Maryann's Memo
Hello Fair Officers, Poultry Leaders and Fair Mentors/Advisors,
Some you may have heard by now that In light of Avian Influenza detections nationwide, UConn Extension has determined that there will be no poultry shows at 4-H Fairs this summer. Best practices indicate co-mingling birds from small flocks around the state is not advised at this time due to the incidence of AI found in wild birds. Our 4-H fairs will be working to create other poultry related experiences at their fairs instead of having regular competitions. We are still encouraging poultry project members to complete verification forms given the potential for virtual poultry project opportunities and for poultry records to be submitted as part of an annual record book.
UConn 4-H is looking to assemble a virtual meeting with youth and adult fair representatives and club leaders to brainstorm ideas for alternate poultry exhibit opportunities for the 2022 4-H Fairs. With the understanding that final opportunities for each county will be decided on by the county 4-H fair organizations, in collaboration with county 4-H professionals.
To help us identify a time that works best, please complete the Doodle at s.uconn.edu/4hpoultry22 by Friday, May 27, if you wish to participate in this conversation.
Also don't forget to check on deadlines, many are right around the corner.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
maryann.fusco@uconn.edu
860-875-3331
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In this Issue
This Week
May 29: Tolland Memorial Day Parade
May 30: Town of Mansfield Memorial Day Parade
Next Week
June 1
Verification forms due for dog, rabbit, small animals, goat, swine, working steer, llama, alpaca, poultry and sheep for 4-H fair showing
ESE Horse 4-H program applications due
Connecticut Agricultural Education Foundation Scholarship Applications Due
June 4
Fairfield County 4-H Dog Show Registration Due
UConn 4-H Horse Quizbowl Contest, UConn Middlesex Extension Center
Coming Up
June 8: Tolland County 4-H Fairboard Meeting at 6:45 pm (Tolland County Extension Center)
June 12: Fairfield County 4-H Dog Show
Announcements
4-H Verification Forms
4-H Fair Poultry Show Information
ESE State 4-H Horse Program
Opportunities
Parade Information
Scholarship Opportunities
UConn Culinary Camp
Report Mallard Nests
Fairfield County 4-H Dog Show
4-H Pollinator Habitat Teen Ambassador
Barnyard Animal Days
UConn Hall of Fame/Rising Star Nominations
Other Information
Tolland 4-H Office Hours
Covid Guidelines
Avian Influenza in Birds
Job Opportunities
Record Book in ZSuite
4-H Website
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Announcements
All forms must contain the wet signatures of all parties. Individuals wishing to apply for Eastern States 4-H Activities at The Big E must turn in forms on-time
Animal Project Verification Form Guidelines
Animal Verification Form - Large Animals
Animal Verification Form - Small Animals
Contract for Lease of 4-H Project Animals
Policy on Late Animal Verification Forms
UConn 4-H Verification & Lease Form Checklist
Late forms can be submitted up to 14 days after the deadline with $10 late fee per animal.
Please contact Maryann if you have any questions
4-H Fair Poultry Shows
On May 18, 2022 the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a non-commercial backyard flock (poultry) in Monmouth County, New Jersey.
In light of this and other detections nationwide, UConn Extension has determined that there will be no poultry shows at 4-H Fairs this summer. Best practices indicate co-mingling birds from small flocks around the state is not advised at this time due to the incidence of AI found in wild birds.
Our 4-H fairs will be working to create other poultry related experiences at their fairs instead of having regular competitions.
Be sure to still get your poultry verification forms in by 6/1 for virtual poultry opportunities and submission of record books.
If you wish to track 2022 confirmations of HPAI, please visit this site
EASTERN STATES HORSE PROGRAM
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Accepting UConn 4-H Hall of Fame and Rising Star Award Nominations for 2022
UConn 4-H Hall of Fame Nominations Wanted!
UConn 4-H is establishing our very own 4-H Hall of Fame to recognize the accomplishments of volunteers and supporters of the UConn 4-H program.
Nominations are currently being sought of nominees for the inaugural UConn 4-H Hall of Fame class.
Nominations are due to your county 4-H Office by July 1, 2022.
Application available at:
UConn 4-H Rising Star Nominations Wanted!
UConn 4-H volunteers within their first 10 years who have demonstrated significant dedication and achievement as a UConn 4-H Volunteer will be recognized as UConn 4-H Rising Star award winners.
Nominations are due to your county 4-H office by July 1, 2022.
Application available at s.uconn.edu/4-hrisingstar
Questions regarding the nomination process can be directed to
Nancy Wilhelm, State 4-H Program Coordinator at nancy.wilhelm@uconn.edu.
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Other Information
UConn 4-H COVID-19 Guidelines as of 5/10/22
With the updated UConn guidelines, masking is strongly encouraged on campus in instructional settings, workspaces, and indoor events, but no longer required. UConn 4-H activities that are hosted in spaces other than UConn property should follow the guidelines of the host facility. Any 4-H activities occurring on UConn property or in a UConn office must adhere to current UConn guidelines.
Please remember that masking is still recommended. We also strongly encourage each member of the UConn community to continue to be flexible and courteous when it comes to masking. Members of the community will be at varying stages of comfort with mask wearing and we want to be respectful of others.
Please note that the requirement for safety plans has been removed. If this should change in the future, an announcement will be made in future newsletters.
HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA CONFIRMED IN BIRDS
Owners of birds should avoid visiting other farms, homes or facilities that also have birds. Please keeps this in mind when planning 4-H club activities. USDA has confirmed Avian Influenza in Connecticut.
USDA APHIS has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) across the country. Anyone involved with poultry – commercial or backyard flocks alike – should review their biosecurity plan and enhance their biosecurity practices to assure the health of their birds.
Avian influenza (AI) is caused by an influenza type A virus which can infect poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domestic ducks, geese, and guinea fowl) and is carried by free flying waterfowl. As part of our efforts to prevent the introduction of Avian Influenza into Connecticut poultry, the department conducts surveillance testing of birds throughout the state. Commercial and non-commercial flock owners are participating in our surveillance program. We have partnered with the Connecticut Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of Connecticut to do low or no cost testing of birds for the Avian Influenza virus. We also have strict importation restrictions to prevent the spread of the virus in our state.
Bird owners need to be aware and report anything out of the ordinary. Anyone who may suspect a poultry on their farm may have died from unknown causes should call the State Veterinarian at 860-713-2505 or email ctstate.vet@ct.gov. Signs of Avian Influenza include depression, decreased feed and water consumption, decreased egg production, soft or misshapen eggs, and respiratory signs (coughing and sneezing). You can also find out more by visiting the Connecticut Department of Public Health's pandemic flu webpage or visit the USDA’s Bird Flu website.
Additional resources:
CT Avian Influenza Information
CT Avian Influenza FAQ
Defend the Flock
Complete your UConn 4-H record book in ZSuite
Now is a great time to start working on your record book!
A video on how to complete a UConn 4-H Record Book can be found at
s.uconn.edu/4-hrecord
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Calendar
June 1st:
- Connecticut Agricultural Education Foundation Scholarship Applications Due
- Verification forms due for dog, rabbit, small animals, goat, swine, working steer, llama, alpaca, poultry and sheep for 4-H Fair showing
- ESE Horse 4-H program applications due
June 4: 4-H Horse Quizbowl; 2:00 pm at the Middlesex County Extension Center.
June 8: Tolland County 4-H Fairboard Meeting at 6:45 pm (Tolland County Extension Center)
June 12: Fairfield County 4-H Dog Show (open to all registered 4-H members, registration due June 4)
July 13: Tolland County 4-H Fairboard Meeting at 6:45 pm (Tolland County Extension Center)
July 27: Tolland County 4-H Fairboard Meeting at 6:45 pm (Tolland County Extension Center)
July 1: UConn 4-H Hall of Fame and Rising Star Award nominations due
August 12-14: Tolland County 4-H Fair
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Maryann J. Fusco-Rollins
UConn Extension Tolland County 4-H
Program Administrator
24 Hyde Avenue, Vernon CT 06066
Extension Office Phone: 860.875.3331
4-H Direct Phone: 860.870.6929
maryann.fusco@uconn.edu
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