Separate the poultry house from potential disease sources. Keep a clear line of separation between the poultry area and the rest of the world.
(Image from USDA https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/defend-the-flock)
January 2025 - Ohio Poultry Association Newsletter
Backyard Flock Biosecurity Webinar Recording
Thank you to those able to attend OPA's webinar on Backyard Flock Biosecurity. OPA partnered with Ohio Department of Agriculture and Ohio state University Extension to go over an HPAI update, signs and symptoms of AI and biosecurity tips for your flock. If you missed the webinar, you may watch the recording at the link below.
Recording Link:
Passcode: V!8BYZ=H
Rising HPAI Cases in Ohio: A Critical Reminder of Biosecurity Measures
As cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) continue to rise in Ohio, the poultry industry faces increasing challenges in protecting flocks from this highly contagious and deadly virus. In recent weeks/days, several commercial poultry farms have reported confirmed HPAI detections, underscoring the urgent need for heightened vigilance across the state.
HPAI poses a serious threat to both poultry health and the economy, with the potential to cause devastating losses in infected flocks. The virus spreads rapidly through direct contact with infected birds or contaminated materials, such as feed, equipment, and even personnel.
Biosecurity Remains Key to Protection
The importance of robust biosecurity protocols cannot be overstated. These measures, designed to prevent the introduction and spread of disease, are the first line of defense in safeguarding poultry populations. Poultry owners must be proactive in enforcing strict biosecurity practices on their farms, including:
- Access Control: Restricting visitors to your poultry areas and limiting contact with other animals and birds.
- Personal Hygiene: Ensuring clean clothing and disinfect footwear before entering poultry access areas.
- Environmental Sanitation: Regular cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, vehicles, and poultry housing, particularly after contact with potentially contaminated animals or materials.
- Wild Bird Control: Preventing wild birds from entering poultry facilities or coming into contact with your flock.
- Surveillance and Monitoring: Regular health checks and early detection of symptoms can prevent outbreaks from spreading further.
As Ohio’s poultry industry continues to battle the spread of HPAI, it is crucial that all poultry producers, large and small, review their efforts in maintaining these essential biosecurity measures. The risks associated with HPAI are significant, but through vigilance, preparedness, and collaboration, we can work to protect Ohio’s poultry industry and mitigate the broader impact of this disease.
Stay informed, stay prepared, and prioritize biosecurity on your farm. Every step taken today can help prevent the spread of HPAI tomorrow.
For helpful Biosecurity resources, please visit these websites:
- Ohio Department of Agriculture's HPAI Reporting website
- USDA's Defend the Flock
- Ohio Poultry Association
Shipping Requirements
As a reminder, especially during times of active HPAI cases in the state, it is critical if you are planning to ship out of the state that you contact the destination state prior to shipping. State requirements are changing frequently and vary widely from state to state. Contact the destination state NPIP Official State Agency for required tests, permits or current restrictions.
State OSA contact information can be found at https://www.poultryimprovement.org/documents/RequirementContactNumber.pdf
Becoming a Certified Pullorum Tester
As planning begins for next year's fair and show season, Pullorum Certified testers are always needed. The Pullorum training class is recorded so you can be certified at any time and watch at your convenience. The class is $50 and good for 5 years. Being a certified Pullorum tester allows you to test a single bird going to a show or fair and/or certify a flock as Pullorum Clean.
The link to register and pay is below. Once I receive confirmation of payment, I will email you the class recording, packet of documents and further instructions to complete your certification.
Link to Register and Pay:
https://checkout.square.site/merchant/D77QYV9A8TY6Q/checkout/ZENKUBKJJRQURNTTNCI22CTX
See this form for common questions and answers on Pullorum tester certification.
New Exhibition Guidelines for 2025
Market chickens and market turkeys bought from an NPIP source do NOT have to be tested before exhibition
NPIP hatcheries and flocks continue to be a part of a testing program to ensure pullorum free status. Even if an individual brings those market poultry to their property where they have other birds present (layers, fancy birds, etc.), they do NOT need to be retested.
The above exemption is for market poultry projects (turkeys, chickens) only. If individuals are showing in a fancy or breeding poultry show (typically these projects are multi-year projects), those birds MAY be subject to pullorum testing.
Please remember to always ship your birds or eggs with a VS 9-3 form.
To get set up electronically for the 9-3 forms, please email jgregorich@ohiopoultry.org
Or mail to:
Ohio Poultry Association
707 S. Front St.
Columbus, OH 43026