Bird Flu concerns prompt Fresno State to cancel farm tours
FRESNO, Calif – Fresno State has temporarily paused all campus farm tours as the bird flu continues to cause concern among farmers across California.
While the virus has not spread to Fresno State’s farm, the Ag Department implemented new safety measures as a precaution.
“If we were to get an infection in our poultry unit, it would mean 20,000 birds would have to be destroyed. They’d have to be composted on-site,” Farm operations manager Vince Roos said.
Fresno State officials said they are continuing to monitor the virus closely, but they do not have an official date for when the tours could resume.
“Out of abundance of caution for human health as well as our animals’ health, we encourage folks not to wander in our property,” Roos said.
Fresno State has also put a temporary hold on the labs in the beef and poultry units. Without them, many students are missing out on the hands-on aspects of their coursework.
“I’m the type of person who needs to do hands-on work to really understand what I’m learning, and we can’t do that. So now I’m just struggling in that class,” Alexie Rodriguez said, Pre-Vet major.
Students and faculty said they are adjusting as best as they can, incorporating alternative learning methods until hands-on learning can resume.