Yesterday Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig talked with IARN about a whole host of topics for Iowa producers of all types in Iowa. Of course, HPAI or ?bird flu?, was top of mind. Yes, this disease has brought bad news along with it for poultry producers in the state. However, there has also been a little bit of a bright spot as of late, and that?s what I was trying to figure out how to convey this morning. Then as I listened to music on the way to work, a song from my high school days came over the speakers. Any of you 90s high school kids know the song. It starts out:
?It?s been one week?? I will give you middle aged 80s and 90s kids a few minutes to get that out of your head or to listen to it.
But that is the good news. So far, it has been one week since we last had a new case of HPAI reported in the state. Now before you cross your fingers, spin in circles, and curse me out for being a jinx, remember this; A true jinx is making a future prediction or plans based on current data.
Telling you the data is just reporting.
Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig tells us about where Iowa is, and how the rest of the country is faring during this latest HPAI outbreak.
There have been conflicting predictions from a few reputable sources about how bad this round is compared to 2015. Some say it won?t be as bad. Some argue that 2015 will be a cake walk compared to this time around. The truth is, we just don?t know because there are too many variables. However, as Secretary Naig points out, one major difference is this time we are ready and have the contingency plans moving effectively.
Naig remains hopeful that we will still be able to have poultry exhibitions at county fairs and the State Fair. Only time will tell.
As you walk through a few of those local farm stores, you no doubt hear the peeping of those cute little fuzzy baby birds. You may be asking yourself if it is worth the risk to get that pet duck, start your backyard flock, or get those hatchery chicks that you get for your own processing each year. Secretary Naig says to go right ahead. These birds are screened and our safe. He says producers of any size have the responsibility to be aware of the health of their birds and to be responsible for stopping the spread.
You can find out more about the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship?s tips and guidelines for HPAI here.
