Michigan 4-H Poultry Programs

🐔 Why Are Egg Prices So High?

🥚Bird Flu Impact: The spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) has led to the euthanization of millions of egg-laying birds, significantly reducing egg supply. Since the beginning of the bird flu outbreak in 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that over 1,400 poultry flocks in all 50 states and Puerto Rico have been impacted. 10 million birds being euthanized since the virus started spiking in late December 2024.

Other factors: Egg consumption usually increases during the winter months, leading to higher demand. Cage-free laws also went into effect in January. Maintaining these more spacious systems is more expensive to producers, which leads to higher prices for consumers.

🔍 How to Mitigate the Spread of Bird Flu 🔍
Containment Measures: Farms must undergo cleaning, disinfection, and a mandatory idle period, delaying the return to normal egg production.

Good Management Practices: Keep backyard chickens in coops, use dedicated footwear, wash hands before and after working with animals, and regularly clean and disinfect animal housing and equipment.

Reporting Cases: Contact Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) at 800-292-3939 during regular hours or 517-373-0440 after hours. For wildlife, contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) through their Eyes in the Field app (select the "Diseased Wildlife" option) or by calling the DNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory at 517-336-5030.

🦠 Stay Safe from H5N1 "Bird Flu" when working with or around animals
🚫 Avoid Exposure: Stay away from sick or dead animals
🛡️ Use PPE: Wear safety goggles, gloves, boots, respirators, and coveralls when in close contact with potentially infected animals.
👀 Monitor Health: Watch for symptoms of respiratory illness or conjunctivitis if exposed to infected animals. Seek medical evaluation if symptoms develop.
👩‍🌾 Farmer workers should minimize exposure risks, update safety plans, and conduct hazard assessments.
Stay informed and protect yourself!
For more details, visit the CDC's guidance on reducing the risk of novel influenza A for people working with or exposed to animals: https://www.cdc.gov/.../hpai-interim-recommendations.html

Protect your flock
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/winter-biosecurity-tips-and-tricks-for-your-flock

Keeping your Birds Safe
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/winter-biosecurity-tips-and-tricks-for-your-flock

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/winter-biosecurity-tips-and-tricks-for-your-flock

Winter biosecurity tips and tricks for your flock Winter weather can make practicing biosecurity more challenging; here are some practical ways to continue protecting your flock.

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/msu-extension-launches-self-paced-certification-course-for-small-scale-chicken-farmers?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0imGnWASZ_spE8gKMixTtpgl2afBUFTM8Sgj_K8VqIIdI8inKoGV6V6rY_aem_AZXdz_8smWeB53TeQEUytNxWSTOG1yKDZqIdo1mZI78JK-iYM-NPeBtjZ7petWWZkQs6Q5nWwzH261oWakmOlOC5

MSU Extension launches self-paced certification course for small scale chicken farmers The Small-Scale Poultry Farming online course teaches the basic considerations and how-tos of raising chickens on a small scale.

Keeping You and Your Flock Healthy – Information on Avian Influenza Protecting your flock from the entry and spread of diseases is important. Biosecurity practices are ways that you can help limit the spread of disease and reduce the chance of a disease outbreak in your flock.

Spring is in the air and for many families that means purchasing 4-H project animals! It a great time to brush up on your biosecurity practices to help animals stay healthy!
For more information visit https://www.canr.msu.edu/fair-and-exhibition.../biosecurity.

ATTENTION AREA BACKYARD CHICKEN OWNERS:

Join MSU Extension, Ionia County USDA, and Ionia County Conservation District to learn practical biosecurity strategies that can help chicken, duck, and turkey owners reduce their risk of disease. Register today at https://forms.gle/HZXeQzbKHkYmLVtB6 If attending, please be sure to wear clothing and footwear that has not been in contact with your animals.

Chicken, duck and turkey and game bird owners should increase their on-farm biosecurity practices and minimize opportunities for domestic and wild bird interactions to reduce risk of HPAI infections. Read more at https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/small-scale-and-backyard-poultry-owners-should-remain-vigilant-to-protect-against-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza

“Biosecurity—Interactions with wildlife”

Following some simple practices can help you prevent wild birds from coming into contact with your poultry. For more information visithttps://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/hpaifactsheet_wildlife-biosecurity.pdf