Special Training Session on March 15 for the Upcoming Fair and Show Season

ANNAPOLIS - Feb. 26, 2007 - Do you enjoy working with poultry? Do you or your children participate in county agricultural fairs and shows in Maryland? If the answer is yes, then the Maryland Department of Agriculture invites you to become a Certified Poultry Testing Agent by attending a training session from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on March 15 and the Maryland Department of Agriculture Animal Health Lab, 8077 Greenmead Rd., College Park. Registration is free but limited to 20 students due to equipment constraints.

The workshop will train interested people to test birds that intend to participate in fairs and shows across the state for Pullorum- Typhoid and Avian Influenza. Testing for these diseases is critical for the safekeeping of our birds and must be done before birds can be exhibited at fairs and shows. Hands-on training and certification will be an important part of the program. Once certified, participants will become "testing agents" and will be able to perform these tests on their own flocks and others.

Currently the state has 50 certified testing agents, but more are needed, particularly in Charles, Prince George's and St. Mary's counties. Participants from all counties are welcome.

For additional information, please contact Kim Arnold, 410-543-6610 or kimberlyjones36 (at) hotmail.com by March 1.