Little Chicken Letter

August 13, 2007
Dear Producer,
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Centers for Epidemiology and
Animal Health and the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) are
conducting a national survey to collect information on the poultry industry. You
have been selected to participate in this study of on-farm practices and
characteristics, which targets operations with less than 20,000 birds. This is your
opportunity to provide valuable information about the production practices of this
important segment of the poultry industry.
Participating in this study is easy. Please complete the enclosed, short survey
and return it in the postage-paid envelope. If you cannot find the time to
complete this survey, NASS will contact you in September and offer you another
opportunity to complete the survey over the phone.
Your participation is vital in order to ensure that we obtain reliable results that
accurately describe the poultry industry. Here are two examples of how the
information you provide will be used:
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The USDA will use this information to help develop disease-simulation
models. These models are used by policy makers, animal-health officials,
and other researchers who want to better understand and respond to
contagious diseases which could affect all poultry operations.

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The USDA will also publish a descriptive report that can be used by
producers, university researchers, extension agents, and others in
focusing educational efforts on vital issues related to poultry health and
productivity.

Participation in this study is voluntary and your privacy will be absolutely
protected. Only those collecting the information know the identity of the
individuals in the study. Only summary results will be reported. No data will be
reported on any individual or in a manner that would allow the identification of an
individual.
Your responses, combined with those of other chicken producers across the
country, provide the only source of uniform, nation-wide information on this
important industry. We realize that your time is valuable and would like to
express appreciation to all producers who participate in this valuable study.
Sincerely,

Carol House
Deputy Administrator for Programs and Products