| American farms can be an important line of defense in preventing avian influenza (AI) or “bird flu.” FFA and 4-H have joined with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) at USDA on a public awareness and agricultural education campaign regarding avian influenza.
We are educating backyard poultry owners about protecting their birds and reporting signs of AI. A key component of this effort is a State and County Fair Outreach Program. FFA, 4-H, and APHIS have worked together to develop a series of informational materials to distribute at poultry exhibits at State and County fairs.
FFA chapters and 4-H clubs are being asked to help educate others about avian flu at state and county fairs. We are seeking FFA, 4-H and other volunteers to staff the fair booths and provide informational materials to interested fair attendees. You can help educate poultry owners in your community about how they can avoid bird flu and what to do if they suspect their birds are infected. If the chapter or the club you advise can provide the personnel, APHIS will provide these materials free of charge to your chapter: brochures, banners, fair giveaways (handheld fans, posters, plastic drink cups, etc.). |