chickens

A USDA report says May egg output dropped year-over-year, as did the number of total egg layers in the U.S.

Purdue University researchers have developed an innovative, paper-based diagnostic test for rapidly detecting avian influenza.  The novel test addresses the urgent need for an efficient and cost-effective surveillance tool to combat the global threat posed by avian influenza viruses.  The tes...

Just because new cases have not been reported, does not mean the threat of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has gone away.  Those words from Washington state Veterinarian Dr. Amber Itle who said the opportunity for exposure to bird flu will increase in the coming weeks as more and more migrating waterfowl cross the Northwest.   ...

The Oregon State Department of Agriculture is reminding everyone with animals, whether that’s livestock or pets, to protect them and yourself by focusing on biosecurity.  Biosecurity is the first line of defense in protecting livestock from disease outbreaks and ensuring a safe, healthy environment.  By following ...

New research from Oregon State University shows wild birds continue to be the biggest carriers of avian influenza.  Wastewater detections of bird flu are highest in or near communities with important wild bird habitats, according to the new OSU study, meaning detections of the virus in wastewater does not automatically signal human cases.  Multnom...

Thanks to the high price of eggs, many people across the Northwest may think about purchasing and raising poultry.  To help answer questions, or promote the health of both birds and people, there is the National Poultry Improvement Plan.  NPIP ha...

If the high cost of eggs has you considering starting your own backyard chicken flock, fire officials urge you to understand the safety risks.  Bend, OR Fire and Rescue Deputy Fire Marshal Dan Derlacki said his agency responded to a pair of chicken coop fires in the past week, both caused by electrical problems associated with heating lamps.   “...

On Tuesday, the Washington State Department of Agriculture confirmed the first case of bird flu in Mason County, northwest of Olympia.  The H5N1 case was discovered in a small backyard flock of ducks last week, but wasn't confirmed until Monday February 10th.   ...

Egg Production in the United States totaled 9.12 billion during December 2024, down 3% from 2023.  Production included 7.83 billion table eggs and 1.29 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.9 billion were broiler-type and 95.9 million were egg-type.  Th...

Finalizing a poultry tournament system rule designed to improve fairness.   “This is a system that has come under a great deal of concern and criticism by producers across the United States," Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack noted this week.  "And we'...