Yesterday the Wisconsin Ag Connection published a rather irresponsible article saying that “Vermont Agency Discusses Plans To Kill Backyard Flocks“.
Mark Bosma, Public Information Officer for the AoA, has made it clear that when they perceive (or get orders from the Feds) that bird flu has hit these shores they will commence “depopulating” backyard flocks, reports the Addison Independent.
According to Bosma there are three reasons why an entire flock will be depopulated with a confirmed positive case of High Path AI, even if all the birds are not showing clinical signs.
[Update: new link to Addison Independent story.]
As much as I distrust government in general, the above article is inflammatory and not even signed by the author. Why are they publishing something as an article with no name attached and no citations or references. It appears that they are taking things out of context. In today’s world of web publishing they should be providing links to back up their article and a name to give it credibility so we have some idea of who is making the statement.
How about a reality check… The latest document from the Vermont Dept. of Ag supports testing rather than depopulation. Conversations I have had with Dr. Rood, the Vermont State Vet, point towards a strong de-emphasis on depopulation. They are recognizing problems with it. I see that as positive change. To quote him:
The [Vermont Department of Agriculture] agency’s goal in response to outbreaks of contagious disease is to minimize the outbreak’s effect on Vermont’s other livestock, and in some cases humans. Diseases can and do spread by a variety of means and in varying rates and ability. Quarantine and movement restrictions are powerful tools in trying to contain any disease outbreak and these are found ubiquitous in response plans.
Regrettably, depopulation is used in disease outbreaks, along with quarantine and movement restrictions, to try and stop disease spread. This is used as a last resort, not first. There are several reasons why depopulation is not the first tool to reach for in a disease outbreak.
- Costly - indemnity, legal fees, and agriculture recovery
- Politically very unpopular
- Often the aftermath is worse than the disease you’re fighting
- With some agents, not proven more effective than vaccination or other control methods
When do you depopulate? - depends on the disease, but:
- The unlucky first one (index herd or flock)
- Only confirmed cases - viral or bacterial isolation
Where are folks hearing about “ring depopulation” of apparently healthy animals?
- Method has been around for quite some time to stop the spread of disease
- Used in the foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak of Europe
- Used on past highly contagious animal diseases
Rethinking the issue of “ring depopulation”
As vaccines are developed to combat diseases, and response techniques/ologies improve, depopulation becomes less effective vs other methods. This is evident with some current foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks in South America and Europe. Vaccine strategies are being deployed with greater success.
So in summary, depopulation is used - sparingly - along with other strategies of disease control in outbreaks. It is not our first tool reached for. Those will be quarantine and movement restrictions. As you can read in our AI response plan, confirmed (via viral isolation) high path AI flocks will be depopulated. Those in the “neighborhood” that fall within the quarantine zone will be tested and monitored to make sure the disease is contained. Our AI response plan does not call for “ring depopulation”. It does call for quarantine zones, movement restrictions, and monitoring (testing).
Lest I forget to mention it (because it was not the context of your query), education and outreach is part of any disease response plan. Our PIO is working feverishly with other departments and agencies to get that finalized and posted on the web.
-Dr. Kerry Rood, VT State Vet, 4/28/06
It is important to distinguish between the GAO 05-214 page 31 10-kilometer killing zones of depopulation vs depopulating an infected flock. These are two totally different things. Unfortunately the same term is being used. Kill zones are bad. But if I have a flock with confirmed High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) then I would probably not want to keep those birds, especially if they were the typical mono-genetic birds like the Cornish X Rock hybrids used in both factory farms and many pastured poultry meat production operations. All of them would get the flu and die, especially if they were confined. Speaking as a small producer, I would depopulate the sick flock, that is kill, the birds before letting my family risk dying.
Ideally we have flocks that have more genetic diversity, they have individuals that can resist and survive new illnesses and they evolve to be a better bird.
However, I don’t want the government violating my 4th Amendment rights and coming in and killing my healthy birds without testing, my permission, a warrant or legal appeal. There is a reason we have a Constitution.
One of the things we are doing here at Sugar Mountain Farm is thinking about how we would act to save our poultry when the bird flu comes. Dividing the flocks is one tool. Using covered hoop houses on pasture like what we use in our long winters is another tool. Our livestock guardian dogs who devour wild birds that get too close and keep them away from our ponds and flocks are another tool. Not feeding outdoors is another tool. Still, there are wild birds and if AI comes, it will be here to stay.
I’m looking for useful ideas to keep my farm and family alive as well as fighting against the oppressive hand of big government. The article from Wisconsin is unfortunate, irresponsible and unhelpful.
This subject too has me worried. Although I am remote and could fall under the fed’s radar I’m not so sure.
I am glad VT is taking a proactive stand. I have heard bizzare news that if the feds do decide to kill your flock–without warning, without testing–they will do it by gassing the birds in their living quarters, and then they will force you to compost the dead birds in the sealed building for 4-6 weeks.
What’s worse, sick chickens–which you can quarentine or kill yourself–or a massive pile of hot, stinking dead chickens creating a nasty miasma around your farm?
At the moment I am doing several things to keep AI at bay. First of I am feeding my birds a probiotic solution which improves their health, strengthens their immune system and keeps their gut clear and working. I also spray their pasture with this stuff which helps feces break down more rapidly.
I have heard that fermented cabbage–sauerkraut–is reportedly good for this same thing. Tests are being done in Korea where kimchi is fed to chickens.
I also have a biosecurity program in place. I use a virucide/fungicide foot wash on my boots when I enter and exit chicken yards. Anyone else who come to the place and heads for the chickens washed their feet too. I do the same before and after I visit a neighbor’s farm. Bleach water will work too, but breaks down rubber boots too fast. And the virucide works quicker.
I was horrified a couple of weeks ago when the butcher came to the neighbor’s farm with a trailer to carry off some animals to slaughter. His trailer was caked with manure and blood–some which looked pretty fresh. This thing should have been thouroughly cleaned before it left his own farm let alone driving a 140 mile round trip, possibly infecting every place he stopped, the farm and animals he came to collect with whatever?
We need to stop and think about how we can prevent disease spreading before its actually here to spread. Weeks ago I asked the county fair board what their program for NAIS and AI was. Haven’t had an answer yet.
My final plan for the chickens is to have some fertilized eggs always available for incubation, if and when reports of bird flu become local. If the men in white suits come to wipe out my flock, I might just have a chance to restart. . . .
Comment Podchef — May 5, 2006 @ 8:14 am
The fertilized eggs on hand is an excellent idea. -WJ
Comment walterj — May 5, 2006 @ 8:57 am
I Was told by someone who went through a depopulation due to something like Newcastle, I think in Canada, that they were told to turn over ALL poultry products, including fertile eggs and chicks or face legal repercussions. I would also want to keep fertile eggs. The loss of our American Heritage, especially our heritage breeds concerns me greatly. AND will they be asking the factory farm to depopulate all their birds, too, and suffer financial loss??? Somehow, I doubt it. I bet they won’t have to. Just us unimportant people, right? I have a suspicion that the BIG GUYs will be exempt somehow.
Comment Cynthia B. — May 5, 2006 @ 9:35 am
I’ve been thinking about the same stuff. Thanks podchef, for your ideas and perspective. I don’t have anything yet to add. If anyone else does, I’d love to hear more ideas. It is important to start planning before it becomes imperative.
Comment berecca — May 5, 2006 @ 10:10 am
I tried going to the WIAg article, but the article appears to have been removed.
I was trying link link
I did try indexing the ID= and found articles for 5/4, but article ID 813 is missing.
Did anybody save a copy of the text?
Afella in VT
Comment Afella in VT — May 5, 2006 @ 10:13 am
I just red this in article which says there is no bird flue in Vermont and that they are not going to do depopulation. At least i think that is what they said. Here is the quote -
“If the virus were found, a perimeter would be set up around the existing flock of birds. State agencies would destroy the birds in the immediate area and monitor everything in the zone, but wouldn’t destroy all poultry in that zone.”
“Mass depopulation in that inner circle is off the table in Vermont,” he said.”
“Rood’s agency is doing its best to promote responsible techniques among Vermont poultry farmers to stave off any problems.”
So does that meant they are doing depopulation or not. Now i am not as sure.
This is the article -
link
Comment PV — May 5, 2006 @ 10:15 am
Interesting that they took it down. In addition to writing this article about the Wisconsin Ag Connection article I also confronted them directly that what they were doing was irresponsible. Apparently they saw the light and removed the offending article. That is good. -WalterJ
Comment walterj — May 5, 2006 @ 10:19 am
Folks: The other night I heard a broadcast of coast to coast am which featured an interview with a Doctor Mark Siegel. The subject was bird flu. Doctor Siegel has some interesting things to say about the subject. If you click www.doctorsiegel.com you will find his home page. Scroll down just a bit, and you will see the link for a Feb. 02 interview with Terry Gross of NPR radio. It’s worth a look.
You can also hear the broadcast in replay by clicking www.coasttocoastam.com and then past shows for May 2006.
Note: the coast to coast am radio program is where I first learned about NAIS in early April 06. A search of their program archives (past shows April 06) will lead you to the link for April 11 which is worth a listen if you never heard the program which referred people to nonais.org via www.coasttocoastam.com
I submit the above for your consideration.
Comment Neil W. — May 6, 2006 @ 5:13 am
The WI Ag site has taken down the article. You can still see the WI article at Goggle’s Cache” if you want to see the original. -WJ
Comment walterj — May 6, 2006 @ 8:00 am
The United States of America, has definitely been hit with a “national plague of epidemic proportions.”
It is called:
The “Unholy” Rogue Government destroying the People’s Freedom Syndrome (NAIS):
If “We the People” do not start getting involved in stopping the epidemic loss of The Constitution and all that It’s Freedom and Liberty provide US, then
“We the People” are destined to have a repeat of History, such as 9/11, and the lose of all those wonderful and heroic people at the Towers, in NY.
The next act of terrorism, is going to be the “Destruction of Agriculture” itself, and all that Traditional Farming economy is about.
The next epidemic is not the Avian Flu or Mad Cow disease:
The next epidemic is as I said before:
The “Unholy” Rogue Government destroying the People’s Freedom Syndrome (NAIS):
Dean Ayers
Glenwood, Iowa 51534-6218
DeanAFOSI@aol.com
IOWANS AGAINST NAIS
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Iowans_Against_NAIS/
Comment DeanAFOSI (IOWA) — May 6, 2006 @ 8:37 am
I went to the google cache but could only load part of the first page,but did read that,I agree that while I totally distrust govt agencys we have to be carefull to make sure we are as accurate as possible when speaking against NAIS because while the govt uses halftruths an outright lies to accomplish their ends,if they (govt) can point to inacurate or mis used information or statements made by our side they can then use that to”prove”(so to speak)that we are the bad guys.
Comment LEE — May 6, 2006 @ 10:53 am
I appreciate the fact that everyone out there wants to be Mr. Accurate in facts, only, and only an Educator of facts, not a challenger, of the truth.
You had better wake up to the fact that it’s the Government holding the cards of Freedom, in “their” hands, and We are just attempting to find out the truth..
A law enforcement investigator, for example, is NOT handed a cut and dried legally sufficient criminal or fraud case, from the crooks, on a silver platter.
It takes pain staking, long hours, of searching thru ALL the information, not just what you “believe” are the facts, to get to the truth..
Let’s be careful exactly who and what you “put down” as you just might shoot your NAIS right in you own foot.
Responsible we try, but censor is the Enemy.
Also!
Dean Ayers
Glenwood, Iowa
IOWANS AGAINST NAIS
Dean Ayers
Glenwood, Iowa 51534-6218
DeanAFOSI@aol.com
IOWANS AGAINST NAIS
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Iowans_Against_NAIS/
Comment DeanAFOSI (IOWA) — May 6, 2006 @ 12:26 pm
I believe we would have a better chance of defeating the NAIS if all of the American people would join together as a large group like the Mexicans did to protest NAIS and tell our officials that we want them to abide by the Constitution of the America and keep us free. This is a sign of the beast starting. Thanks, Linda
Comment LINDA HUFFER — May 6, 2006 @ 8:16 pm
I find it quite “disturbing” to learn that many Political and Government officials out there in our great United States, are trying to “BLOW OFF” the opposition to NAIS, by claiming the people are:
“Just being Emotional” about this whole NAIS thing.
Well, I say:
So did this country’s Fore Father’s when they decided to stick England’s Flag back up where it came from, called,
FIGHTING for INDEPENDANCE!
I am sure when our Fore Father’s shoved that “cannonball” up England’s rear quarter’s, that England thought the America’s were a little “EMOTIONAL” also.
Do NOT let these idiots, who are in FAVOR of NAIS, deter your Honorable and God given, motives to retain your Freedom and Liberty, as set forth in The Constitution.
FIGHT NAIS!
Sorry, if I am just a little EMOTIONAL……… about it!
Dean Ayers
Glenwood, Iowa
DeanAFOSI@aol.com
IOWANS AGAINST NAIS
Comment DeanAFOSI (IOWA) — May 6, 2006 @ 8:40 pm
I hope I didn’t cause a conflict with you and Wi. on a lead that incumbant Snyder,(sp), was working on legislation on banning rfid tags in humans period?
Comment David — May 7, 2006 @ 7:27 am
Letter to amy goodman…..
Dear Amy,
I hope you will read this personally, even though I know you
do not have the time……Alas….
I represent a growing number of Americans who are belatedly
awaking to a Global crisis: that of peasant farmers worldwide
who are being systematically exterminated by corporate
agibusiness in league with right-wing governments being led
by our very own “bush regime”
I am a small independant organic farmer in arkansas.
The USDA is currently at work implementing a system that
will barcode and identify every animal on the planet …….
This will include coming onto our properties without warrents
and depopulating(killing) our pets if they deem necessary in the
name OF WHATEVER….when our legislature signed the
Patriot Act Bill we lost all of our rights in one stroke of the pen….
I am enclosing information that will not only horrify but
immobolize you for the duration if you are not already aware of this
threat to your brothers and sisters who grow the only food on
the planet worthy of being eaten……
I hope I am not the first alarmist who has written about this
threat..It has been in place for at least 2 years and been on the
march since control freaks got the idea….
Please get somebody to research the National Animal ID system
in depth and try to get it onto your program…I or somebody
more qualified to speak is standing by to speak out….
Sincerely
sid sargent
Comment sid sargent — May 7, 2006 @ 7:39 am
Lee-IMPORTANT! Always make hardcopy or save to your computer, even partial cache info. It is “shell game time” Things are being “sanitized” then put back fresh & clean. That is probably what you ran into ninto. Even when we quote facts, the quotes often evolve into “misinformation” due to the fact information has dissappeared off website. We just have to be prepared for this tactic.
Comment Celeste — May 7, 2006 @ 8:46 am
RE: New England, I’m on the mailing list for the Northeast Organic Farmers Association (NOFA) — they not only are against NAIS, the Massachussetts branch has hired an activist to work against it (YEAH!) Their excellent position statement is at:
http://www.nofamass.org/news/nais_position.php
I got on this list because of contacting Terry Gips at International Assn for Sustainable Agriculture (IASA) in March 2006. He had never heard of NAIS — and forwarded my email to his list, which included NOFA. Turns out NOFA found out about NAIS about the same time a loto fo us littel guys did — back around the beginning of 2006.
Now I ask myself: If the USDA was dialoguing with farmers on this as they claim, why wasn’t a major org like NOFA notified? How come IASA never heard of it? Could it be because the “farmers” they were talking with were all judst the Big Meat folks who wanted it to begin with? In clergyman’s jargon that’s known as “preaching to the choir”…
Comment rooster-lover — May 7, 2006 @ 9:42 am
David, I don’t see a conflict. Can you explain? Maybe I missed something. Personally I think the government should neither ban nor mandate. It is a violation of people’s rights either way. Government should look out for us, not in at us. -WJ
Comment walterj — May 7, 2006 @ 11:17 am
Everyone,
it is becoming apparent, that “We the People’s” fight for Our right to retain Freedom and Liberty, from Government Intrusion and Violation of Our God Given Constitutional Rights, IS HAVING AN EFFECT on Our government.
In reading the various groups AGAINST NAIS, and NoNAIS, it is obvious, the PRO- NAIS people and Government, are stepping up, “THEIR” propaganda, to discredit, if possible, by “ANY” means, example; just emotional, no facts, distorting facts, changing the truths, to their own, etc,etc,……
“We the People” are collectively having a positive effect against NAIS, and as a United body with the, God given RIGHT’s to do so, as well as the Authority, of our Fore Father’s spilled blood, (in FIGHTING for YOU and YOUR children), so that they could give to YOU,
Freedom and Liberty, known as The Constitution. As well as Freedom from government Intrusion and Violation of you and your animals.
The Rogue Government people, KNOW that they have “no” TRUE authority or power, other than “de facto” power thru manipulation, diversion, terrorism, fear mongering, etc.etc.
to convince a “sane” man or woman, that NAIS is good for ALL.
It is not, it is only going to benefit the privileged few called Agri-Biz, and Govi-Biz, and is being put in place for the benefit of the unholy global alliance.
Identifying and killing (in 48 hours), your pony for your daughter, or your lawn mowing sheep, in the front yard, is no more, going to stop disease, or convince Japan to buy beef, or protect you in any way, other than to allow the Government to “control” the food chain, all the way down to your table plate.
You will eat what they say, and at what price they dictate, NOT you eating what you choose to or where you choose to buy your food.
NAIS is about “control of the masses.”
Good People, I say:
“Now is the time, to put behind you, the thoughts, that I will just be quiet, everything bad will go away, and I will stay “comfortable” in my own world.”
“Now is the time, for all “Good” people, man, woman, and child, to stand up, be counted, and FIGHT this tyranny about to bestow itself in your life of comfort, never to leave you, if you do not “act” now.
I am not fear mongering, my good people, I am speaking from on “HIGH’ the truth, to which, you need to listen to….I did not say……”hear;” I said, “listen” to.
Everyone, can hear what goes on around you, but it is only a few, that “listen” to the “signs” of the ensign, and take “action” to thwart the disaster, approaching them an you.
Sacrifice a little comfort, for you, your children, and family, which does include animals, as pets, and traditional rights of raising your own food for honorable consumption, and respect for the animals, and their lives also.
The “government sponsored propaganda” is on the rise my good People, because YOU , each and every one of YOU, have made a conscious decision to FIGHT NAIS, and…………
IT IS WORKING!
Dean Ayers
Glenwood, Iowa 51534-6218
DeanAFOSI@aol.com
IOWANS AGAINST NAIS
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Iowans_Against_NAIS/
Comment DeanAFOSI (IOWA) — May 7, 2006 @ 12:19 pm
Oops! Correction to my previous post: That should be International ALLIANCE (not Association) for Sustainable Agriculture, now known as Alliance for Sustainability (they just updated their webiste and apparently changed their name at the same time, probably because they now deal with more than agriculture) — their homepage is at:
http://www.mtn.org/iasa/
The org has not yet take a public stand on NAIS, but Terry Gips, agricultural economist and one of the original founders, is anti enough to pass around my emails :)
Comment rooster-lover — May 7, 2006 @ 2:46 pm
This is my letter to the editor in full as I sent it out to various online newspaper letter to the editor submission sites. The information came from a post that Mark Bosma made to the birdfanciers group. What incensed me was the part about how a virus “you never can get rid of it out of the premises.”
Vermont Agency of Agriculture Speaks Out About Their Plans To Kill Backyard Flocks
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture (AoA) has put forward a large effort to use the potential possible risk of Avian Flu as their justification for premises id, the first step in three steps outlined by the National Animal Identification System. The recent Appropriations Bill not withstanding, the fact is that there is enough historical evidence to more than suggest that the AoA means to go the rest of the distance, individual animal tagging and tracking of animal movements. Premises id is not acceptable when you understand that it is the gate to the whole program.
Mark Bosma, Public Information Officer for the AoA, has made it clear that when they perceive (or get orders from the Feds) that bird flu has hit these shores they will commence “depopulating” backyard flocks.
According to Bosma there are three reasons why an entire flock will be depopulated with a confirmed positive case of High Path AI, even if all the birds are not showing clinical signs.
1. The virus can persist in the remaining birds and you never can get rid of it out of the premises.
2. There is some concern that as the virus persists it can drift and/or shift into a more virulent strain that can jeopardize the health of the farmer. Pandemic Concerns
3. Our trading partners will demand that we depopulate the farm infected with HPAI in order to resume trade. The international community calls this practice “stamping out” of the virus.
According to my research, the virus does not live long outside of a host. Dr Kamaruddin, a Malaysian veternarian, said the virus has a rather short life span outside its host and the longest the virus could survive is about four days or 96 hours, less if the carcass is left in the sun. This is a scare tactic by the AoA.
Our “trading partners”? Who are they? I raise food for myself, as do many small farmers, homesteaders and hobbyists here in Vermont. What does an international trading partner have to do with my 12 hens?
It is important to remember that USDA/APHIS/NIAA started NAIS to insure foreign beef export business for the largest factory farms. You know, Tysons and Cargill, the ones who closed down on Monday, May 1st because their illegal immigrant workers wanted to attend the protests.
Backyard flocks are being made the victims of Avian Flu, but it has nothing to do with the virus itself.
Comment Henwhisperer — May 8, 2006 @ 11:42 am
HI,Celeste,yes and I always make copies of everthing for future ref.your right it is a shell game,but we will win this one!
Comment LEE — May 8, 2006 @ 8:25 pm
Yes, this is indeed a step in the right direction but we have to remain vigilant,it would be like these varmits to make like they’re going the way we want, then to pull a fast one, especially if we quit paying attention.These powers that be, have put alot of time and money into making this happen and if history is any guide they’ll be back after regrouping ,I’m in NW pa. and have been out and doing about this beast,I’ve talked to alot of people and what I keep finding out is almost no one has ever heard of this thing I mean even the lawmakers, all except one, thought I was joking when I brought this up. It seems they have done a good job keeping this thing quiet,I’ve got a large folder of hard copy from this site and others that I carry with me everywhere I go these days just so I can show people who think I’m joking that I most certainly am not.I took a flyer into a health food store today the owner had not heard of this but was very enthused about fighting it said he’ll print up more (LOTS) and pass them out. I said all that to say this If the NAIS/USDA/BIGAG crowd are taking notice of the peoples voice at this point just imagine what they’ll do when we get the masses to wake up and start yelling ,we are winning this battle but I’m thinking this is going to take all of us independent types sticking to this for a good long while,Remember ,The Price of Liberty is Eternal Vigilence!!! Ya’ll have a great day!!!
Comment LEE — May 8, 2006 @ 8:57 pm
i don’t know if it’s me or what, but i went to 2 feed stores, they didn’t like the nonais flyers, when i went to the health food store, the owner got scared and told me stories about being arrested and charged with stuff and big brother and the bad guy and scared for thier business. HOwever i was enlightened about Monsanto and pharma politics dating back 40 years. People this is only one issue and the Patriot Act was designed for the dismantling of the Constituion for a myriad of reasons concerning the total control of our medical freedoms and agriculture
Comment irene — June 19, 2006 @ 11:50 pm
Wow! Just for a moment you had me going there! :> I thought you really meant that WI was going to kill off Vermont! I see the original story in the WI paper is now gone missing so I take it they pulled it in embarassment. Good!
Comment Donna from WI — October 30, 2006 @ 10:22 pm