Expression of Interest – Care of Sentinel Chicken Flock

⁠⁠⁠Expression of Interest – Care of Sentinel Chicken Flock

Edward River Council is seeking expressions of interest for the care and maintenance, as well as the taking of blood samples from a sentinel chicken flock. Council provides approximately 15 chickens, an allowance for chicken feed and the equipment to draw blood for the duration of the program with the expectation that the carer will collect blood samples on a weekly basis and forward these to a laboratory in accordance with NSW Health requirements. The carer will have an existing space for the chickens to be housed which is clean, free of parasites and secure from predators such as dogs, foxes and snakes.

The program commences mid Spring and usually concludes in mid Autumn. The carer will receive a payment of $82.50 per week for the duration of the program which is paid at the conclusion of the program. The carer is able to keep the chickens at the completion of the program and they can be kept alongside exiting chickens.

The sentinel chicken flock is part of the NSW Arbovirus Surveillance Program operated by NSW Health which involves the tracking and reporting of any mosquito borne virus occurring in our region and allows for early warnings to be issued to the community.

Expressions of interest are to be in writing and submitted by the close of business, Wednesday 16 October 2019 and are to detail your location, size and photos of chicken enclosure and ability to comply with the NSW Health requirements in relation to taking blood samples. As part of the selection of a carer, Council will insect the chicken enclosure. Council will provide training on taking the blood samples.

If you reqire any further information in relation to this matter, please contact Maggie McCalman on (03) 5898 3000 or council@edwardriver.nsw.gov.au

Trish Kirkland
Acting General Manager