Reports of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus have been increasing over the last two weeks and this shouldn’t be a huge surprise to most producers.  Wisconsin had their first reported case in dairy cattle the first week of January.  West Virginia has had two reported cases in backyard poultry flocks.  One was in the southern end of the state and the other was in the north.  One flock in Morrow County tested positive and there have been confirmed cases in Canadian Geese found deceased in the State.

Before making decisions on how to supplement you should test your hay

Livestock owners need to be aware that frost and freezing weather can result in some forage species becoming toxic

Most livestock management tasks (not including feeding, watering, and cleaning pens) include vaccinations and livestock pest treatments.

Those of you that raise backyard poultry, can take advantage of many of the same recommendations to ensure that your birds withstand the cold temperatures we are experiencing this winter