November 8, 2023 Issue, Page 8 of 8

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8- The Elk City News November 8, 2023 Backyard flock owners on high alert for avian influenza By Gail Ellis “Bird owners should take all should use personal protective Do not share equipment with biosecurity precautions, es- equipment,” he said. other bird owners STILLWATER - All Oklahoma pecially preventing exposure HPAI Signs and Symptoms Birds that have been near oth- poultry producers and back- of domestic poultry to wild Coughing and sneezing yard flock owners should re- waterfowl,” said Dr. Rosslyn Difficulty breathing er poultry should be quaran- main alert and practice strict Biggs, OSU Extension veter- Extreme depression tined from the rest of the flock biosecurity protocols to pre- inarian and director of con- Lack of energy for at least 14 days vent Highly Pathogenic Avian tinuing education for the uni- Decrease in feed or water in- Flock owners concerned about Influenza. versity’s College of Veterinary take illness in their birds should The virus has been reported Medicine. Swelling or purple discolor- in backyard poultry flocks in Dr. Barry Whitworth, senior ation of head, eyelids, comb, contact their veterinarian, Carter, Wagoner and Grady OSU Extension specialist and wattle or legs county Extension educator or counties and a domestic swan state Beef Quality Assurance Decrease in egg production the state veterinarian’s office in Oklahoma County. program coordinator in the Sudden, unexplained death at 405-522-6141. State veterinarian Dr. Rod Hall OSU Department of Animal Quietness among the flock said poultry and eggs are safe and Food Sciences, said avian Transporting poultry across Biosecurity Standards to consume when prepared influenza is a major threat to Restrict visitor access to birds state lines Kiwanis Students of the Month Andee Galloway and Gra- properly, but this particular the U.S. and Oklahoma poultry Prevent contact with wild birds Oklahoma Department of Ag- ham Easttom strain of avian influenza is kill- industries. (especially waterfowl) riculture officials also advise ing chickens rapidly. “It is the responsibility of all Refrain from visiting other poultry owners to check with “We encourage flock owners commercial and backyard poul- poultry operation locations to do all they can to eliminate try producers to do everything Set aside clothing and foot- all states of destinations for domestic poultry exposure to in their power to protect this wear to wear only when work- exports of poultry and hatch- wild waterfowl, areas where industry,” Whitworth said. ing with birds ing eggs. This includes any- wild waterfowl gather and do- Hall at the Oklahoma Depart- Disinfect footwear before en- one traveling with poultry or mestic waterfowl that mingle ment of Agriculture said al- tering a barn or coop with wild waterfowl,” he said. though this particular strain of Wash hands with soap and wa- hatching eggs out ofstate, even Animal health experts with avian influenza has not shown ter before and after handling when returning with them to Oklahoma State University the ability to infect humans birds Oklahoma. Many states have Extension and the Oklahoma and make them ill, people Reduce availability of food, wa- and will implement emergency Department of Agriculture, should take appropriate pre- ter and any potential nesting restrictions or additional test- Food and Forestry say more cautions. areas for wild birds cases are likely this fall as wild “Viruses mutate, so people Fix holes in roofs, screens and ing requirements due to Okla~ waterfowl migrate south, with exposure to sick poultry walls of poultry barns or coops homa’s HPAI cases. Seat 4 on Western Technology Center School District Board of Education ‘The Board of Education of Western Tech- ty Election Board between the hours of8 didate for the number four (4) seat on the nology Center School District herebyWestern Technology Center School Dis- am. and 5 p.m. on Monday, December 4, announces that statutorily qualified in- trict Board of Education may file to run Kiwainis Students of the Month Jayli Sharp and Riley Smith. dividuals interested in running as a can- as a candidate for this seat at the Coun- through Wednesday, December 6, 2023. + CORN BIBLE ACADEMY Now isthe Time! Astep-by-step guide for new CBA 7th & 8th graders who start class in January 2024 Apply to bea Crusader ASAP! Application opens November 1, CBA will waive the application fee if you apply Nov 1-10! Interview Apply for Tax Credit ASAP starting Dec 1, 2023 at 8:30am! This will be an online application. Activity Fee Waived This annual, non-refundable fee for 2023-2024 is our treat! School Starts Wednesday, January 3, 2024