Avian Influenza

We have all read the stories in our local papers. We have all heard the

hyperbolic predictions of pandemics on the evening news. We have even

seen pictures of slaughtered birds piled waiting to be burned in Audubon

magazine. The H5N1 Avian flu is coming to a bird near you, be afraid,

be very afraid.

If you are afraid, it isn't without reason. For the last year we have

been bombarded with dire predictions of imminent peril. No one can fail

to be asking themselves questions. Just what is the danger? When will

it get here? Are my birds at risk? Is my family at risk from my

birds? Is it safe to eat eggs? Can I get it from my down comforter?

Lots of questions, but few answers. Until now!

On Saturday April 22, 2006 the Central Valley Avian Society (CCAS) is

hosting a Seminar and expert panel on Avian Influenza, your birds and

you. This special event is FREE to the public and is being held at the

Fresno, CA. SPCA Education Center, 530 S. Hughes Ave., Fresno, CA.,

beginning at 2 PM. While mainly for bird owners, from the most exotic

to the most common, from the largest breeder, to the owner of a single

backyard chicken, EVERYONE is welcome and encouraged to attend. This

isn't limited to bird owners, or even people with animals. It's for

ANYONE with questions regarding this disease

The panel of expert 's is impressive.

Dr. Brian Speer, DVM, DIPL, ABVP, ECAMS. He is a widely know and

respected author, speaker and authority on avian disease.

Dr. Dave Castellan, DVM, MPVM is from the California Department of Food

and Agriculture.

Dr. D.L. Shivaprasad, BVSc, MVSc, MS, PhD, MS, DACPV, Internationally

known Avian Pathologist, Associate Professor, Avian Pathology,

California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, Fresno

Branch, University of California, Davis.

Dr. Lyndon Badcoe, PHD, Epidemiologist with the Fresno County Healthy

Department. He is widely known and respected for his work on Monkey Pox

and other exotic diseases.

Dr. Ken Takeshita, MS, DVM, DIPL ACPV. From Foster Farms he is an

internationally known expert on infectious disease and avian vaccines.

Each speaker will make a presentation on aspects of Avian Influenza .

After the presentations the panel will take questions from the audience.

Event Sponsors

California Poultry Federation

Leach Grain & Milling

Western Milling

Westport

Cuttlebone Plus

The seminar is being professionally videoed and will be available to

clubs and any other interested parties. While the final price for a DVD

has not been determined it will quite modest.