PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release
January 11, 2007 www.agr.ne.gov		Contact: Christin Kamm (402) 471-6856

LINCOLN - Greg Ibach, Director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, unveiled a new avian influenza surveillance program for Nebraska poultry producers today.

"Avian influenza has been in the national news a great deal over the past few years. It's a disease that could spread rapidly through the bird population," Ibach said. "Thankfully, avian influenza hasn't been found here, but it's important to be pro-active and vigilant to protect our state."

The goal of the program, entitled, "Avian Influenza: Testing Pays!", is to provide free avian influenza tests of birds to any poultry producer who requests it. The test, a simple swab, is taken by NDA staff and then submitted to the University of Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center for testing.

"The test is quick and painless for the birds," said Deputy State Veterinarian Dr. Del Wilmot. "Any poultry owner, whether they own one or thousands of birds, is welcome to take part in the program."

Ibach said, "It's a simple, quick way to assist in surveillance that will help protect our state's poultry industry, which accounts for $1.35 billion a year."

Birds being tested include: chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, guineas, ducks and geese.

NDA is utilizing United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding to support this effort.

To schedule a test, please call 800-572-2437. More information can be found on the NDA web site, www.agr.ne.gov.

NOTICE TO ALL MEDIA:
NDA staff will be busy promoting the "Avian Influenza: Testing Pays!" surveillance program at numerous farm and ranch shows through out Nebraska. To see if an NDA staff member will be at a meeting near you, please visit the NDA web site at www.agr.ne.gov under Avian Influenza. You can also contact Christin Kamm at (402) 471-6856 or ckamm@agr.ne.gov to schedule an interview.