Universities aim to educate public about bird flu concerns

BROOKINGS, S.D. – Area university Extension programs launched a new program to help guide consumers through the avian influenza outbreak, which causing the price of eggs and poultry to go up.

The universities will provide daily updates and recommendations to families in the tri-state area, covering food safety education, ways to stretch your food dollar and handling the loss of a job related to the poultry industry.

Eggs are traditionally an inexpensive protein source, but they have more than doubled in price, according to Suzanne Stluka, director of the South Dakota State University Extension Food Families Program.

“Avian influenza has had a very real impact on families. While our SDSU Extension counterparts are working to address producer issues, this group will focus on the families struggling with the human challenges brought on by avian influenza,” Stluka said explaining the project with Iowa State University Extension and University of Minnesota Extension.

The outreach effort will include a strong social media presence, public relations campaign and online resources. To learn more, visit iGrow or follow #AvianFluImpact on your social media accounts.

*Source: tristateneighbor.com