This course introduces the theory and science of poultry management and flock health, with an emphasis on basic poultry epidemiology in both commercial and backyard settings. Topics include poultry rearing, marketing of poultry meat and eggs, current industry issues, industry organization, and the fundamental biology of poultry. Students learn how management practices influence disease occurrence and spread, and apply introductory epidemiologic concepts to biosecurity, vaccination, and flock health decision-making in vertically integrated and small-scale systems. Students will examine the vertical integration of the commercial poultry industry through field trips and study backyard and small-scale poultry production, including biosecurity, housing, nutrition, and flock health management. During the semester, students will help raise flocks of broiler chickens and laying hens.