don't give chicks for EASTER gifts- Young poultry may have Salmonella bacteria on their bodies, even when they are healthy and look clean. The germs also get on cages and other things the birds touch. Salmonella bacteria on your hands can spread to other people, surfaces, or infect you – if you don't wash up. You Can Get Sick Anyone can get a Salmonella infection, which can cause serious illness. Children are especially at risk of illness because they are less likely to wash their hands and have more frequent hand-to-mouth contact than adults. Symptoms of Salmonella infection begin about one to three days after exposure and include diarrhea, fever, and stomach pain. Illness usually lasts four to seven days and most people will recover without medical treatment. However, in some people the symptoms may be so severe that medical treatment or a stay in the hospital is needed. Infants, children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to experience severe illness. Call your health care provider, if you or your child has a high fever, severe diarrhea, or other symptoms that concern you. Don't Spread Salmonella Wash hands with soap and water after touching chicks and ducklings. It is the single most important thing you can do! When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand wipes and gel sanitizers may be used. Sanitizers may not be as effective if hands are too dirty. Clean off as much dirt as possible before using sanitizers.

 Hi! My name is Farmer Muhammad Ayub. I am 53 years old and still learning. I live and farm with my wife, Lizzie, and children/grandchildren in Yelm, WA. I am driven to join this cause of the Thurston CD to help preserve farmland and the traditional agricultural life-style that is typical of this county, before the concrete jungle started encroaching. Carcinogens in the environment, deforestation, soil erosion and pollution have become a runaway train. I would love to contribute my time, energy, talent and skill-set towards furthering the goals of the Conservation District. Working together helps us move systematically towards milestones of measurable success. Fresh, energetic horses are needed to pull this carriage  in this relay race. Cross-pollination of ideas will help the "hive-brain" to be successful. I bring the local farmers' voice to the table and I am most enthusiastic and passionate about this cause. 

As an immigrant to this beloved country, I started my journey in Madras (Chennai), India.  I have been in the United States since 1996 and became a citizen in 2004. I have an MD- Doctor of Medicine from Texas A & M University and Fellowship in Academic teaching. Past work includes United Nations (ER-doc), CHCKC- Community Health Centers of King County, SEAMAR, Whidbey Island hospital and Aberdeen hospital. Currently, I work at Madigan hospital on Fort Lewis, WA. When not busy farming, I enjoy yoga, tai-chi, silent retreats, forest walks and reading Permaculture books. As a patron of my local TRL library, I think it is a pillar of our civilization. 

I am active with non-profit Edible Forest Gardens (Ms. Pat Rasmussen) and SFF- Sustainable Farms and fields. Other civic organizations in the recent past include PSR- Physicians for social responsibility, PHR- Physicians for Human Rights, VFP- Veterans for Peace, Rachel Corrie Foundation, FOR- Fellowship of Reconciliation, ITTP- International Trauma Treatment Program (Dr. Van Eenwyk) and the local Islamic Center of Olympia.