May 28, 2007

USDA to conduct study of small scale poultry farms in July

The USDA is conducting a study of small-scale poultry enterprises in July and August.

The Small-Enterprise Chicken Study, conducted by the USDA's Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service would cover operations with 1,000 to 1,999 chickens.

The information received from this Small-Enterprise Chicken Study is intended to help researchers analyse the potential spread of poultry diseases and possible response measures.

The study will aim to define the characteristics of small-enterprise operations such as the bird species, seasonal inventory and marketing of free-range chickens or eggs and organic or other niche-market products.

It would also chart the movements of animal, people, waste products, vehicles and equipment and look at the farm's biosecurity measures.