The Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA), the Pennsylvania Women's Ag Network (PA WAgN), Penn State Cooperative Extension, The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, and USDA-Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) presented the most current information during a panel discussion on Avian Influenza on April 18 from 10 am to 3 pm in the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. The event was free and open to the public.

Moderated by David Filson, Penn State Extension's Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator, the expert panel included:

Dr. Paul Knepley, State Veterinarian, Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

Dr. Bhushan Jayarao, Penn State Extension Veterinarian and Assistant Professor of Veterinary Science

Dr. Eva Wallner-Pendleton, Penn State Extension Senior Research Associate, and Avian Diagnostic Veterinarian

Dr. Chrislyn Wood, USDA-APHIS Veterinarian and member of PA Avian Influenza response team

Brian Moyer of Green Haven Farm, pastured poultry producer and board member of PASA

David Smith, pastured poultry producer and board president of the American Pastured Poultry Producers' Association (APPPA)

The discussion was geared to independent pastured poultry producers, small scale, hobby, specialty flocks, show bird enthusiast, and game bird producers. Topics included:

• Biosecurity measures that can be established on-farm now
• Measures that can be taken to reduce risk to pastured birds and other specialty or small scale production methods
• How to minimize risk of avian influenza to producers, their families and others who come in contact with poultry?
• What happens if disease is found in PA, and how will it affect poultry producers?
• What procedures are to be followed if a farm is in a "hot zone"?
• What financial considerations might be available for a poultry producer if their flock is euthanized
• Understanding the Warning Signs of Infectious Diseases
• Where to go for help and more information