Bio security in poultry : Basics Principles

Pashu Sandesh, 13th July 2020

Dr V. Rajendra Prasad

Biosecurity practices and farm hygiene are implemented on poultry farms to reduce the risk of disease agents moving on to farms from outside sources 

a) wild bird populations or from other farms

b) the movement of disease agents between sheds on the same farm, 

c) carryover of disease agents from one batch to the next in the shed environment, 

d) and carryover of disease agents from breeding flocks to their progeny via the egg.

As implementing biosecurity is the most cost-effective disease prevention means available, by following these three simple rules: “Isolation, Traffic Control & Sanitation” (Jeffrey), Ultimately the producer should effectively be able to minimise any preventable disease outbreaks. It is also important never to share tools or equipment or accept birds from neighbours (deGraft-Hanson).

By effectively separating birds in an enclosure, the likelihood of them coming into contact with pathogen carrying animals or these animals accessing the flock can significantly be reduced. Though wild-birds present a direct threat to biosecurity, it is essential to ensure that household pets do not come into contact with the flock. It is also necessary that the producer remember to disinfect their hands/clothing and shoes after being in direct contact with other livestock and family pets (deGraft-Hansona). Sanitation is highly important to successful disease control. 

IMPLEMENTATION OF HIGH BIOSECURITY STANDARDS IN POULTRY FARMS, 

  • VEHICLE SPRAYS,
  • FOOT DIPS  (footbath), 
  • CONTROL OF WILD BIRDS, RODENTS AND OTHER DISEASE VECTORS, 
  • CLEANING AND DISINFECTION PROCEDURES,
  • CLEANING OF FARM EQUIPMENT, 
  • DEAD BIRDS DISPOSAL