Defend the Flock: Safe Guarding your Poultry

Food security came to the fore front of everyone’s mind about this time last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As grocery store shelves have restocked and item limits have relaxed, most people who grew a vegetable garden last year are doing so again this year and perhaps have added or are considering adding backyard poultry. While not every community allows for backyard poultry many do.

The poultry industry is an important component of the agricultural economy. The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has reminded us that protecting all poultry- commercial, backyard and hobby flocks from disease needs to be a priority.

The highly contagious Avian Influenza caused the death of over 50 million birds from December 2014 through June 2015. APHIS has become aware of confirmed cases of Avian Influenza in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Now is the time to take steps to Defend the Flock. Links to access information including biosecurity practices can be found here:

• Avian Health

• Defend the Flock Resource Center

Additional information on Poultry Biosecurity: http://healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov

Last updated March 9, 2021