While many people now keep chickens or ducks in their backyards, there has been little research into how many of these birds are carrying dangerous pathogens or what flock owners are doing to prevent pathogens from spreading until now.
University of Guelph researchers are the first to uncover that many Ontario backyard birds are carrying dangerous pathogens, and a significant number of flock owners are not following proper hygiene practices.
“This is the first study to look at the health status of small flocks in Ontario,” said Prof. Leonardo Susta, who works in the Department of Pathobiology at U of G’s Ontario Veterinary College.
Conducted in collaboration with colleagues at U of G’s Animal Health Laboratory (AHL) and OMAFRA (Ontario Ministry of Food and Rural Affairs), the research was published in two papers in the Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation.
Continue reading at University of Guelph.
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