Table Of Content

Historic, Archive Document Do assume not content reflects current scientific knowledge, policies, or practices. Ag84Pro you own birds If or know someone who does... You need to read this! Youarethebestprotectionyourbirdshave. LOOK forSigns. Knowthewarning signs of infectious bird diseases. •Sudden increase in bird deaths in yourflock •Sneezing, gasping forair, coughing, and nasal discharge •Wateryand green diarrhea •Lack ofenergyand poorappetite •Drop in egg production orsoft- orthin-shelled, misshapen eggs •Swelling around the eyes, neck, and head •Purple discoloration ofthewattles, combs, and legs (Al) •Tremors, drooping wings, circling, twisting of the head and neck, or lackof movement (END) Earlydetection is importantto preventthe spread ofdisease. REPORT SickBirds. Don'twait. Ifyourbirdsares\ckordying, call •Yourlocal cooperative extension office, or •Localveterinarian, or •The StateVeterinarian, or •USDA-Veterinary Services'toll-free hotline (1-866-536-7593). PRACTICE BackyardBiosecurity. Protectyour birds: •Limittrafficto and from your property. • Ifvisitors have birdsoftheirown, do not let them nearyourbirds. •Wash handsthoroughly beforeenteringthe bird area. Clean and disinfectyourshoes, clothes, hands, egg trays, orflats often. • Do notshare lav\/n and garden equipment, tools, or poultrysupplies with yourneighbors orother bird owners. •Avoid visiting otherpoultryfarms or bird owners when possible. • Keep new birds separatefromthe restofyour flock. • Ifyou have been nearother birds orbird owners (e.g., atafeed store), clean and disinfectcar and trucktiresand wheel wells, poultrycages, and equipment before going home. You arethe bestprotectionyourbirds have. WHY BE CONCERNED? END (exotic Newcastle disease) isadeadly diseasethatcan spread quicklyand kill mostbirds. — "Birdflu" (avian influenza Al) isacontagious viral diseasethatcan infect manytypesof birds. Notonly could an outbreak ofabirddiseasesuch as END orthe highly pathogenicform ofAl harm orkillyourbirds, itcould spread quicklyand kill othernearby birds. Earlydetection and reporting arethe most importantsteps in eradicating a diseaseoutbreak. Stateand Federalveterinarianswantto hearabout sickand dying birds. There is no chargefor U.S. Departmentof Agriculture (USDA) veterinarianstoworkwith you to conductadisease investigation. For more information, visit http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs on the Web. ^^ ^^ UnitedStatesDepartmentofAgriculture ^^^^1 Animaland PlantHealth InspectionService USDAisanequalopportunityproviderandemployer. ProgramAidNo.1804 IssuedFebruary2005.