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Penn State Extension warns Clearfield County about avian influenza; outlines upcoming 4‑H, ServSafe and outreach events
Summary
Rob Dickinson of Penn State Extension told commissioners the county should be alert for avian influenza spread via migratory birds and summarized Extension programming including 4‑H events, pesticide updates, ServSafe classes and nutrition education partnerships.
CLEARFIELD — Rob Dickinson of Penn State Extension gave a public‑comment presentation to the Clearfield County Commissioners about avian influenza risks and local Extension programming.
Dickinson said high‑path avian influenza is circulating nationally and urged vigilance in Clearfield County because migratory birds can bring the virus into local ponds and water bodies. “The latest updates I have across the country, we have 51 confirmed flocks with over 23,000,000 birds,” Dickinson said, and he added that “here in the state of Pennsylvania, we’re at about 11 farms, with over 2,000,000 birds that they’ve had to euthanize.” He said Extension is promoting biosecurity plans for dairy farms and backyard flocks and encouraged residents to contact Extension if they see unusual bird deaths.
Dickinson also reviewed local Extension programming and outreach. He said the office is scheduling a 4‑H proclamation on March 11 and a “Day in the County” event on May 28; a field‑science day is scheduled for May 3 and the DuBois campus will host Earth Day activities on April 23. He listed pesticide‑training updates recently held in Kittanning (transcript: “Kirwanzville”) and upcoming events in DuBois and nearby Jefferson County, and noted the county’s residents had taken 77 webinars offered by Extension year‑to‑date. Dickinson announced staff additions and partnerships, including a new 4‑H educator, Elena Leisure, and a nutrition education advisor, Tricia Rubio, who works with Head Start and local libraries.
The commissioners thanked Dickinson and encouraged residents to contact the Clearfield Extension office and speak with Andrea for scheduling and more information.
Ending Dickinson left contact materials with the commissioners and asked residents and county officials to pass on Extension biosecurity and program information to farmers and backyard flock owners.
