Eggs are at present a sizzling commodity; shops have restricted provides, and the worth of eggs is the very best they’ve ever been.
The H5N1 chook flu hitting the poultry trade throughout the nation is in charge for the present egg scarcity and growing egg costs. Though small rooster farms and yard rooster raisers within the higher Gardner space are usually not seeing the unfold of the chook flu, there are precautions they’ll take.
Whereas the United States Department of Agriculture is awaiting approval for vaccination against bird flu, Cathy Hansgate, proprietor of LadyBug Farm Produce in Hubbardston, mentioned rooster runs and coops can maintain wildlife out.
“It is doable to construct an enclosed rooster coop and run; it simply requires extra effort,” she mentioned. “Essentially the most cost-effective manner to do this is protecting the highest of your fenced rooster run with netting to stop wildlife from getting in.”
A take a look at tube with a blood take a look at for h5n1 avian influenza.
Is chook flu in Gardner?
Based on the USDA and Center for Disease Control bird flu tracker, no outbreaks in business poultry have been reported in Worcester County. Hansgate mentioned she has not heard of any chook flu instances within the Hubbardston, Gardner, and Barre space of yard or small farm rooster raisers having sick flocks.
There have been 13 reports of wild birds dying from bird flu in Worcester County. Hansgate mentioned avoiding contact with wild birds is one of the best ways to maintain your chickens wholesome. She mentioned when you’ve got different animals and pets in your property, maintain them away from wildlife too.
“Make certain your birds have clear water, and if one in all them does catch the chook flu, instantly separate it from the remainder of your animals,” she mentioned. “It looks as if from what I’ve heard, the chook flu is affecting farmers and wildlife on the East Coast much more.”
Mass Wildlife encourages individuals to report any sightings of useless or sick wild birds by way of the web type at mass.gov/reportbirds. Additionally they encourage individuals to report sick or useless pet birds and poultry by calling the Mass Division of Agriculture Useful resource Division of Animal Well being at (617) 626-1795 or by way of the web type at mass.gov/reportpoultry.
This text initially appeared on Gardner Information: How to keep backyard chickens safe from bird flu in greater Gardner
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