USDA conducts animal disease awareness movement

USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, is campaigning for a national public awareness aimed at preventing the spread of diseases in backyard poultry operations with spokesman Andy Schneider, a magazine contributor.

Backyard poultry has grown increasingly popular in the US in recent years as more Americans seek fresh food, locally. The APHIS Biosecurity for Birds programme seeks to educate backyard poultry owners about preventing infectious poultry diseases, such as avian influenza.

Biosecurity for Birds began in 2004 in response to an outbreak of Exotic Newcastle Disease, which killed 4 million birds in California and other western states in 2002-03. The programme has expanded to address other poultry diseases.

Schneider has helped many people start their own backyard flocks. "I look forward to educating chicken keepers around the country about how to maintain happy and healthy flocks," said Schneider.