On January 8th, our State Veterinarian, Dr. Annette Jones, issued the following:

“Due to the continued spread of H5N1 Bird Flu in California, the State Veterinarian has implemented a ban on all California Poultry and Dairy Cattle Exhibitions at Fairs and Shows immediately until further notice. This action is required to minimize the danger of exposing people and non-infected cows and birds to the disease.”

Important message as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) continues to spread across our nation and state

There are no United States-approved HPAI tests,  for use with poultry, available to backyard poultry keepers.  Please do NOT buy such tests, nor think using a test made for cattle, is appropriate for your flock.

As always, if you have unexplained illness in your flock, contact:

Table of Contents:

• Youth Activities at the 2024 Greater California Society of Poultry Fanciers (GCSPF) Show
• Emergency Regulatory Disease found in California
• CALENDAR

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Youth Activities at the 2024 Greater California Society of Poultry Fanciers (GCSPF) Show

In this issue:

• Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) continues to attack in California
• Passing of Susie Reichel
• 2024 State Avian Bowl Qualifier

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Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) continues to attack in California

       While HPAI detections can be expected during the periods of wild bird migrations, it is still a shock when they occur in our state.   At this writing on Dec.

                 Oct. 30, 2023

Urgent:  After 2+ months of being free of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), California has a positive case.  The last case was a detection in wild birds in Monterey county.  The current case involves a commercial flock in Merced county.

While the HPAI risks from migrating waterfowl have long been known, more and more wild bird species are being infected with virus.   All poultry owners must increase their biosecurity efforts.

2023   Avian Bowl State Qualifier

Photo Caption: The 2023 California Senior Avian Bowl Champions – Duck, Duck, Goose from Merced, Contra Costa, and Sonoma Counties

Left to Right: Dr. Bradley, Rylin Gamble, Chloe Hausmann, and Tuilerie Gayeton

       My thanks to United Egg Producers (UEP) for sharing the following.   Over the past 6 days, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has reported 26 confirmations of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).   Most of the confirmations were from backyard flocks.    The fall migration is continuing.    All bird owners should assume that the virus is present in wild birds.

HPAI Being discovered in more counties and in more flocks

       Dr. Jones has shared news that HPAI has been confirmed in one of our Mother Lode counties:

“September 13, 2022: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Detected in a Backyard Flock in El Dorado County

      Thanks to our State Veterinarian, Dr. Jones, for keeping us informed.   Cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) unfortunately are on the increase.  They are no longer restricted to wild birds, backyard flocks have tested positive as well.  I will continue to tell my readers what I have been saying for decades:  protect your birds - keep them under a solid cover!  

       From Dr. Jones: