|
|
 |
|
The
views expressed
on this page are soley those of the author and do not
necessarily
represent the views of County News Online
|
 |
State Representative Jim Buchy
Working to Keep
Avian Influenza Out of Ohio
Ohio’s $2.3 billion poultry industry relies on the health of the
animals. As the second largest producer of eggs in the country, and
home to over 40 million chickens and turkeys, Ohio needs to do its best
to protect these crucial assets to our poultry industry. Avian
influenza presents a serious threat to our agricultural sector, and we
must go to every extent possible to protect agriculture in Ohio.
Several years ago, the “bird flu” became a serious concern to
Americans, but this current strain poses no threat to humans. However,
HPAI (avian influenza) is extremely contagious and spread by wild,
migrating birds to domestic birds. In particular geese are known
for spreading the disease, this is a major threat in western Ohio where
they are abundant.
The Governor and Director Daniels of the Ohio Department of Agriculture
have been strong leaders in taking steps to fight the spread of this
disease. So far Ohio is virus-free, something to be very thankful for,
but other poultry-producing states are being affected negatively. To
prevent its spread to Ohio, the Ohio Department of Agriculture has
canceled all live bird exhibitions this year. In a release that they
sent out, State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Forshey explained that the
co-mingling of birds at these events presents a high risk of spreading
the disease through direct contact.
While I know it will be hard for 4-Hers around the state, I hope that
they can learn from this experience. If the disease comes to Ohio, it
won’t just be turkey and chicken farmers that feel the impact.
Processing plants like the Cooper plant, cracking plants in Western
Ohio and other producers of poultry will all experience hardship. I
commend the Governor and Director Daniels for taking steps to keep our
birds healthy.
I consider keeping this disease out of Ohio to be extremely important
to our state. The effects would be felt by our farmers, at the grocery
store and at restaurants, to name a few. I will continue to monitor the
situation and provide support to our farmers across the state.
Please provide your opinion on the issues in the news this month by
completing an online survey at tinyurl.com/buchyjuly2015.
|
|
|
|
