Implementing an Effective Poultry Biosecurity Plan

Pashu Sandesh, 05 January 2020

Poultry has strongly come up as a contributor in the Indian economy apart from Animal Husbandry. The poultry products are being exported worldwide and any infection introduced in the flock could have a devastating outcome and economic loses. 

Implementing any of these suggestions will reduce the risk of disease entry. Each additional step implemented will further reduce biosecurity risks. These general guidelines are proposed by the Department of Animal Husbandry: 

• Secure perimeter; Keep “restricted” signs posted at drive entrances
• No trees or dense foliage around sheds, no roosting site for wild birds
• Restrict entry to essential personnel and record entry.
• Keep poultry houses locked; fasten from inside while inside.
• Provide boots and coveralls for staff and visitors for each shed.
• Staff should change into dedicated/disposable boots and coveralls upon entering each different shed. Clean footbaths may be appropriate within a shed if changed regularly.
• When caring for flocks, the resident flock manager should keep clothing (including shoes, boots, hat and gloves) separate from those worn off the farm.
• After caring for the flock, change clothes completely and wash hands and arms before leaving premises.
• Flock manager and other caretakers should not visit any other poultry flocks.
• If possible, provide show facilities for visitors.
• Remove poultry mortality daily. Store or dispose of them in an approved method.
• Ensure staff and visitors are aware of the dangers of raising or visiting other avian species and their contact with your flock.
• Essential visitors such as owners, meter readers, service personnel, fuel and feed delivery drivers, and poultry catchers and hauliers must wear protective outer clothing, including boots and headgear, before being allowed near the flocks.
• Monitor vehicles entering premises for poultry pick up or delivery, feed delivery, fuel delivery, etc., to determine if they have been scrubbed down and the undercarriage and tires spray-disinfected before entering.
• Minimise entry of equipment, supplies, etc. and take appropriate precautions such as disinfection, removal from shipping boxes, etc.
• Clean and disinfect all coops, crates and other poultry containers or equipment before and after use.
• Maintain a strong vector control program for insect, mammalian and avian vectors.
• Maintain bait stations, clean up feed spills, prevent entry by wild animals (rats, birds, insects) or pets (dogs, cats). Use screens in windows, air inlets, doors feed bin exhausts etc.
• Maintain minimal vegetation and no debris around poultry facilities to lessen food and shelter opportunities for vectors.
• Ensure that feed, water and bedding sources are free from infectious agents.
• Review your biosecurity plan and flock health program, including vaccination protocols, with a veterinarian on a regular basis.
• Sick or dying birds should be sent to a state laboratory for diagnosis. Commercial growers should contact their flock supervisor.