Avian Influenza Resources for Agents
go.ncsu.edu/readext?374781
en Español / em Português
El inglés es el idioma de control de esta página. En la medida en que haya algún conflicto entre la traducción al inglés y la traducción, el inglés prevalece.
Al hacer clic en el enlace de traducción se activa un servicio de traducción gratuito para convertir la página al español. Al igual que con cualquier traducción por Internet, la conversión no es sensible al contexto y puede que no traduzca el texto en su significado original. NC State Extension no garantiza la exactitud del texto traducido. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que algunas aplicaciones y/o servicios pueden no funcionar como se espera cuando se traducen.
Português
Inglês é o idioma de controle desta página. Na medida que haja algum conflito entre o texto original em Inglês e a tradução, o Inglês prevalece.
Ao clicar no link de tradução, um serviço gratuito de tradução será ativado para converter a página para o Português. Como em qualquer tradução pela internet, a conversão não é sensivel ao contexto e pode não ocorrer a tradução para o significado orginal. O serviço de Extensão da Carolina do Norte (NC State Extension) não garante a exatidão do texto traduzido. Por favor, observe que algumas funções ou serviços podem não funcionar como esperado após a tradução.
English
English is the controlling language of this page. To the extent there is any conflict between the English text and the translation, English controls.
Clicking on the translation link activates a free translation service to convert the page to Spanish. As with any Internet translation, the conversion is not context-sensitive and may not translate the text to its original meaning. NC State Extension does not guarantee the accuracy of the translated text. Please note that some applications and/or services may not function as expected when translated.
Collapse ▲Below is information to help you, our agents, as you talk with the news media, the public or your local producers about avian flu.
News Media Interview Tips
In answering media questions about this topic, remember the following:
- Be prepared. Even when a reporter calls for a quick phone interview, you don’t need to take that call cold. Buy a few minutes to gather your thoughts. Focus on the talking points outlined below.
- Stick to what you know. Do not venture into information where you have no expertise, but refer media to other agents or specialists who may have the information (an experts list is included at the end of this page).
- Direct reporters to the N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services website (http://ncagr.gov/avianflu/) for updates and regulatory information, and remember that regulatory information is not our area of expertise.
- Write down the reporter’s name, their media outlet and phone number. This will help you know whom to contact if you need to update the information you’ve given.
Get Your Message Across
When it comes to dealing with the media, a little preparation can go a long way. Review this one-page handout for tips that will help you get your point across and stay focused.
For assistance in working with the news media, contact:
Justin Moore
Director of Marketing and Communications, NC State Extension
Julie Hayworth-Perman
Extension Marketing Specialist, NC State Extension
Janine Brumfield
Communications Specialist, CALS Communications
Talking Points for Extension Agents on Avian Flu
- There is no evidence that humans can become infected with this strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
- The U.S. has the best surveillance system in the world for HPAI.
- If detected, HPAI infected flocks will not enter the food chain so poultry meat and eggs will continue to be healthy, wholesome food products.
- People who own backyard or pastured poultry should keep them contained (away from wild birds).
- Poultry should have no access to surface water during the fall migration (January – April).
- Families that have poultry, ducks or quail should advise their children about biosecurity. Children should avoid contact with poultry, ducks or quail outside the home – at friends’ houses, petting zoos, etc. If children do come in contact with birds on another premises, they should wash thoroughly and avoid wearing those same clothes around their own birds.
Handling a Suspected Case of Avian Flu
The following are not talking points for the news media, but rather valuable guidance to provide producers.
If highly pathogenic avian influenza is suspected, pertinent information should be immediately reported by phone to NCDA&CS Animal Health Programs at 919-733-7601.
- NCDA&CS Diagnostic Labs – there are four locations ranging from the mountains to Raleigh that can test birds for avian flu. Contact the Animal Health Programs number above first.
Key Resources
Numerous organizations across North Carolina and beyond have developed educational resources regarding avian flu. We encourage you to review the following sites for a more comprehensive understanding and other materials.
- NCDA&CS Veterinary Division – Avian Influenza
- View a comprehensive FAQs page from NCDA&CS.
- USDA APHIS – Defend The Flock
- Preventing and Managing Waterfowl Damage
- NC State College of Veterinary Medicine – Avian Flu Facts
- USDA-APHIS: Veterinary Services
- N.C. Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
- NC State Prestage Department of Poultry
NC State Experts to Help Address the Issue
Extension Area Specialized Agents | Poultry (View Coverage Map and Contact)
Extension’s area specialized agents (ASA) provide topical expertise to multi-county regions, serving as a bridge between North Carolinians and unbiased, research-based information that improves lives and grows our state.
Matt Koci is an associate professor of poultry science and a virologist who studies a number of viruses including avian flu. He can address the basics of avian flu, how it affects poultry, and how to help prevent birds from contracting the virus.
919-515-5388
mdkoci@ncsu.edu
Edgar Oviedo is a veterinarian and associate professor of poultry science. He can speak on the clinical signs of H5N2 and is fluent in Spanish.
919-515-5391
eooviedo@ncsu.edu
Tom Vukina is a professor of agricultural and resource economics. He can address the economic effect of widespread H5N2 on the poultry industry.
919-515-5864
tom_vukina@ncsu.edu