Free poultry testing clinics offered

MOSES LAKE — Basin 4-H members can get their birds ready for this year's fair season by attending the state Department of Agriculture's free poultry testing clinic on June 8.

WSDA veterinarians will be at the Grant County Fairgrounds from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. to provide Avian Influenza and Salmonella Pullorum-Typhone testing.

They will also provide information on how to keep poultry safe and healthy during exhibition, according to an agency statement.

WSDA spokesperson Hector Castro said state law requires poultry to be free of certain diseases if they are going to be exhibited in public.

As fair season approaches, many 4-H kids will be needing the two tests so they can show their birds, he said.

Attendees will be given a certificate for their healthy birds that is good for 90 days, said Castro. Participants will be in compliance for all Summer 2013 fairs in the state with the certificate, according to the news release.

for more information on the clinics, please call 360-725-5494.