Patrick Wall of Greystone Castle Sporting Club of Mingus, Texas, will share the story of how they implemented a practical biosecurity plan in the aftermath of an AI outbreak....
Before 2022, it’s a safe assumption that no one thought about a hunting preserve testing positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Many gamebird farm owners secretly wondered if gamebirds themselves were immune after the 2014-2015 outbreaks spared the industry, although top academic veterinarians warned gamebirds were, indeed, susceptible.
2022 was the year that brought unfortunate reality to both segments of the gamebird industry, as both farms and hunt clubs suffered outbreaks. Those who had this experience have been generous, sharing their stories. Stories about how they accomplished as quick a depopulation as possible, stories about their methods of disposal, stories of disinfection and fallow periods before the final phase of reopening.
However, most game bird farms were far behind the curve when it came to establishing biosecurity plans to help prevent outbreaks on their properties. Hunting preserves, on the other hand, had not been impacted, and as a result, many were behind the curve.
On the opening afternoon of the NAGA Hunting Club Conference, Patrick Wall of Greystone Castle Sporting Club of Mingus, Texas, will share the story of how they implemented a practical biosecurity plan in the aftermath of an outbreak.
“I think many hunting club owners and managers worry that implementing good biosecurity protocols will be costly and cumbersome,” explained NAGA President Mike Martz, who owns Pennsylvania’s Martz’s Gapview Hunting Preserve. “Attendees will be very interested to hear how Greystone made it work.”
NAGA partners have provided volumes of information about HPAI prevention and biosecurity. Among the best, the University of Minnesota’s Dr. Abby Schuft will also be speaking to the crowd on biosecurity and waterfowl management. Dr. Schuft has been a key advisor to NAGA members who need assistance to establish their own biosecurity plans and risk assessments.
Registration for the three-day Hunting Club Conference remains open and can be found, along with lodging information, at https://northamericangamebird.com/2024-hunting-club-conference/event-details.
Photo by slovegrove - iStock
