We chat about field work this spring and making sure we are diligent about biosecurity protocols to minimize the risk of the Avian influenza virus.
1) As farmers and agronomists begin spring field work, it is extremely important that good biosecurity is followed. Be conscious of where you are driving and walking. Water, wet soil, and feces can become contaminated with avian influenza and linger after the migrating flock has moved on. Soil and wild bird feces can stick to tires and undercarriages of vehicles including ATVs and travel for miles. Below are some key biosecurity protocols to keep in mind.
- Washing vehicles between farms is ideal and should be considered essential before visiting a poultry farm during this period of heightened biosecurity.
- Pay special attention to the vehicle’s tires.
- For footwear, remove obvious mud and organic matter first and then scrub boots especially the bottom tread with a brush and hose. Use disinfectants such as Virkon, Accel, VIROCID®, Bisentry, Biosolve Plus, Biofoam, etc. Ensure adequate contact time and concentrations – read the label!
- Also be sure to clean any equipment used on farm that could become contaminated, e.g. soil probes, shovels.
- When on poultry farms, avoid driving near barns that contain live birds if possible.
- Drive slowly when near barns to minimize dust.
- Look for designated visitor parking.
- Avoid parking by exhaust fans and air inlets unless required as part of loading or unloading.
- Do not enter any building on the property except where you need to deliver service unless you have the express permission of the farmer or farm manager.
- Sign the visitor log book.
- Keep your own records identifying where you have been and when.
Some species of wild birds shed the avian influenza virus in the spring and others in the fall. So also keep these biosecurity measures in mind for fall fieldwork. For additional information on Avian influenza and good biosecurity practices, see the following websites:
2) The comment period for the proposed regulation to reduce the use of neonicotinoid insecticides ends on May 7. To comment, refer to the links below.
Regulation Proposal Notice – with links to all related documents.
http://www.ebr.gov.on.ca/ERS-WEB-External/displaynoticecontent.do?noticeId=MTI0NjI4&statusId=MTg3NjY4&language=en
New Regulatory Requirements – explained
http://www.downloads.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/env_reg/er/documents/2015/012-3733_Summary.pdf
Conducting a Pest Assessment for Class 12 Pesticides
http://www.downloads.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/env_reg/er/documents/2015/012-3733_PestAssessment.pdf
3) Discussion around Dual or Frontier Max use in white beans: Edible Beans: Dual vs Frontier
4) Humic Acid use in field crops:Humic Acid Iowa State
Source: Fieldcropnews