Premise Identification and Biosecurity Morgan Farnell, Ph.D. Texas A&M Poultry Science Department March 24, 2006

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.

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.

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

Reasons for Being ► Viral Pathogens  Avian Influenza  Exotic Newcastle Disease  Infectious Laryngotracheitis  Duck Plague  Avian Encephalitis  Paramyxovirus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

Examples of Outbreaks ► Summer Eight hundred flocks in El Paso, Texas and surrounding counties tested for Exotic Newcastle Disease 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

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)

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

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

Cost ► Annual registration fee based on flock size of previous 12 months  $25 < 100 fowl  $ fowl  $ fowl  $3501,000 – 2,499 fowl  $5002,500 or more  $500Out of State Owners (But…)  $500Distributor or transporter of fowl  $700Combination seller, distributor or transporter of fowl

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.

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

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

Biosecurity

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

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

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 weeks

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

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)

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 ►  Call USDA Veterinary Services ► (toll free) ► ► No charge for advice or sampling!!!!

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

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 Office Phone