Schedule
Workshops are scheduled for the following dates, times and locations:
- Tuesday, December 8th, 6-9pm at Baltimore County UMD Extension (1114 Shawan Rd, Cockeysville, MD 21030) – CANCELLED
- Wednesday, December 16th, 6-9pm at Montgomery County UMD Extension (18410 Muncaster Rd, Derwood, MD 20855)
- Tuesday, January 19th, 2016, 6-9pm at Washington County UMD Extension (7303 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713)
Registration
Registration is required. Click here to complete the online registration form.
There is a registration fee of $20 for this workshop. Payment can be made by check or cash at the door.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Background
Avian influenza has claimed more than 48 million birds in the Midwest this year and there is a distinct possibility of the virus moving east as migratory birds continue their seasonal flight patterns.Once infection is present, the entire flock must be euthanized. Research has shown that composting can kill a variety of disease causing organisms, including avian Influenza. On-farm composting of animal mortalities also helps to contain the spread of the virus, limiting exposure to groundwater and the public.
Overview
The University of Maryland Extension Service, the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, and the MD-DC Compost Council are co-hosting a best management workshop in various locations in Maryland to prepare small-flock poultry farmers for a possible Avian Influenza outbreak on the East Coast. Participants of the “Managing Mortalities for Small Flocks During an Avian Influenza Outbreak” workshop will learn about the following:
- How to mitigate exposure of your flock to the virus
- How to recognize the virus in your flock
- What to do if you identify the virus in your flock
- What options do you have for managing virus mortalities on your farm (including composting, which will be demonstrated)
- Important contacts and resources related to the virus
Speakers will include Dr. Jonathan Moyle, University of Maryland Poultry Extension Specialist, and Dr. Gary Felton, University of Maryland Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Technology.
Questions
Contact lbilsens@ilsr.org with questions.
These workshops are co-hosted by the University of Maryland Extension, the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, and the MD-DC Compost Council.
