University of California - Cooperative Extension March 2011
State Veterinarian Urges Increased Biosecurity as Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) is Confirmed in Tecate, Mexico.
On February 15th, Dr. Annette Whiteford, California’s State Veterinarian, notified your editor that END had been confirmed in Baja, California. Mexican officials reported the outbreak to the Office of International Epizootics on Feb. 12th. The outbreak was in a flock of commercial broilers (meat chickens). You may hear that the outbreak was in Tijuana. This is not accurate. The ranch is actually 20 miles south of Tecate, Mexico which is just over the border from Tecate, California in San Diego County. It seems the reference to Tijuana has been used to describe the region of Baja where the outbreak occurred.
10,050 of the birds died from END before the authorities arrived and depopulated (humanely killed) the other 10,050 birds. A quarantine has been imposed by the Mexican authorities and they are controlling bird movement inside the country.
On Feb. 18th Mexican authorities “informally” reported a second case of END in a large flock in Hildalgo. While Hildalgo is in central Mexico, it is still just a plane ride away from California.
Dr. Whiteford urges all poultry owners (small flock, fanciers, commercial operators) to BEEF UP THEIR BIOSECURITY. Do not let visitors near your birds. Screen out wild birds and rodents. Quarantine the birds you bring home from poultry shows (please see instructions in January 2011 issue of Avian Science Notes).
If you have any concerns over sudden mortality in your birds or the birds of your neighbors, please contact:
Dr. Pecic (909-947-4462) at the Ontario Animal Health Branch Office.
2011 Avian Bowl Qualifier
Entry forms are in this issue. Please follow the instructions and submit promptly.
A few important points, especially for new poultry leaders and/or Avian Bowl coaches:
Yes, a team may compete for its FIRST time at the Qualifier. Teams need not have competed in other 2011 Bowls before entering the Qualifier. Yes, you may have members from different clubs and/or counties on the same team. No, you may not have Juniors on a Senior team or vice versa.
The Qualifier will take place at the conclusion of the Seaside Feather Fanciers’ Show which is also happening on Sat., April 9th at the Ventura County Fairgrounds in Ventura. Should you be so inclined, you may show birds and participate in the other Show activities before competing in Avian Bowl.
Silver belt buckles will be awarded to the members of the Champion Junior and Senior Teams. The Champion Senior Team will represent California at the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference this November in Louisville, Kentucky.
All Avian Bowl teams members, coaches, families, and supporters are invited to the no-host Pizza Dinner at Rusty’s following the competition. Rusty’s is VERY close to the Fairgrounds and is becoming the post-Avian Bowl place to go!
Remember the 2011 Study Sections and Study Packet ordering information were in the December 2010 issue of Avian Science Notes.
Northern California 4-Hers Don’t Miss the Fun
in Shasta
Please see details in the Calendar Section regarding the upcoming Poultry Show in Shasta County. Doris Galewick and
Lee Ann Stearns organize a wonderful event. DO plan on participating.