A basic biosecurity plan in poultry farms

Pashu Sandesh, 14th July 2020

Dr V. Rajendra Prasad

The most important part of any biosecurity plan is having the right attitude. Having all the correct precautions in place doesn't do any good if workers and managers don’t follow the rules.

Replacement of birds / new stocking: 

a) How new birds are brought in. 

b) Is there a proper disinfection step in the shed?

Feed and new materials management:

Ensuring new litter and feed are delivered in a way that minimizes the risk of disease transmission.

Water management: 

a) Periodically testing the water to make sure it is free of contaminants. 

b) Surface water sources must be monitored closely.

c) sanitisation of water regularly 

Manure and old materials management: 

a) How old litter and manure are being managed to ensure diseases are not spread. 

b) This also applies to the garbage and other farm waste.

Vector control for multiple species of pests: 

Having plans in place to stop 

a) insects, 

b)rodents, 

c) wild birds and even

d)  pets from entering the house.

 Equipment control in buildings and between buildings: 

a) Making sure that, if the equipment is being shared between production areas and farms, 

b) it is being properly sanitized in between uses.

A mortality management plan: 

1. How dead animals are handled in normal and catastrophic situations
2. b) This includes regular trips to rendering facilities and ensuring there isn’t a breakdown in biosecurity there.

Poultry farmers should have basic strategy according to their need to draft their own biosecurity plan and fortify their premises.