establishing CALVS, Dr. Johnson did a 6-month internship at Cross-Border Equine in Springfield, VT. Dr. Johnson enjoys working with cattle, small ruminants, camelids, and horses, and will also work with swine and poultry on an as-needed basis. Dianne is especially interested in sustainable farming, pasture management, and preventative care.
In her spare time, Dianne enjoys reading, walking and hiking with her dog, and crafts.
Prior to studying veterinary medicine, Dianne studied psychology and worked as an outdoor education instructor. She enjoys teaching youth and adults husbandry and veterinary medical skills.
