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Backyard poultry a growing trend

 Findings, published in the July 15, 2020, issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Image: Aanval van een buizerd op kippen after Francis Barlow, 1680 – 1723

Study authors suggest a new model of practice might be envisioned for urban and peri-urban poultry and livestock clientele to ensure the health and welfare of their animals, and to safeguard public health.

By Robin Young
Pagosa Springs Sun
Jan 17, 2021

Excerpt:

“Many of these owners are unfamiliar with the responsibilities and challenges of owning poultry and/or livestock,” Adams said. “County Extension personnel can teach the new animal owners as they have taught youth in 4-H programs for more than 100 years. With enhanced knowledge about animal husbandry, the new owners will understand the importance of seeking veterinary services when their animals show signs of illness.”

Disease spread from these peri-urban areas can spell disaster for other animals. For example, the 2015 outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza, traced to backyard poultry flocks, had severe economic and trade consequences for the commercial poultry industry. Recent outbreaks of virulent Newcastle disease in California also posed significant threats to commercial poultry flocks and the agricultural economy.

“The health and welfare of animals in UPAs are of concern because their owners often lack the knowledge or expertise regarding safe handling and animal husbandry,” said Dr. Dale Moore, Washington State University Veterinary Medicine Extension specialist and co-investigator.

“A previous survey found that the owners want more access to livestock and poultry medicine. This follow-up survey highlights the need for veterinarians, along with extension specialists, to work with small-scale poultry owners to improve biosecurity measures, better detect disease and mitigate potential future outbreaks.”

Read the complete article here.