Source: Chris Scott, MEATINGPLACE, 2/13/19


USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is launching a campaign the agency says is designed to prevent the spread of infectious diseases among U.S. poultry flocks.

The “Defend the Flock” campaign will feature a new website offering pertinent information on protecting flocks from such avian-specific ailments like highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and virulent Newcastle disease that can devastate commercial and backyard birds.

The new program updates two previous campaigns that were targeted at specific segments of the U.S. poultry population in the wake of the AI outbreak in 2014-2015 that killed millions of birds. It also follows the recent Newcastle disease outbreaks in California and Utah, the agency said in a news release.

The new effort also features resources covering specific biosecurity measures for producers, growers, poultry workers and bird enthusiasts who may need regular reminders to maintain their biosecurity efforts.

The website’s resource section currently is available in both English and Spanish and additional languages scheduled to be available over the next 12 months, APHIS said.