NETLA Hopkins County Junior Livestock Show 2022 Goat Contest Results
The NETLA Hopkins County Junior Livestock Show 2022 Goat Contest Thursday, Feb. 24, featured more than 65 livestock entries, divided into nine classes. Multiple students showed goats in more than one class.
Goat were ranked in each class, then the top goats were judged for over all championship honors. Prior to class judging, those who chose to competed for showmanship recognition.
North Hopkins FFA member Laken Callihan’s Class 9 goat not only won first place. The livestock project was judged the Grand Champion goat as well.
Cumby FFA member Kathryn Taylor’s Class 9 goat earned Reserve Grand Champion honors. Kathryn also was named Senior Showman.
Intermediate Showmanship honors went to Hattie Bland for her handling of the Class 3 goat which was rated first in class. The North Hopkins FFA member’s other livestock project also finished first among Class 4 goats.
While North Hopkins FFA member Jemma Jennings’ livestock project was ranked fourth among Class 2 goats, she still won Junior Showman honors Thursday night.
Individual rankings by class and place in the Hopkins county Junior Livestock Market Show Goat Contest were reported as follows by event host NETLA:
Class 1 Goats
- Caroline Coker, Sulphur Springs FFA
- Kyle Taylor, Cumby FFA
- Jadde Jennings, North Hopkins FFA
- Lilly Campbell, Cumby FFA
- Charlie Hatley, North Hopkins FFA
- William Ebel, Hopkins County 4-H
lass 2 Goats
- Claire Monk, Hopkins County 4-H
- Braxton Purser, Hopkins County FFA
- Susie Tynes, Hopkins County 4-H
- Jemma Jennings, North Hopkins FFA, Junior Showman
- Braxton Purser, NHFFA
- Jamie Hatley, North Hopkins FFA
- Kouper Sawyer. Hopkins County 4-H
Class 3 Goats
- Hattie Bland, Intermediate Showman
- Hallie Lawrence, Sulphur Springs FFA
- Kenslie Koon, Sulphur Springs FFA
- Blaine Allen, Sulphur Springs FFA
Class 4 Goats
- Hattie Bland, north Hopkins FFA, Intermediate Showman
- Armando Osornio, Cumby FFA
- Lucas Massey, Sulphur Bluff FFA
- David James, North Hopkins FF
- Landri McCoy, Hopkins County 4-H
- Paislie Reiber, Miller Grove FFA
- Kyle Taylor, Cumby FFA
- Gunner Campbell, Cumby FFA
Class 5 Goats
- Belle Bankston, Sulphur Springs FFA
- Beau Bankston, Sulphur Springs FFA
- Slayton McClendon, Sulphur Springs FFA
- Brooklin Jordan, North Hopkins FFA
- Lilly Campbell, Cumby FFA
- Cayleigh Clawson, Hopkins County 4-H
- Braden Lennon, Miller Grove FFA
Class 6 Goats
- Brody Weatheread, North Hopkins FFA
- Camille Coker, Sulphur Springs FFA
- Kennley Russell, Sulphur Bluff FFA
- Janie Alberts, Miller Grove FFA
- Mary Carter, Miller Grove FFA
- Parris Pickett, Hopkins County 4-H/ Sulphur springs FFA
- Machelle Allen, Sulphur Springs FFA
- Joseph Hatley, North Hopkins FFA
- Jonathan Hatley, North Hopkins FFA
Class 7 Goats
- Landon Lambert, Sulphur Bluff FFA
- Caddi Ivy, Miller Grove FFA
- Kinsley McCoy, Miller Grove FFA
- Reed Williams, Hopkins County 4-H
- Liberty Weatheread, North Hopkins FFA
- Sophie Pickett, Hopkins County 4-H
- Leah Hatley, North Hopkins FFA
Class 8 Goats
- Gabby Osornio, Cumby FFA
- Isaac Taylor Cumby FFA
- Caroline Coker, Sulphur Springs FFA
- Kate Monk, Hopkins County 4-H
- Landri McCoy, Hopkins County 4-H
- Brooks Burgin, Sulphur Springs FFA
- Kenna Lane, North Hopkins FFA
Class 9 Goats
- Laken Callihan, North Hopkins FFA,
- Kathryn Taylor, Cumby FF, Senior Showman
- Griffin Crawford, Sulphur Springs FFA
- Kennedi Lambert, Sulphur Bluff FFA
- Kenna Lane, North Hopkins FFA
- Gaby Osornio, Cumby FFA
- Olivia Kelley, Hopkins County 4-H
The top 33 goats, along with top livestock projects from other categories, were ranked after Thursday’s show and will be available for purchase at the Sale of Champions Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022. The auction begins at 1 p.m. in the Civic Center Arena Saturday. Funds raised will help the youth’s families recoup some of the cost of raising the livestock, go toward their next projects and toward future scholarships. A full sale list may be viewed on the NETLA Show Facebook page.
NETLA Hopkins County Jr. Market Livestock Show 2022 Lamb Competition Results
Siblings Win Lamb Showmanship, Championship Awards
When a thin layer of potential ice and a mix of sleet and rain were predicted for Thursday morning, officials with Hopkins County Junior Market Livestock Show host NETLA determined the annual show and sale of livestock projects would proceed as scheduled since weigh-ins for the first two shows weren’t scheduled until the afternoon.
In spite of the frigid temperatures, school-aged youth from across Hopkins County packed Hopkins County Civic Center Arena early Thursday afternoon for the 2022 lamb competition to show more than 30 livestock projects in at least 6 different lambClasses, as well as overall grand champion, reserve grand champion and showmanship awards, and a spot in the Sale of Champions on Saturday.
Although by no way the only siblings to compete at the show with the same type or even class of animal, but three Hopkins County siblings did capture the top honors in this year’s lamb show, receiving both showmanship and championship honors, in addition to one first place class ranking each.
Intermediate Showmanship honors went to Hopkins County 4-H member Ramsey Ragan, who showed a Class 2 lamb, which not only was ranked first in class but also was named Grand Champion.
Hopkins County 4-H member Ryan Ragan showed the Reserve Grand Champion lamb. Ryan showed Class 1 and Class 3 lambs. Ryan’s Class 3 lamb place first and is listed second in sale order for lambs. The 4-H member also earned Junior Showmanship honors for the first place Class 1 lamb.
The Senior Showmanship award went to Hopkins County 4-H member Reese Ragan, who showed a Class 3 lamb. Reese’s lamb placed third in class and is listed fourth in sale order, just behind Sulphur Springs FFA member Caroline Coke lamb, which placed second in Class 3 and is third in sale order.
Of course, these are not the only Hopkins County lamb exhibitors to earn recognition with their show project. Each student who showed their lamb was commended for their project. Students’ individuals rankings by class at Thursday’s Junior Market Livestock Show Lamb competition included, by class:
Class 1 Lambs
- Ryan Ragan, Hopkins County 4-H, Junior Showmanship
- Braxton Northcutt, Miller Grove 4-H
- Dallas Davidson, North Hopkins 4-H
- Rachel Davidson, North Hopkins FFA
- Allissa Sallee, Miller Grove 4-H
Class 2 Lambs
- Ramsey Ragan, Hopkins County 4-H, Intermediate Showmanship
- Brett Boatman, Hopkins County 4-H
- Rachel Davidson, North Hopkins FFA
- William Sallee Jr., Miller Grove FFA
- Tatum White, Como-Pickton FFA
Class 3 Lambs
- Ryan Ragan, Hopkins County 4-H
- Caroline Coker, Sulphur Springs FFA
- Reese Ragan, Hopkins County 4-H
- Bayler Boatman, Hopkins County 4-H
- Kollyn Gibson, Hopkins County 4-H
- Dallas Davidson, North Hopkins FFA
Class 4
- Keegan Callihan, North Hopkins FFA
- Sam Gamblin, Sulphur Springs FFA
- Trenton Wood, Cumby FFA
- Harlee Northcutt, Miller Grove FFA
- Ashlyn Hudson, Cumby FFA
- Danny James, North Hopkins FFA
- Laney Bankston, Sulphur Springs FFA
Class 5
- William Sallee Jr., Miller Grove FFA
- Keegan Callihan, North Hopkins FFA
- Lilly Bankston, Sulphur Springs FFA
- Danny James, North Hopkins FFA
- Chloe Ivy, Miller Grove FFA
- Chloe Miller, Hopkins County 4-H
- Kannon Gibson, Hopkins County 4-H
Class 6
- Cash Gamblin, Sulphur Springs FFA
- JAX Hudson, Cumby FFA
- Allissa Sallee, Miller Grove FFA
- Chloe Miller, Hopkins County 4-H
The top 17 lambs will be sold at auction on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022. All are welcome to attend and bid on these and other top projects at the sale which begins at 1 p.m. Saturday. Those who wish to contribute an add on or serve as a sponsor to help with scholarship funds as well as providing money for the youth to recoup some of the funds put into the project and/or provide funding to help raise their next livestock project.
NETLA Hopkins County Junior Market Livestock Show 2022 Ag Mechanics Contest
The weeklong Hopkins County Junior Market Livestock Show and Sale conducted by Northeast Texas Livestock Association kicked off Tuesday afternoon with the annual Ag Mechanics Show.
Students from all seven Hopkins County school districts built and brought projects, which ranged from students first ever attempts to commissioned projects and those that have already received awards this year at other contests. Some projects took hours, others took weeks and months to complete.
Union Grove ISD agriculture instructor Josh Shafer judged the entries, submitted Feb. 22, 2022 in nine different classes. Ribbons were awarded to top ranked entries in each class. Banners were awarded to the Grand Champion, Reserved Grand Champion and Showmanship award winners, who will get to take home belt buckles denoting the achievement awarded during the sale of champions.
Shafer said with no prior knowledge of any of the school programs or projects, but was very impressed with the Hopkins County students’ projects. He said while not all were top to bottom a first place entry, there were a lot of close decisions, indicative of the time, effort, care the students put into the quality projects.
In addition to winning the first place ribbon in Class 8, North Hopkins students won the Grand Champion award with their 28-foot gooseneck lowboy trailer. Built and shown by Roan Adair and Cory Long, the heavy duty trailer was customized to be used by the school as their project trailer, with school logos and initials on the front and back ramps. The project was a challenge, making adjustments as needed, and the welding. The trailer can be used not only to haul things for the school, but is designed so the front can house a workstation and so a pike won’t stick out too far behind or from the side of the trailer.
The Reserve Grand Champion award for the NETLA Ag Mechanics Show was project 3, a 14-foot utility trailer built by Como-Pickton students. The trailer earned a blue ribbon for placing first in Class 3.
The overall Showmanship award went to Cash Vititow, a Sulphur Springs student.
Ribbons were awarded for first-fourth in each Class, provided there were enough projects to award multiple places. by place, school and project:
Class 1 – Gates
- North Hopkins, 16-foot cattle guard
- Como-Pickton, 14-foot farm gate
- Miller Grove , 18-foot entry gate
- Sulphur Bluff, cattle guard
Class 2 – Other Trailers
- Como-Pickton, stock trailer
- Como-Pickton, dump trailer
- Miller Grove, 5×10 welding trailer
Class 3 – Utility/BP Trailers
- Como-Pickton, 14-foot utility trailer
- Sulphur Springs, 16-foot bumper pull trailer
- Miller Grove, 18-foot bumper pull trailer
Class 4 – Farm Equipment/Implements
- Como-Pickton Grapple
- Cumby, Skeleton Bucket
- Cumby, Log Splitter
- Como-Pickton, Gravel Spreader (gray)
Class 5 – Other Yard Conveniences
- Como-Pickton, Swing Stand & Swing
- Sulphur Springs, Picnic Table #3 (black)
- Como-Pickton, Entryway Bench
- Sulphur Springs, Picnic Table #2 (copper)
Class 6 – Grills/Fire Pits
- Sulphur Springs, Fire Pit
- Como-Pickton, Santa Maria Grill
- Como-Pickton, Jeep Firepit
- Como-Pickton, Texas Firepit
Class 7- Livestock Feeders
- Miller Grove, 8-Foot Cattle Feeder
- Saltillo, Feeder
Class 8 – Large Gooseneck Trailers
- North Hopkins, 28-Foot Gooseneck Lowboy Trailer
- Sulphur Bluff, Gooseneck Trailer (red)
- Sulphur Springs, 24-foot Gooseneck Lowboy Trailer
Class 9 – Miscellaneous Equipment
- Sulphur Bluff, Bumper
- Sulphur Springs, Welding Skid
The Hopkins County Junior Market Livestock Show resumed Thursday with the lamb and goat contests, and is scheduled to continue at 8 a.m. Friday with the broilers contest, followed by the swine project show around noon, steer competition around 3 p.m. at heifer show at approximatley 6 p.m. Feb. 25, 2022. The NETLA Stew and Chili Lunch will be served at noon Saturday and the Sale of Champions is slated to get under way at 1 p.m.
Stay tuned to KSST 1230 AM and check this website (KSSTradio.com) for additional photos from the show as well as information on the winners and sale.
Friday Winter Weather Closings And Delayed Starts
Icy road conditions will be possible Friday morning with damp conditions and below freezing temperatures overnight Thursday night into Friday morning causing refreezing on roads as well as bridges and overpasses. For the protection of everyone involved, many offices and businesses in Hopkins County will be opening late. Below is a comprehensive list which is updated as we receive information.
Offices for the City of Sulphur Springs offices will be open Friday during normal hours. Trash service will run a bit later than usual, but will run Feb. 25, 2022, City Manager Marc Maxwell reported at 5:30 a.m. Friday.
Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center will not be delivering Meal-A-Day meals due to potential for icy conditions, which would preventing drivers from getting to meal recipients’ homes in town and throughout the county. BINGO and the monthly birthday party which would normally be held this Friday, Feb. 25, at the senior center are also cancelled, Program Director Karon Weatherman determined Thursday evening.
TRAX buses will have a delayed start of 10 a.m.
Hopkins County will reopen their offices Friday morning at 9 a.m. including the last day of Early Voting for the March 1st Democratic and Republican Primaries.
Emergency responders and law enforcement have remained on-duty through the storm.
Per the Secretary of State’s Office, the Hopkins County early voting center located inside the Justice of the Peace 2 Courtroom will follow county hours, due to the wintry weather which is considered a public safety issue.
NETLA Junior Market Livestock Show continues on Friday at the Hopkins County Civic Center with it’s regular schedule.
SCHOOLS
Sulphur Springs ISD already had a planned holiday for Friday, February 25, so neither students or teachers will not report to campus Friday.
North Hopkins ISD and Como-Pickton CISD also had a planned holiday on Friday, and will continue to be out.
Saltillo ISD and Sulphur Bluff ISD will report to campuses Friday morning, but are planning for a delayed start time of 10 a.m.
Miller Grove ISD plans to have their teachers return on Friday for a teacher work session with no students, but with a 10 a.m. start time.
Cumby ISD has teacher work day as well on Friday, and teachers are to report at 9 a.m.
Yantis ISD will have students and teachers report to campus at regular times.
Businesses
Alliance Bank: All locations will resume regular business hours on Friday.
KSST will provide updates of any potential school or business closings, delays or scheduling changes due to the possible wintry weather as they are announced or become available, so be sure to stay tuned to 1230 AM and www.KSSTRadio.com for updates.
Ongoing Commitment To Service Earns Local Agent CENTURY 21, 2021 Quality Service Pinnacle Award
Sulphur Springs, Texas (Grassroots Newswire) February 24, 2022 – Deborah Wright, broker/owner of CENTURY 21 First Group announced today that Century 21 Real Estate LLC recently recognized sales affiliate Reva Cotton with the CENTURY 21 2021 Quality Service Pinnacle Producer Award.
“The Quality Service Pinnacle Producer Award is an integral part of our brand’s commitment to excellence and recognizes Reva’s dedication to making each and every client interaction a positive one,” said Michael Miedler, president and CEO, Century 21 Real Estate.
The annual award is based on results from the CENTURY 21 Quality Service Survey (QSS) which is e-mailed to consumers immediately after the purchase or sale of a home. To earn the CENTURY 21 Quality Service Pinnacle Producer Award, an agent must receive completed customer surveys for at least 80 percent of their transactions surveyed from January 1 – December 31, with an average survey score of at least 95 percent or better for two consecutive years.
“Reva provides clients with knowledge and advice related to their real estate transaction and offers them confidence during what may be the most significant purchase of a lifetime,” said Deborah Wright, broker/owner of CENTURY 21 First Group.
“The power of the CENTURY 21 brand rests on the shoulders of the relentless sales professionals like Reva Cotton who always elevate and give 121% to their clients throughout the entire client relationship,” said Michael Miedler. “So as we celebrate their accomplishments we understand that delivering extraordinary experiences is what homebuyers, sellers and property investors deserve, and they should be demanding from their real estate company and agent of choice.”
Cotton will receive a customized glass trophy, in addition to being recognized at the CENTURY 21 Global Conference.
About CENTURY 21 First Group
CENTURY 21 First Group is an independently owned and operated franchise affiliate of CENTURY 21 Real Estate LLC (century21.com), franchisor of the iconic CENTURY 21® brand. Century 21 Real Estate LLC is comprised of approximately 14,250 independently owned and operated franchised broker offices in 86 countries and territories worldwide with about 153,000 independent sales professionals. Century 21 Real Estate has numerous websites to help answer specific consumer needs. They are century21.com, century21Global.com, commercial.century21.com, century21.com/finehomes, and century21espanol.com.
(c)2022 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. CENTURY 21®, the CENTURY 21 Logo and C21® are registered service marks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. Century 21 Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated.
Wildcats Basketball in Area Round Tomorrow, Tickets Must Be Purchased Online
Men’s basketball plays in the second round of playoffs on Friday, Feb. 25 against Midlothian.
The Area round of playoffs tips off at Forney High School on Friday at 8 P.M.
Tickets for the game must be purchased online. SSISD reports no cash sales at the gate for the Wildcats’ second round game with Midlothian.
Tickets must be bought here.
Coach Brandon Shaver’s team come into the Area round rematch with the Panthers 27-9 overall (10-2 district), fresh off of Tuesday’s gritty win over Huntsville.
Sulphur Springs now has a rematch with Midlothian (20-14 overall, 9-3 district), the team who eliminated the Wildcats in the postseason last year.
That game, just like Friday’s, occurred in the second round.
Coach Shaver and his squad need all hands on deck if they hope to beat a Panthers team who eliminated Mesquite Poteet 55-53 in the Bi-District round Tuesday in a game that came down to the wire.
Friday’s Area round rematch between Sulphur Springs and Midlothian tips off on Friday, Feb. 25 at Forney HS at 8 P.M.
Again, tickets must be bought online for the second round basketball match. No cash sales will be made at Friday’s contest.
Tickets must be bought here.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
HHSC Recognizes Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month with Virtual Conference
Series of Webinars Throughout March Focuses On ‘The Power of Prevention’
AUSTIN – During National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March, the Texas Health and Human Services Office of Disability Prevention for Children is hosting a free statewide virtual conference featuring a series of weekly webinars focused on preventing intellectual and developmental disabilities in children. An estimated 485,000 children are affected by IDD in Texas.
“Our goal is promoting respect, fostering understanding and highlighting the importance of prevention and early intervention initiatives in the lives of Texas children and families,” said Keisha Rowe, HHSC associate commissioner of Rehabilitative and Independence Services. “We can change lives when we give Texans tools to support maternal health, prevent childhood injuries, and identify disabilities early.”
The second annual HHS Office of Disability Prevention for Children Statewide Virtual Conference, “The Power of Prevention: Promoting Healthy Development in Children,” aims to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including community-based organizations, government, health care professionals, educators, families, caregivers and others to discuss and learn about strategies for implementing positive change in the lives of children and families across Texas. Several state and national prevention professionals will share information about current trends, initiatives and practical information for attendees. The webinars are free and open to the public, and takes place on the first four Tuesdays in March from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Registration is required.
Keynote topics include providing equitable learning opportunities for all learners, the role of Medicaid in improving the lives of children and youth with disabilities, and addressing the impacts of COVID-19. Other topics include water safety education, Texas WIC, childhood injury prevention, Early Childhood Intervention, and Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome.
The full conference agenda and registration for all four virtual sessions is here. Continuing education credits for multiple disciplines can be earned for attending this event.
About the HHS Office of Disability Prevention for Children
The Office of Disability Prevention for Children works to prevent developmental disabilities in infants and children from conception to age 12 through provider and public education, partnerships with other state agencies and stakeholders and evaluating state efforts to prevent developmental disabilities. For more information, visit PreventChildDisability.org.
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SSHS Well Represented At The 2022 HOSA Area Competition
Sulphur Springs High School was well represented at the HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) Area Competition in Dallas on Feb. 18-19. Two students were recognized for placing in the top 5 in their categories at the contest.
HOSA competitors were follows:
- Alex Botello 12th and Katie Henderson 10th, Researched Persuasive writing and speaking
- Maleah Doss 11th and Graham Mayo 9th, Prepared Speaking
- Bailee Burnett 12th and Kate Monk 10th, Extemporaneous Writing
- Jayden Eskew 11th, Research Poster
- Kalyssa Johnson-12th and Janiya Gatlin 12th, job Seeking Skills.
Recognized for placing four and fifth respectively in job seeking skills competition were Gatlin and Johnson.
Did You Observe – Or Even Know There Was A -National Sleep Awareness Week?
By Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Hopkins County AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent, [email protected]
It seems as though there is a national recognition for just about everything – National Donut Day, National Twin Day, Dr. Seuss Day, National Taco Day, etc. However, there are those that raise awareness for health and wellness issues. An article recently came across my desk that will strike a chord in many individuals – National Sleep Awareness Week, March 13-19, 2022.
Increasing focus is being paid to quality sleep as a means of improving general health and well-being. A lack of sleep has been shown to contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of diseases, like heart disease and stroke.
With regard to our personal wellness, we often hear about the need for a good diet and an active lifestyle. Adequate sleep is a third component of a healthy lifestyle that is often overlooked or underemphasized. Getting the recommended eight hours is important.
Attempts to reduce weight, maintain peak performance at work, and communicate with others are all dependent on getting enough sleep. Erica Reyes, Program Specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, provides three recommended practices to help obtain the rest your body requires to function healthily:
- Stick to a schedule: Our brain determines our times for day and night depending on our sleep routine and sleep cycles. When we disrupt those time frames by significantly altering our sleeping patterns for a few days, we might spend the remainder of the week off our schedule.
- Limit caffeine intake: Those who consume four or more caffeinated drinks per day are more prone to sleeplessness. Be mindful of coffee, tea, sodas, energy drinks, and their serving sizes.
- Exercise: Regular exercise throughout the week may help boost the production of the hormone melatonin, termed the “Sleep hormone.” Simply ensure that your activity does not take place too close to bedtime or it may have the opposite effect.
Reyes recommends that health care providers and health care professionals assist by assessing patients’ sleep habits, and discussing the importance of sleep. It is important to assist in raising awareness by discussing sleep habits.
Upcoming Extension Events
- Spring Break Sewing Workshop, March 14-16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: targeted toward youth, this workshop will focus on the basics of sewing – threading a machine, filling a bobbin, backstitching and forward stitching, etc. We will have simple make-and-take projects each day. Several sewing machines will be available to use, but youth may bring their own, as well. Fabric will be furnished, but again, if participants have a specific project in mind, they may bring their own fabric. Youth under the age of 8 must have an adult present. Please call 903-885-3443 to sign up. Spaces are limited.
- “Be Well, Live Well” 50+ Series, April 11,14,18, 21, 10 a.m.: This series is targeted toward the 50+ crowd, but is beneficial to all age groups. Topics will include Be Independent – Eat Well; Be Able – Read the Label; Be Safe – Eat Safe; Be Creative – Plan Meals; and Be Fit – Move More. There is no charge for the series. Please call to sign up.
Both of these events will take place at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200 West Houston St., Sulphur Springs. For more information and to sign up, call 903-885-3443.
Closing Thought
The final forming of a person’s character lies in their own hands.
– Anne Frank
APHIS: Avian Flu Detected In Wild Birds In 3 States Not Immediate Public Health Emergency
None Found In Texas, But Implementation, Strengthening Of Biosecurity Practices Strongly Recommended By THAC
By Dr. Mario A. Villarino, Hopkins County AgriLife Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources, [email protected]
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a flock of commercial turkeys in Indiana, a flock of commercial broiler chickens in Kentucky, and a backyard flock of mixed species birds in Virginia, in February 2022.
Prior to these cases, APHIS also reported multiple confirmations of HPAI in the wild bird population, since January 2022. These findings are not unexpected, as wild birds can be infected with HPAI and can carry the disease to new areas when migrating. APHIS anticipates additional wild bird findings.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these avian influenza detections do not present an immediate public health concern. No human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States.
The United States has the strongest AI surveillance program in the world, and USDA is working with its partners to actively surveil and test in the affected areas and look for the disease in other commercial poultry operations, live bird markets and in migratory wild bird populations.
While avian influenza has not been detected in Texas, the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) strongly encourages poultry owners to implement or strengthen biosecurity practices in both commercial and backyard flocks immediately. Creating a barrier between migratory birds and your flock is of the utmost importance due to the known HPAI in the fly ways. Practicing sound biosecurity can help keep disease away from your flock and keep your birds healthy.
