Bird flu prompts outreach to Ore. backyard bird owners

Ifthere is a silver lining to recent detections of highly pathogenic avianinfluenza in the Pacific Northwest, it’s the receptiveness of backyardbird owners to outreach and educationefforts aimed at protecting their flocks.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture, working with the US Department ofAgriculture’s Veterinary Services, is connecting with that audience through anumber of resources thatemphasize the need for awareness and good biosecurity.

“Withthe knowledge that high path avian influenza is present in the PacificNorthwest, it is essential that we conduct outreach and education of birdowners in Oregon,” says Dr. Brad LeaMaster, stateveterinarian with ODA.”Getting the word out to backyard bird owners about biosecurity was importantprior to any HPAI detection in our state, but now our efforts are even moreimperative.”

Outreachefforts ramped up following the December detection of HPAI in a flock ofbackyard birds in Douglas County. That kicked off implementation of Oregon’smulti-agency response plan to bird flu whichincludes enhanced surveillancealong with increased outreach and education, especially to backyard birdowners.

Recent detections of HPAI reported in neighboring states of Washingtonand Idaho serve to remindofficials that the threat of the disease is hangingaround, even though there have been no new detections in domestic birds inOregon since the Douglas County incident.

“TheUSDA is working with ODA to help stop the spread of avian influenza and preventfurther outbreaks through an intensive outreach and education program,” saysUSDA Animal Health Technician BarbaraPalermo. “Together, we are reaching outto all types of bird owners, not just commercial operations, in both rural andurban environments.

“We are taking a proactive approach by reaching out tofarmers, backyardchicken owners, hunters, and 4-H kids by attending as manypoultry events around the state as possible, disseminating information andconducting biosecurity demonstrations.”

Similarefforts are taking place through other agencies such as the Oregon Departmentof Fish and Wildlife and its outreach to hunters and falconers.

ODA said it has a good handle on the number of commercial poultry operations that existaround the state. That hasn’t been the case with the number of backyard birdowners – a population that has exploded in recentyears, particularly in urbanareas such as Portland and Eugene.

“Backyardbird owners are often hesitant to come forward to ODA because they are not surewho to contact, they are not sure if their concerns matter, and they may feelthey aren’t being represented as much ascommercial operations,” says ODA AvianHealth Coordinator Madeline Benoit. “We want them to know we are a resource forthem and that we can help them protect their birds.”

Workingtogether, Benoit and Palermo have identified extension agents, 4-H leaders,poultry swap coordinators– anyone who has the ability to liaison with backyardbird owners and others who raise domesticpoultry. Resources from the outreachand education toolbox can be provided directly to bird owners or through theseliaisons, who often can reach thousands of bird owners.

Someof the tools were developed well before HPAI arrived to the Pacific Northwest.Others have since been developed.

Infographics, pamphlets, and posters havebeen created and distributed to animal feedstores and other locations thatcome in contact with bird owners. Packets of information are being sent to 4-Hgroups and others.

A new backyard bird biosecurity video features tips andgeneral practices that empowerpeople to protect their birds from avianinfluenza. The video, titled “Biosecurity for Backyard Chicken-Keepers”, alreadyhas more than 600 views on YouTube.

In-personpresentations are in demand. Benoit and Palermo are going to numerousgatherings and events.

“Ourbiosecurity presentations have been very, very popular,” says Benoit. “We go to4-H events, we go to poultry swaps, we go to farm stores and do ourpresentation. We stick around and are available forquestions. The feedback ispositive. Every time we go to one of these events, we get invited to fourmore.”

Ata recent event at the Polk County Fairgrounds, the duo set up a booth, gave apresentation, and reached out to more than 250 people.

“Aschallenging as the recent detections of avian influenza has been in terms ofstressing some people out, it has put people on alert in terms of the generalhealth of their birds,” says Benoit. “This is a goodopportunity to improve allbiosecurity practices, not just for bird flu, but for all potential diseases.”

Oneof the biggest messages to backyard flock owners is to reduce or eliminatecontact between their birds and wild birds. The flock of approximately 100birds infected by HPAI in Douglas County had access tothe outdoors.

A pond anda marsh on the premises are frequented by migratory birds. Avian influenzanaturally resides in wild birds and it is fairly common for waterfowl to carryvarious strains of the virus.

This time ofyear, migratory waterbirds (ducks,geese, shorebirds) are on wintering areas throughout the Pacific Flyway, whichextends from Alaska to South America. Instructive materials provided by ODA andUSDA coverseveral biosecurity measures. Materials are also available inSpanish.

Ifanything, the need for outreach and education will be greater in the monthsahead, as it is unlikely that HPAI will quickly disappear.

“Nowthat spring is right around the corner and people are buying new birds toenlarge their flock, they will be asking questions that we can answer,” saysBenoit. “They may be wondering, what do I need to do?We want people to get theanswers because now is the time to act. We need to keep giving them thisinformation so they can prepare for their coop tours, their poultry swaps, thefairs and exhibits later in the year.”

Formore information on avian influenza and biosecurity measures, go to < http://bit.do/ORbirdflu >.