What is the main focus of the California backyard flock health program?

The main focus of the California backyard flock health program is centered on surveillance and disease detection. This program is essential for maintaining the health and welfare of backyard poultry. By prioritizing surveillance, the program aims to monitor and identify potential disease outbreaks in flocks, enabling prompt response measures to mitigate risks to both animal health and public safety.

This proactive approach is vital, especially since backyard flocks may not be as closely monitored as commercial poultry operations. Detecting diseases early helps to prevent their spread, ensuring that both the birds and their owners are safeguarded from potential health threats. The focus on disease detection supports broader public health goals, and maintaining robust flock health ultimately contributes to the overall stability of the poultry industry in the region.

In contrast, the other options, such as commercial farming support, genetic improvement of birds, and feed optimization, do not align with the primary objectives of this specific program. These aspects may be relevant in other contexts but are not the primary focus of initiatives aimed at enhancing the health and disease resistance of backyard poultry in California.