09/10/08 Avian flu

Two pheasants at a Treasure Valley game bird farm have a form of bird flu. The low pathogenic avian influenza virus poses little to no risk to human health according to the Idaho State Department of Agriculture which says the farm has been quarantined while their investigation continues. Health Department officials are closely looking at the game farm where ducks, quail, chukars and pheasants are raised for bird-dog trials. None of the birds entered the food chain according to ISDA. The virus they carry is not the same as the more serious bird flu that killed scores of people around the world. If you have any questions about the newly enacted Farm Bill Senator Mike Crapo says he can get you answers. Crapo's staff will be joined by several federal agency representatives for a series of informational meetings that begin next week. Crapo says it's a chance of farmers and ranchers to understand the many changes and new programs in the farm bill. Meetings begin on Wednesday September 17th at Rexburg, Blackfoot and Burley before moving to Jerome and Caldwell on the 18th. The following week meetings are planned for September 23rd in Sandpoint, Plummer and Genesee with a final session on the 24th in Nezperce. Times and locations are on Senator Crapo's website, crapo.senate.gov.. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott