Webinar will focus on avian influenza prevention

An upcoming webinar will help poultry owners learn how to protect their flocks from avian influenza.

The February 23 webinar, hosted by the Washington State Department of Agriculture, is free to attend with registration. It will provide information on avian influenza, how the current situation is similar to the 2014-2015 outbreak, and the steps poultry owners can take to protect their birds.

Currently, the World Organisation for Animal Health is reporting outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) across Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

USDA has said the current rates of HPAI in Asia and Europe are similar to the rates in 2014-2015, when it was identified throughout the Midwestern and Western United States and affected more than 200 commercial flocks and 21 backyard flocks.

“This is definitely a situation where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—maybe more,” said Dr. Brian Joseph, Washington State Veterinarian. “By taking steps now, you can protect not only your flock but others in your community.”

More information about the upcoming webinar is available in the announcement from Washington State University.