We need each and everyone to call Senator Hobson at his office or at his home this weekend.  If no one answers, leave a message politely asking him to help get a vote on SB 829, the county-by-county option bill.  THIS IS VERY URGENT.  Have everyone you know call both of these numbers.  If you're not a resident of his district, you can still call as an interested party in seeing 829 voted on.  If you live out of state, let him know that you want to continue to participate in the gamefowl industry of Oklahoma.
 
EVERYONE NEEDS TO CALL.  When Senator Hobson gets to his office on Monday, we want him to know exactly how much support SB 829 has.  BE POLITE AND RESPECTFUL.  ASK SENATOR HOBSON TO ALLOW RURAL OKLAHOMANS TO SAVE A THRIVING RURAL INDUSTRY.
 
Capitol Address
District Address
Senator Cal Hobson
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Rm. 422
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 521-5553
hobson@lsb.state.ok.us 		Box 1067
Lexington, OK 73051
(405) 527-5929 

Courtesy: OGBA News





From The Texas Animal Interest Network............

Below is a news release I received tonight regarding the possible spread of Avian Influenza to Pennsylvania.  I wanted to ensure that you had the latest information about this disease situation. Carla Everett


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                    COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

February 12, 2004                                           Department of Agriculture

Avian Influenza Being Monitored in Pennsylvania Poultry Flock                                                                     
HARRISBURG: Agriculture Secretary Dennis C Wolff announced today that a flock of chickens in Mount Joy, Lancaster County, is being monitored and tested for avian influenza, a respiratory virus that spreads among poultry.

"The flock is currently exhibiting no signs of clinical disease or increased mortality," said Wolff.  "Additional samples are being tested to determine whether the virus remains present. We are aggressively monitoring the situation and taking all necessary precautions to isolate the disease."

Wolff explained that because there are no visible signs of the virus, the possible test result could be an indication of past exposure only.  As a result, Wolff has directed the Department to review the history of the flock and its production records to determine the extent of the current situation.

In addition, samples have been sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory, in Ames, Iowa, to determine the specific strain of the avian influenza.  Results of the virus are expected as early as next week. Additional information will be released when it becomes available.

 "While the exact strain has not been confirmed, consumers can be confident that meat and eggs are safe for human consumption," said Dr. John Enck, State Veterinarian.  Enck added that Pennsylvania's previous experience with avian influenza would suggest no relationship to the virus circulating in Asia. The virus has not been found anywhere in the United States.

Pennsylvania remains a leader in the nation in surveillance for avian influenza testing. Last year alone, more than 211,000 samples were tested for avian influenza.

Wolff said that poultry producers should strengthen biosecurity practices to prevent the introduction of avian influenza into their flocks.  They should also aggressively monitor the health of their flocks.  Flocks exhibiting symptoms should be reported to the Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services at (717) 772-5282.

As a precaution, the Department of Agriculture has canceled all poultry exhibitions until further notice.

For more information on avian influenza, visit the Department's Web site at www.agriculture.state.pa.us

 

 

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