Small poultry farmers are getting help preparing for any potential outbreak of avian influenza. State and federal officials hosted a conference in Madison Tuesday, aimed at teaching small poultry farmers about how they can improve bio-security in their flock. Dr. Paul McGraw, a veterinarian with the state Ag Department, says the state is working to get as much information as possible out to small producers.
Producers are being offered a variety of tips for protecting their flocks, such as ways to prevent cross-contamination. There have been no cases of bird flu in Wisconsin yet, but McGraw says poultry producers remain concerned because of the devastating impact it could have. There are 14,000 registered poultry operations in Wisconsin.