Connecticut agriculture officials urge poultry owners to follow biosecurity measures ahead of spring chick purchases

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture is urging backyard and commercial poultry owners to follow strong biosecurity practices as spring chick purchases begin, warning that the season brings an increased risk of disease spread among flocks.

State officials said preventative steps and compliance with state and federal regulations can help protect birds and the agricultural industry from infectious diseases such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, commonly known as HPAI.

“Spring is an exciting time to expand or start flocks, especially for backyard owners,” Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt said in a statement. “This is also a high-risk period for disease spread. Through a collaborative biosecurity effort, we can reduce risks to birds, businesses and the entire agricultural community.”

Poultry owners can access free educational materials and biosecurity guidance through the United States Department of Agriculture’s Defend the Flock Resource Center. The program offers checklists, videos and other tools designed to help flock owners prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Officials recommend several basic steps to protect flocks, including washing hands with soap and water before and after handling birds, wearing dedicated outerwear and boots when working with poultry and regularly cleaning and disinfecting equipment. Owners are also encouraged to monitor birds closely for signs of illness and report sick birds to the state veterinarian.

The department also warned poultry owners to limit contact between domestic birds and wild waterfowl, which are a common source of avian influenza transmission. Birds should be kept in secure, covered runs to prevent interaction with wild ducks and geese, and feed and water supplies should be protected from contamination by wildlife.

Additional precautions include disinfecting footwear and equipment, limiting visitors to poultry areas and quarantining new or returning birds before introducing them to an existing flock.

State officials also reminded poultry owners that all live poultry transported into Connecticut must have an official health certificate from the state of origin and a permit issued by the agriculture commissioner.

Under state rules, poultry and hatching eggs entering Connecticut must originate from flocks certified as pullorum-free through participation in the National Poultry Improvement Plan. Owners are advised to keep purchase records, certification numbers and health documents on file.

Poultry swaps, fairs and other sales events may be subject to inspection and enforcement. Officials said violations could result in movement restrictions or other actions designed to protect animal health.

More information on permits and regulations is available on the Connecticut Department of Agriculture website.

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Connecticut agriculture officials urge poultry owners to follow biosecurity measures ahead of spring chick purchases