Backyard Poultry A Growing Trend Throughout US - USDA Offers Pointers on Keeping them Safe

June 2, 2010

Raising chickens in the backyard is growing more popular as Americans seek a direct connection to their food. But as the number of backyard chickens increases, so does the need to educate owners about keeping their flocks healthy. That's why the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's (USDA/APHIS) Biosecurity for Birds campaign is renewing its efforts to provide concise and helpful tips to prevent the spread of infectious bird diseases such as avian influenza (AI).

Whether you raise poultry for meat and eggs or because you want to show your birds at fairs and festivals; whether you have a big flock or a few hens, keeping them healthy is a priority. Give the birds sufficient space, keep their area clean, keep food and water covered and change them daily. It also is important to keep predators away from your birds and minimize the contact your poultry has with wild birds.

[ For more information, visit www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/birdbiosecurity/ ]

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