Teen expert to talk avian influenza

ASHEBORO -- High school junior Rachel Osborne will lead a workshop to educate those raising poultry about avian influenza at 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 15, at the Asheboro Public Library.

Her talk is hosted by the library’s TeenZone and sponsored by the Friends of the Library. It’s free and the public is invited.

Osborne,  a member of the TeenZone Advisory Committee, has been active in 4-H for many years, and has worked on poultry projects for seven years. She has raised several types of birds, including geese, chickens and turkeys, and has participated in several competitions.

Osborne will discuss the risks of avian flu and techniques to prevent it. Her workshop is based on a presentation she created for a district 4-H event, and will cover:

• What avian flu is and how the latest outbreak is going to affect the southeast — how does it spread, and does it really pose a threat to humans;
• How to prevent avian influenza along with some other common poultry diseases by using proper biosecurity methods;
• A demonstration using glitter to show how germs spread and how biosecurity techniques can stop the spread of disease.

The library is located at 201 Worth Street.