Researching Methods for Preventing Avian Influenza in Hmong Live Bird Markets
Avian - 2006
|
An AI outbreak within the commercial or live bird markets can have a devastating impact on our industry.
Steveb H. Olson, Executive Director, Broiler and Egg Association of Minnesota
|
| (Print Friendly Version) |
|
Project Contact:
|
Jacquie Jacob |
Funding:
|
$50,000 |
|
|
|
District:
|
Unknown |
The Problem
Avian Influenza (AI), often referred to in the media as the "bird flu" is a real threat to both the poultry and human populations of Minensota. Infection can occur in most species of birds, both domestic and wild. There are two types of the Avian Influenza virus: low pathogenic and high pathogenic. Low pathogenic strains of avian influenza are foudn in a few Minnesota poultry flocks every year, usually spread from wld birds. Wild species of birds usually do not develop clinical disease, but some iinfluenza viruses cause severe illness or death in chickens, turkeys and guinea fowl.
Live-bird markets are important to the culture of Hmong, Somali and Hispanic communities in Minnesota. There are health risks associated withsuch markets, however, one of the greatest risks is Avian Influenza, which can affect the birds and, most recently, humans. The issue of AI needs to be addressed by bringing together expertise in poultry production pracices, food safety, public health and culture. The project needs to be done carefully and respectifully and focus on public health aspects of bird flue and how to protect self and livelihood.
Top
Objectives
The short term benefits of this project is the characterizationof the live bird markets, supply flocks, and live haulers so that we can better meet their educational needs.
The long term benefits are the use of educational programs to increase awareness of health risks associated with live bird markets and to redcue the likelihood of introducting Avian Influenza into the live bird market system and to have a procedure in place to deal with it if it does.
Top
Work Plan
The characterization of the live bird markets, identification of source flocks, and the cultural practices related to chicken consumption among the Hmong will be done primarily through focus groups and field observations. The primary target populations are Hmong who produce, sell or consume poultry in Minnesota. Based on the information collected from the focus groups and from field observations, culturally-appropriate educational materials will be developed for use at established Hmong gatherings.
Top
