Introduction

1. Premise Identification and BiosecurityMorgan Farnell, Ph.D.Texas A&M Poultry Science DepartmentMarch 24, 2006

2. Introduction • House Bill 2328 authorizes the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) to register domestic and exotic fowl sellers, distributors or transports who do not participate in a disease surveillance program recognized by the TAHC. • The TAHC has the authority to eradicate or control animal diseases.

3. Purpose • The primary purpose of the program is to protect Texas agriculture. • Large numbers of animals are kept and sold in close quarters presenting a disease risk. • It will ensure that fowl being sold or transported throughout the state do not pose a disease risk. • It will also serve as a disease surveillance and monitoring system.

4. Purpose • Targets individuals involved in selling birds • Not meant to be a hardship on the individual • Not a money making venture • Fees set as low as possible to recoup costs of administering the program • Necessary to prevent and control the spread of costly and deadly diseases

5. Reasons for Being • Viral Pathogens • Avian Influenza • Exotic Newcastle Disease • Infectious Laryngotracheitis • Duck Plague • Avian Encephalitis • Paramyxovirus

6. Reasons for Being • Bacterial Pathogens • Salmonellosis (Pullorum, Fowl Typhoid) • Avian Tuberculosis • Ornithosis • Other foreign diseases not native to Texas • These diseases must be reported to the TAHC as soon as possible

7. Reasons for Concern • U.S. / Mexico Border • Fighting Cocks (Smuggling) • Migratory Birds • Asia-Alaska Flyways • Backyard Flocks and Live Bird Markets • Lack of expert veterinary care • Commingling with other species • Exposure to migratory birds • Fighting cock community – lack of communication

8. Reasons for Concern • Potential damage to U.S. Agriculture • Already Suffering…. • International Trade • Thirty percent of U.S. poultry exported • Seventy percent of Brazilian poultry exported • Poultry consumption in Europe and Asia down • Declines of 10% Northern Europe, 20% France, 25% India and 70% Italy. • Also seeing declines in Africa of poultry consumption

9. Agricultural Terrorism • Plans in place to protect the US food supply • Food supply is a vulnerable target • Foreign Terrorists and Eco-Terrorists (ie. Animal Welfare Extremists) • Economic implications • Nationally • Increased food costs • Loss of jobs • Globally • Loss of international trade

10. Why should I register? • Help your neighborhood farmer • Protect rural economies • Protect your neighbors' source of income • Protection of your own flock • If a disease is found…. • Depopulation • Quarantine • Government intervention • Fines up to $1,000. • Class C or B misdemeanor • Each day at fault counts as a separate penalty • Civil lawsuits

11. Why Should I Register? • Participation is expected to provide access to federal indemnity for birds and other losses associated with control / eradication activities

12. Examples of Outbreaks • May 2002 – Low Path AI • 300,000 chickens killed in Texas • April 2002 – Exotic Newcastle Disease • Backyard flock in El Paso • State and Federal quarantines in five counties in Texas and New Mexico • October 2002 – Exotic Newcastle Disease • 3,500,000 birds slaughtered • $160 million cost; 1,500 personnel • Popped up in Arizona and Nevada • May be because of migratory birds (ie. fighting cocks)

13. Examples of Outbreaks • Summer 2002 - Eight hundred flocks in El Paso, Texas and surrounding counties tested for Exotic Newcastle Disease • 2,000 backyard birds, that were infected or exposed, were euthanized to stop the spread of the disease • Winter 2004 – Hi Path Avian Influenza found near Gonzales, TX • Depopulation

14. Exemptions for Premise ID • Individual pet owners • Non-profit backyard flocks (would be a good idea to register) • Pet shops • Exhibitors (Show regulations already in place) • Retailers of baby poultry acquired from a certified National Poultry Improvement Plan Hatchery (but mixed species may require registration) • Participation in the a recognized disease surveillance program (USDA NPIP, U.S. Avian Influenza Clean program)

15. Who Must Register • Poultry producers (that sell product) • Auctions • Dealers • Wholesalers • Haulers • Live bird markets

16. Record Keeping • Records • Buyer and seller’s name • County of origin • Number of animals • Description • Sex, age, color, breed, and any individual ID • Animal movement • Must keep records for two years • Individual identification not required for fowl • May see testing and sanitation requirements in future legislation

17. Cost • Annual registration fee based on flock size of previous 12 months • $25 < 100 fowl • $100 100 - 499 fowl • $200 500 - 999 fowl • $350 1,000 – 2,499 fowl • $500 2,500 or more • $500 Out of State Owners (But…) • $500 Distributor or transporter of fowl • $700 Combination seller, distributor or transporter of fowl

20. Disease Control • If symptoms observed with high mortality call local vet. • If symptoms are indicative of a reportable disease contact the TAHC immediately. • Courses of Action: • Testing, quarantine, vaccination, depopulation, bird disposal, waste disposal, sanitation, down time, recovery, further monitoring, surveillance.

21. Update • Action of Texas’ proposed premise registration regulations postponed (February 17, 2006) • Original action date July 1, 2006 • Voluntary premise ID still encouraged • Premise ID required in WI and NC • May see a national system in the near future

22. Problems • Constituent concerns • Concerns over cost • Concerns about privacy • Regulation tweaking • Enforcement • Estimated over 200,000 premises in Texas; 7,000 currently registered

23. Biosecurity

24. Keep Your Distance • Restrict access to your property • Consider fencing off the rearing area • Limit contact with other growers or visitors • Prevent commingling of other species and with wild or migratory birds

25. Keep It Clean • Wear clean clothes • Scrub shoes with disinfectant and wash hands • Use foot baths and change regularly • Clean and disinfect equipment • Remove organic matter prior to disinfection • Properly dispose of dead birds • Put up a gate and signs, if practical

26. Don’t Haul Disease Home • Disinfect cages and tires after traveling to another farm • Rotate disinfectants and use according to label recommendations • Shower and wash hair after exposure to birds at other venues prior to entering your farm. • Quarantine new or exhibition birds from flock for 2 - 4 weeks

27. Don’t Borrow Disease From Your Neighbor • Don’t share: • Lawn supplies • Garden tools • Poultry supplies • If not practical clean and disinfect prior to use on your farm

28. Know the Warning Signs of Infectious Bird Diseases • Sudden increase in mortality • Respiratory distress • Watery / green diarrhea • Lack of energy or poor appetite • Drop in egg production or egg abnormalities • Swelling around the eyes neck or head • Purple discoloration of the wattles, combs and legs (AI) • Tremors, drooping wings, circuling, twisting of the head and neck, or lack of movement (END)

29. Report Sick Birds • Early detection is very important to stop the spread of disease. • If symptoms present: • Call local vet (Do this first!!!) • Call the Texas Animal Health Commission • 1-800-550-8242 • Call USDA Veterinary Services • 1-866-536-7593 (toll free) • 1-512-916-5555 • No charge for advice or sampling!!!!

30. Acknowledgements • Texas Animal Health Commission • United States Department of Agriculture – Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service • Guinea Fowl International Association

31. Thank you for your time! Contact Info: Dr. Morgan Farnell Department of Poultry Science Texas A&M University 107 Kleberg; 2472 TAMU College Station, TX 77843 Office Phone 979-845-4319 mfarnell@poultry.tamu.edu