By Anne Lichtenwalner, University of Maine Associate Professor of Animal and Veterinary Sciences and Director of the UMaine Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Dear Maine poultry owners, We have recently had some of our Maine backyard poultry flocks become exposed to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).* We are not alone — there are similar situations in eastern […]
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The USDA and federal wildlife agencies, as well as the international animal health community, are making preparations to address likely avian influenza (AI) resurgence in the coming year. Europe is dealing with AI case numbers similar to the 2016 season and, with our wild bird populations getting ready for the fall migrations, exposure of domestic […]
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The UMaine Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory had the pleasure of hosting the 2019 Future Farmers of America Veterinary Science Event on May 16th. The event included workshops provided by the UMA-Bangor Veterinary Technology Program. Students spent the afternoon participating in workshops relating to veterinary science and agriculture. Some parasites like fleas and ticks are commonly known […]
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Avian Influenza update from Paul Brennan of the Indiana State Poultry Association (via Eric Gingerich, 9-12-2018): “The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has reported finding an H7 avian influenza (AI) detection from commercial meat turkeys in Stanislaus County, California. AI antibody and presumptive H7 were reported by […]
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Periodically versions of the Newcastle Disease virus occur in wild birds in our region. We have seen cases in pigeons (pigeon-adapted strain), and another strain occasionally occurs in double-crested cormorants. Currently, there appear to be cases of this disease causing some deaths in the cormorant population. Of note, we don’t have this disease in domestic […]
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Since May 2018, USDA has confirmed 106 cases of virulent Newcastle Disease (vND) in backyard birds in southern California. Almost all are in small flock (“backyard”) show chickens, but a few are in small flocks of turkeys, and “mixed bird” flocks. To keep this disease from spreading, and to keep it out of the commercial […]
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There have been new cases since mid-May, (click here for a list of confirmed cases) when this problem emerged in small flocks in California. With the controls that exist via state regulations and routine state veterinary activities, this disease should be contained. However, it’s very important to protect your (and your neighbors’) birds by following […]
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Virulent Newcastle Disease (vND), formerly known as Exotic Newcastle Disease is a contagious and fatal viral disease affecting the respiratory, nervous and digestive systems of birds and poultry. The disease is so virulent that many birds and poultry die without showing any clinical signs. Since May 18, USDA has confirmed several cases of vND in […]
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Exciting News! The University of Maine Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (formerly the Animal Health Laboratory) is preparing to move to our new building at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Diagnostic and Research Laboratory. Our new facility is located at 17 Godfrey Drive, Orono and will also house the Pest Management Unit and Aquatic Animal Health […]
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Live poultry, such as chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys, often carry germs such as Salmonella. After you touch a bird, or anything in the area where birds live and roam, wash your hands so you don’t get sick! Read more at the CDC’s Keeping Backyard Poultry web page.
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