USDA EMPHASIZES "BIOSECURITY FOR THE BIRDS" DURING FAIR SEASON Offers Tips to Avoid Spread of Exotic Newcastle Disease and Avian Influenza WASHINGTON, Aug. 16, 2004-Late summer and early fall is "fair season" in many parts of the country. And millions of Americans will attend state and county fairs across the nation. During this period, tens of thousands of people will participate in poultry exhibitions. These exhibitions are a great way for bird owners to demonstrate their commitment to raising healthy, productive birds. However, they also can serve as a medium to potentially spread diseases such as exotic Newcastle disease (END) and avian influenza (AI). USDA's APHIS is encouraging poultry owners to protect their birds from END and AI during fair season as part of the Biosecurity for the Birds campaign. Biosecurity for the Birds informs poultry owners about the signs of serious poultry diseases, asks them to report sick birds and gives them information on practicing backyard biosecurity to keep their birds safe and healthy. USDA offers the following tips to help prevent the spread of END and AI: 1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap, water and a disinfectant before entering your bird area. 2. Keep cages, food and water clean on a daily basis. Clean and disinfect equipment that comes in contact with your birds or their droppings, including feed scoops, shovels, rakes and brooms. 3. Clean and disinfect car and truck tires, poultry cages and equipment if you travel to a location where other birds are present. 4. When taking birds to a fair or exhibition, keep those birds separated from the rest of your flock and watch them for at least two weeks after the event to ensure that they didn't pick up a disease. 5. Keep new birds separate from your flock for at least 30 days before putting them with the rest of your birds. 6. Do not share birds, lawn and garden equipment, tools or poultry supplies with your neighbors or other bird owners. 7. If your birds are sick or dying, call your local cooperative extension office, local veterinarian, the state veterinarian or USDA veterinary services office to report it. USDA operates a toll-free hotline (1-866-536-7593) with veterinarians who can help you. By taking these steps, USDA hopes to promote a healthy and safe fair-going experience for poultry owners and their birds. For more information on how to recognize the signs of END and AI and additional steps that can be taken to protect your birds, visit http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/birdbiosecurity. #