Barry Whitworth, DVM, MPH
Senior Extension Specialist

Department of Animal & Food Sciences

Freguson College of Agriculture

Oklahoma State University

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 continues to be a concern for backyard and commercial poultry producers. The disease has resulted in flock losses, reduced income, and trade restrictions. In September alone, eleven commercial flocks in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota were infected, along with several backyard flocks in multiple states. Since the start of the current HPAI outbreak on February 8, 2022, more than 175 million domestic birds have been lost. This total includes both commercial and backyard flocks. In addition, many wild birds have also died. Mammals have not fared any better, with numerous wild and domestic animals succumbing to the virus. As wild birds begin their southern migration, Oklahoma poultry producers need to be especially vigilant in protecting their flocks.

Avian influenza (AI) is a highly contagious viral disease. While there are many subtypes of the virus, H5N1 is classified as highly pathogenic, meaning it spreads rapidly and often causes severe illness and high mortality in chickens, turkeys, and other poultry. Wild waterfowl are natural reservoirs of the virus and can shed it without showing signs of illness, making them an ongoing threat to domestic flocks.

Clinical signs of HPAI often appear suddenly and may include:

• Sudden death with no prior symptoms
• Respiratory problems such as coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, and nasal discharge
• Decreased water and feed consumption
• Drop in egg production and/or misshapen eggs
• Swelling of the comb, wattles, head, eyelids, or hocks
• Nervous system disorders, including tremors, incoordination, and abnormal head positions

The H5N1 virus spreads through direct contact with infected birds (domestic or wild), as well as contaminated equipment, feed, water, and clothing. The virus can also travel short distances on dust particles or feathers. The risk of transmission increases during wild bird migration.

Since the United States (U.S.) has no approved treatment or vaccine for HPAI, the best defense is a strong biosecurity program. Biosecurity involves management practices designed to reduce or prevent unwanted threats from entering a flock. Key protocols include limiting traffic, keeping facilities clean, and monitoring for disease.

The first line of defense is to limit traffic on and around poultry facilities. Visitors and vehicles should not enter unless absolutely necessary. If someone must enter, they should wear clean coveralls and disposable shoe covers and wash their hands before and after visiting. All visitors should dip their shoes in a disinfectant solution upon entering and exiting. No other animals, wild or domestic, should be allowed into poultry facilities.

Sanitation is a critical part of any biosecurity plan. All equipment, feeders, waterers, and buildings should be cleaned and disinfected regularly. First, remove all fecal material and dirt. Then apply disinfectants, allowing enough contact time for them to be effective. Foot baths must be properly maintained. The property surrounding poultry houses should be mowed and kept clean. Failure to cut grass or promptly clean spilled feed can attract wild birds and animals, which have been linked to the spread of HPAI.

Birds should be monitored daily. Dead birds should be collected and disposed of promptly. Producers should be familiar with the clinical signs of HPAI. Any unusual increase in sick or dead birds should be reported immediately to the proper authorities. Poultry producers can contact their veterinarian, their Oklahoma State University County Extension office, the Oklahoma State Veterinarian at 405-522-6141, or the USDA toll-free hotline at 1-866-536-7593. Prompt reporting helps limit the spread of the disease.

Avian influenza remains a major threat to the U.S. and Oklahoma poultry industries. It is the responsibility of all commercial and backyard poultry producers to take every possible step to protect their flocks and safeguard this vital industry. For more information about HPAI, poultry producers should contact their veterinarian or their local Oklahoma State University Agricultural Extension Educator. Additional information is available at the USDA H5N1 Influenza website at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/h5n1-hpai. 

Reference 

Swayne, D.E. and Halvorson, D.A. 2003 Influenza. In Y. M. Saif (ed.). Diseases of Poultry, 11^th ed. Iowa State Press: Ames, Iowa, 135-160.

Green, A. L., Branan, M., Fields, V. L., Patyk, K., Kolar, S. K., Beam, A., Marshall, K., McGuigan, R., Vuolo, M., Freifeld, A., Torchetti, M. K., Lantz, K., & Delgado, A. H. (2023). Investigation of risk factors for introduction of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus onto table egg farms in the United States, 2022: a case-control study. Frontiers in veterinary science, 10, 1229008.

In today’s world, our reliance on public utilities such as electricity, water, and natural gas is undeniable. However, there is a growing movement towards greater self-sufficiency and sustainability. Many people are exploring ways to reduce their dependence on these public services, both to save money and to contribute to a more sustainable future. In this article, we’ll discuss some simple yet effective ways to reduce reliance on public utilities.

1. Generate Your Own Electricity

Generating your own electricity is one of the most significant steps towards reducing reliance on public utilities. Here are some options to consider:

Solar Panels: Installing solar panels on your roof or property can harness the power of the sun to generate electricity. Solar energy systems can provide a significant portion of your electricity needs and often come with government incentives and tax benefits.

Wind Turbines: If you have a suitable location, small wind turbines can generate electricity from wind power. Wind energy can be an excellent complement to solar panels, especially in windy areas.

Backup Generators: While not a primary source of electricity, backup generators, such as those powered by propane or natural gas, can provide power during outages and reduce your reliance on the grid.

2. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances

Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances can significantly reduce your electricity consumption. Look for Energy Star-rated appliances, LED lighting, and smart thermostats that help you manage and reduce energy use.

3. Invest in Insulation and Weatherization

Proper insulation and weatherization of your home can help maintain a comfortable temperature year-round, reducing the need for heating and cooling. Seal gaps and cracks in your home’s structure, add insulation in attics and walls, and consider energy-efficient windows and doors.

4. Collect Rainwater

Installing a rainwater harvesting system allows you to collect and store rainwater for non-potable uses, such as watering your garden or flushing toilets. This reduces your reliance on municipal water supplies, especially during droughts.

5. Compost and Reduce Food Waste

Reducing food waste not only saves money but also reduces the energy and resources needed to produce and transport food. Composting kitchen scraps and yard waste can help enrich your soil, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.

6. Install Low-Flow Fixtures

Low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets can significantly reduce water usage without sacrificing functionality. These fixtures reduce water bills and ease the demand on public water supplies.

7. Practice Off-Peak Energy Use

Many utility companies offer off-peak rates, where electricity is cheaper during specific hours. Shift energy-intensive tasks like laundry and dishwashing to these off-peak hours to save money.

8. Reduce Water Heater Temperatures

Lowering the temperature of your water heater can reduce energy consumption. Most households don’t need scalding hot water, and a moderate temperature is often sufficient for daily use.

9. Switch to Propane or Natural Gas

In some cases, switching to propane or natural gas appliances can be more energy-efficient and cost-effective than electric alternatives. For example, propane-powered stoves and water heaters can provide efficient heating.

10. Install Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors

If you’re considering home renovations, invest in energy-efficient windows and doors. These can better insulate your home, reducing the need for heating and cooling.

11. Create an Energy-Efficient Landscape

Planting trees and shrubs strategically around your home can provide shade in the summer and windbreaks in the winter, reducing the need for heating and cooling.

12. Learn Basic Home Repairs

Knowing how to perform basic home repairs can help you maintain your home’s systems more efficiently. Simple tasks like fixing leaky faucets, insulating pipes, and sealing drafts can make a significant difference.

13. Consider Alternative Transportation

Reducing your reliance on public utilities extends to your transportation choices. Consider walking, biking, carpooling, or using public transportation to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

14. Invest in Energy Storage

Battery technology has advanced, making it possible to store excess electricity generated by solar panels or wind turbines. These batteries can provide power during outages or during peak demand times when electricity prices are high.

15. Educate Yourself

Staying informed about energy-efficient practices and technologies is essential. Consider taking courses, attending workshops, or reading books and articles on sustainability and self-sufficiency.

Reducing reliance on public utilities is a journey that involves a combination of lifestyle changes, home improvements, and technology adoption. While it may not be feasible or practical for everyone to completely disconnect from public services, even small steps can lead to significant reductions in utility bills and environmental impact. Whether you choose to generate your own electricity, conserve water, or practice energy-efficient habits, every effort contributes to a more sustainable and self-reliant future. Ultimately, these changes not only benefit your wallet but also help preserve our planet for future generations.

Total Time: 4 hours

Yields: 1 1/2 Quarts

• Ice cream base:
• 6 large egg yolks
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pecans:
• 1 cup pecans
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Pinch salt
• Instructions:
• In a medium sized heat-safe bowl, whisk together the egg yolks until well blended. Add brown sugar and salt and mix until incorporated. Set aside.
• Pour the cream into a metal bowl set in a larger bowl of ice and set a medium-mesh sieve on top. Set aside.
• In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan on medium heat, melt the butter and cook it, stirring constantly, until it just begins to brown.
• Slowly add the milk, stirring to incorporate. It will foam up initially, so make sure you are using a pan with high enough sides. Do not let boil or the mixture may curdle.
• To temper the eggs, slowly pour half of the milk and butter mixture into the eggs, whisking constantly to incorporate.

Then add the warmed egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk and butter mixture.

• Stir the mixture constantly over medium heat with a wooden or heatproof rubber spatula, scraping the bottom as you stir, until the mixture thickens and coats the spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add vanilla and stir until cool over the ice bath. Chill thoroughly in the refrigerator. 
• While the mixture is chilling, preheat the oven to 350°F. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Toss with pecans and a pinch of salt. Spread pecans out on a rimmed baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, until the pecans are lightly toasted. Set aside to cool. Once cool, roughly chop the pecans and set aside.
• Once the ice cream mixture is thoroughly chilled, churn in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Once the ice cream has been formed in the ice cream maker, it will be fairly soft. Fold in the chopped pecans.
• Put in an airtight plastic container and place in the freezer for at least an hour, preferably several hours. If it has been frozen for more than a day, you may need to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften it before serving.