WSDA Activates Avian Influenza Response Plan & Real Ag 2015 Convention & Tradeshow

I'm Lacy Gray with Washington Ag Today.

Following a confirmation by WSU's Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab of H5 avian influenza virus in birds from a backyard poultry flock near Benton City the WSDA has activated a multi-agency response plan in Benton County. State veterinarian Dr. Joe Baker says that biosecurity is especially important for backyard bird owners, advising backyard flock owners and commercial poultry owners to be ever vigilant with biosecurity measures and surveillance. The virus has not been found in commercial poultry anywhere in the U.S. or Washington state. WSDA is working closely with APHIS in this response and reports that there is no immediate public health concern due to the avian influenza virus detected, and that poultry meat and egg products are not affected by the virus.

The annual Real Ag Convention and Tradeshow is being held this week at the TRAC Center in Pasco. Ag Network's Greg Martin has more.

MARTIN: Thanks Lacy. The Pasco Ag Show used to be a very, very small show; now it is a major show. Both the arena and the exhibit hall are just jam-packed with all sorts of great ideas and exhibits for you; plus there's an education track here. You'll learn about issues like the Farm Bill and more. The Pasco Ag Show two day event going on here in eastern Washington. Be sure to attend the Pasco Ag Show - bigger and better.

That's Washington Ag Today.

I'm Lacy Gray with the Ag Information Network of the West.