I Need Some Researchers - Thanks

Samuel Morgen, a writer for the Bakersfield Californian, reached out to me today. He shared that he was approached by some people that shared concerns regarding backyard hens with him. He is writing an article about salmonella and Newcastle disease. He also stated that he was interested in addressing the topic of what happens if some people do not follow the guidelines of the ordinance when backyard hens are legalized.

I need some people to research for me some talking points on these three topics: salmonella, Newcastle disease, and a rebuttal to "what if people do not follow the ordinance". Please write it with bullet points and reference a site if used. Factual and short will help me.

I asked Samuel if he was willing to write an article that was based on facts that showed favor towards one position over the other, or, if he wanted to write an article that simply presented two sides of the topic regardless of some sort of weight/validity attached to it. He answered by writing, "I have gotten some sources from a state veterinarian focusing on keeping chickens in backyards that I will be heavily leaning on."

He shared the source with me:

https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/animal_health/cahen.html

Take a look.

CDFA, stands for California Department of Food and Agriculture. This might be a great site to find some facts and recommendations for me. CAHEN stands for California Avian Health Education Network. The purpose of this website is "... a partnerships focused on prevention, early detection, and rapid containment of foreign animal diseases (FAD), such as those caused by virulent Newcastle and Avian Influenza viruses, in California domesticated bird populations." No where in this website does it state that backyard hens is a negative thing or that they are proposing no backyard hens.

Thanks for your help. I'll be organizing some resources and notes tonight, but it is a big project, and I appreciate any assistance.

I'll see you Wednesday, September 23rd at 5:15 for the City Council meeting. This is another example of why it is so important that you continue to write letters and that you show up on Wednesday to speak in favor of backyard hens. Let's make Bakersfield hen friendly.

I want to thank Samuel Morgen in this blog for reaching out to us prior to writing the article. We have worked together in the past, established a relationship, and it is paying off now with being provided an opportunity to share another side to the story. Thank you Samuel. It is my hope that Samuel writes an article that is factual and not sensationalized. If he does, the article will clearly show several things: these topics are real, but not a major threat. Also, that we currently have chickens in cities and backyards up and down California and across our nation. If these were major concerns then the trend would be towards prohibiting this practice. Because these issues are minor and manageable, while the benefits of hens are overwhelmingly positive, the trend is growing in the direction of more cities allowing backyard hens. Backyard hen ownership is a positive and established practice that enhances the quality of life experience for residents.