Avian Influenza

overview

This toolkit provides language, graphics and other marketing resources to help you share UGA Extension’s resources to plan for avian influenza.

Key messaging

Avian influenza (AI) poses a serious risk to the poultry industry. Since it now can impact human health we should remove that. It was written before human cases happened in the U.S. The key to prevention lies in strong biosecurity practices to protect flocks. Bird owners should monitor for symptoms such as purple discoloration on wattles, combs and legs, swelling around the head, nasal discharge, coughing, lethargy, sudden death and green diarrhea. If symptoms are observed, report immediately to the Georgia Department of Agriculture via their avian influenza hotline. Preventative measures include restricting flock exposure to wild birds, using dedicated footwear for poultry areas and limiting visitors. Resources such as flyers and FAQs on biosecurity and prevention are available from the University of Georgia and federal agencies to support poultry owners in protecting their birds.

UGA Extension avian influenza website: https://extension.uga.edu/topic-areas/animal-production/poultry-eggs/avian-flu.html

Sample post captions

Use the hashtag: #UGAExtension #EmergencyPlanning #AvianInfluenza
Tag CAES in your posts: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter/X
Tag UGA Extension in your posts: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn

Facebook

Biosecurity can save your flock! 🐓 Keeping wild birds away, limiting visitors and disinfecting your gear are simple steps to help protect your flock from #AvianInfluenza. Prevention is key to keeping Georgia poultry safe! Learn more at https://extension.uga.edu/topic-areas/animal-production/poultry-eggs/avian-flu.html

Instagram

Purple combs and wattles, coughing or sudden deaths in your flock? These could be signs of #AvianFlu. 🐔 If you spot symptoms, report them right away at 770-766-6850. Taking action now can protect your flock and others in Georgia. Find resources and more at the #linkinbio.

#AvianInfluenza prevention starts with YOU. Avian flu poses a serious threat to poultry, from backyard flocks to commercial farms. If you own poultry, be sure to limit visitor access, keep wild birds out and report symptoms so that we can protect Georgia’s poultry industry. Explore our resource library here: https://extension.uga.edu/topic-areas/animal-production/poultry-eggs/avian-flu.html

Twitter/X

#AvianInfluenza is a serious risk for all poultry. Strong biosecurity is the best defense, but if you see symptoms like swelling, nasal discharge and lethargy, be sure to report to GA’s Avian Influenza Hotline at 770-766-6850! Get more resources here: https://extension.uga.edu/topic-areas/animal-production/poultry-eggs/avian-flu.html

Digital Assets

Download social media graphics and alt text

Resources

Before posting on social media, be sure to review our social media guidelines and ensure your posts are compliant with the most recent accessibility standards using our digital accessibility handbook. Ask yourself these key questions before posting:

Do my graphics have enough contrast to be readable? If not, check out the “using color” section of our digital accessibility handbook.
Have I included alt text alongside all of my images? If not, check out the “alternative text” section of our digital accessibility handbook.
Does my video have captions? If not, check out the “video and audio” section of our digital accessibility handbook.
When sharing on Instagram, are my links interactive? If not, include the URL in your profile bio as opposed to the post caption.

Questions

Please contact Jo McLaughlin at jo.mclaughlin@uga.edu with any questions.