Biosecurity for Your Birds trainings help you become the best defense against disease!

Katie Ockert<ockertka@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension -

Practicing proper biosecurity on your farm is the most effective way to help stop the spread of disease. Learn more about effective biosecurity efforts by attending a free upcoming training.

As the poultry industry continues to recover from the worst avian influenza outbreak in history, biosecurity remains a key tool in preventing the spread of the disease. To help Michigan poultry owners learn more about the avian influenza epidemic and effective biosecurity practices, the United States Department of Agriculture—Animal and Plant Health Division (APHIS) and Michigan State University Extension have collaborated to conduct a series of trainings. Poultry producers, owners of backyard flocks, 4-H members and volunteers, as well as anyone interested in poultry and biosecurity, are encouraged to attend as the trainings will give bird owners practical information on how to implement simple biosecurity practices to keep your flock safe. These practices include items such as:

  • Keeping your distance.
  • Keeping it clean.
  • Not bringing in disease.
  • Recognizing a sick animal.

These trainings are offered free of charge and are scheduled at multiple following dates and locations this spring:

  • May 3 at 7 p.m. at the Pickford Community Library in Pickford.
  • May 4 at 7 p.m. at the Alger County MSU Research Center in Chatham
  • May 5 at 7 p.m. EST/6 p.m. CT at the Gogebic County Fairgrounds in Ironwood.
  • May 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Houghton County MSU Extension Office in Hancock.
  • May 7 at 11 a.m. EST/10 a.m. CT at the Dickinson County Library in Iron Mountain.
  • May 12 at 7 p.m. at the Kent County MSU Extension office in Grand Rapids.

For those unable to attend a session in person, a live virtual connection will be available, with an opportunity for questions and answers with the training instructors.  Whether you will be joining in person or online, please register for the event. For additional information about avian influenza and biosecurity, visit the avian influenza webpage.  

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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