News

While you may not yet seen the following information on the USDA webpage, I have been informed by a CDFA representative that there are 2 confirmed detections of HPAI in California.  There is one case in the northern part of the state and one in the south.   The two bird owners are unrelated, but may have bought their birds from the same on-line vendor.

This is yet another good reminder to keep pet, parrot-like, birds away from poultry.  Always buy any new avian stock from reputable breeders.  

Please note that under the "Fair Responsibilities" Tab, we posted the updated CDFA PHI letter and sample invoice.

       It’s been one year plus since many of the PHIs were active.    There have also been changes in the upper levels of California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).   A refresher and update is needed.   Therefore, this year’s Continuing Education Class is mandatory for all PHIs.   Remember: a PHI’s certification through CDFA is dependent upon attendance at all mandatory classes and performance of duties according to UC/CDFA guidelines.

Dear Poultry and Dairy Cattle Exhibition Organizers and Managers:

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has closely monitored the status of H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in both poultry and dairy cattle throughout California. Since the implementation of the statewide exhibition ban, CDFA has conducted ongoing surveillance, reviewed viral trend data, and consulted with epidemiologists and animal health partners at both the state and federal levels.

Linked here is the latest information from the CDFA on the Poultry and Dairy Cattle bans and exceptions at Fairs and Shows.

Statewide Ban on Poultry and Dairy Cattle Exhibitions Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

(Poultry, Dairy, Other Livestock, and General)

AVIAN/POULTRY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Click the link below for the full document.

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:

       Dr. Bradley will be available for questions Fri., Feb. 23rd at the Greater California Show in Fresno.   Stop by the Gem & Mineral Bldg, Big Fresno Fairgrounds, between 5 & 7 PM.   Bring any PHI Program questions, as well as any contact information updates.

       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.