Free Guide For Poultry And Bird Owners (NAPSA)-Therecent outbreaks YS eT) of avian influenza (AI), better known as “bird flu,” in Asia, Europe and Africa increase the possibility of the disease entering the United States. The U.S. Departmentof Agriculture hascreated a guide in English and Spanish for people whoraise poultry or exotic birds or have contact with wild birds describing the effects of bird flu and steps to preventit. Poultry or exotic bird owners who are concerned about avian influenza and otherinfectious bird diseases affecting their birds and/or those of their neighbors should request a FREE copy of USDA’s Biosecurity Guide for Poultry and Bird Owners at www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/birdbio security. This bilingual guide is an essential tool that can help prevent this infectious bird disease from affecting poultry flocks and exotic pet birds. All bird species are susceptible to contracting AI, making prevention a necessity. Contained in the compact USDA guide is information bird owners can use on how to spot signs of illness, where to report sick or dying birds and how to practice biosecurity to keep birds safe from infectious diseases such as bird flu. The booklet contains a handy pullout quick-reference guide and a state-by-state list of important phone numbers for reporting sick birds. It also contains color photos and illustrations to help bird and poultry owners identify the key signs of illness in their birds and For Poultry and Bird Owners OTemg FOR THE BIRDS Ney? to LOOK for Signs. | a REPORT Sick Birds, PRACTICE Backyard Biosecurity, Zemmmm United States Department of ME int cncrant heathee ‘Program Aid No, 1885 ‘Issued August 2006 important steps they can take each day to ensure that AI doesn’t infect their flock. USDA’s Biosecurity for the Birds guide is available now at www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/birdbio security. Bird owners may request a FREEcopyof the guide for themselves or obtain one as a usefulgift for a friend or relative. Using this newbiosecurity handbook andpracticing biosecurity are essential steps toward preventing disease from affecting poultry flocks or even pet birds. For additional information concerning avian diseases and to obtain a FREE handbook, you can log onto www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/bird biosecurity.
