UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- With avian influenza affecting birds across the globe, game-bird breeders and hunting preserve operators need to know how to monitor for the disease and manage outbreaks.

Avian flu will be one of the topics discussed at the 2006 Pennsylvania Game Breeders and Hunting Preserves Annual Meeting, Feb. 26–28 at the Ramada Inn, State College.

Michael Hulet, conference coordinator and associate professor of poultry science in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, says without proper biosecurity, testing and marketing, game birds can be a reservoir for the spread of bird flu.

"Game birds are usually reared out in the open and can be exposed to other migrating birds that may carry disease," Hulet explains. "Once disease is detected, birds can be quarantined to prevent it from spreading to other locations."

Hulet says monitoring programs in some states test birds monthly, while some test prior to moving birds to a game preserve or breeder. However, to make sure avian flu doesn't spread, all producers should try to follow the same testing and biosecurity programs, he says.

"Following these protocols can limit the possibility of the birds being affected by infectious disease," Hulet adds. The educational program, which is open to anyone interested in breeding game birds or operating a hunting preserve, is designed to appeal to both novices and returning professional breeders.

"We try to balance the meeting to fulfill the needs of both audiences," Hulet says. "We give enough information on poultry breeding for the new attendees to get started, and talk about the cutting-edge ideas and tips for the experienced breeders to improve their operations."

Hulet says Penn State's is one of just a few breeder conferences across the country. He expects as many as 120 people to attend from the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast and New England regions.

Registration and a reception will begin at 7 p.m. on Feb. 26. Sessions and workshops on Feb. 27 will include a presentation on avian influenza by Lee Cartwright of Texas A&M University, parasite management in game birds, developing habitat on preserves, effective breeder management and housing hunting dogs. A banquet will begin at 7 p.m. featuring keynote speaker Daniel Brauning from the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Sessions on Feb. 28 will focus on regulations for game birds, conducting championships and challenge events, and more about bird diseases. Hulet says a new event this year is the poultry technician certificate course at the Penn State Poultry Education and Research Center.

Registrations will be accepted until Feb. 26 at the door. For more information about conference content, contact Hulet by phone at (814) 863-8934 or by e-mail at http://conferences.cas.psu.edu.

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Writer: Bethany Fehlinger

Editor: Chuck Gill (814) 863-2713 cdg5@psu.edu