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

        Through Dec. 30, 2023, there have been confirmed HPAI poultry cases in the following California counties: Fresno, Marin, Merced, San Benito, Sonoma, Stanislaus.   This has resulted in the mandatory depopulation (humane killing) of millions of birds.   Protect your birds from this fate.   Keep all your birds under solid-cover  housing at all times and do not allow anyone to visit your flock.   Biosecurity, biosecurity, and more biosecurity.

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Passing of Susie Reichel

       It is with great sadness that I report the passing of Mrs. Susie Reichel in 2023.  Veteran 4-H families, leaders, and staff will remember Susie as the longtime Cooperative Extension administrative assistant in the Poultry Unit at Davis.   Dr. Ernst and I had the good fortune to have Susie as part of our team.   Susie was the consummate, classic secretary who knew how to compose a proper letter, spell, edit, format, deal with all kinds of callers, and always made sure that clients received the help they needed.    Her skill set in these  areas far exceeded that of most of today’s university graduates.

     Any readers wishing to extend their condolence to her husband, John, may mail them to me.   I will forward all cards and letters.

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2024 State Avian Bowl Qualifier

      Please consult the Nov. 2023 Avian Science Notes issue for the 2024 Study Sections and for information on ordering the NEWLY REVISED National Avian Bowl Study Manual.   Entry forms are linked HERE.

Dr. Francine Bradley,

Extension Poultry Specialist Emerita