Poultry Biosecurity

Poultry Biosecurity What is Biosecurity?  Biosecurity:  Addresses measures that should be taken to keep any diseases from a farm.  Reduces the transmission of diseases to neighboring farms.  Biosecurity reduces the risk of pathogens from forming, which prevents the spread of diseases from one flock to another. What are Pathogens?  Pathogens may be characterized as:  Bacteria: single-celled organisms that are known to cause infections.  Viruses: tiny microscopic infectious agents that replicate within the cells of living host.  Fungi: organisms that live by breaking down and absorbing the organic material in which they grow.  Parasites: organisms that live on or within a host from which it obtains the nutrients it needs to survive. What are Diseases?  A disease is:  any abnormal condition that impairs bodily functions in an organism.   Diseases can be characterized by specific symptoms and signs. A disease may be caused by:  external factors (infectious disease)  internal dysfunctions (autoimmune disease) Why Does the Industry Use Biosecurity?  Biosecurity’s purpose in the industry is to :  Reduce the exposure of diseases and pathogens to birds within a particular flock.  Reduce transmission of diseases and pathogens to a neighboring farm.  Reduce the transmission of zoonotic diseases:  Infectious diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans or humans to animals. Zoonotic Diseases  Common Zoonotic Diseases:  Salmonella  A bacteria transmitted between birds primarily through the air.  The bacteria is shed from the infected bird through feces, feather dust, and secretions made from both the eyes and nose.  E. Coli  A bacteria commonly found in the intestine of birds.  The bacteria is harmless as long as it is kept in check by other bacteria in the intestine. What Are the Economic Benefits of Biosecurity?  By reducing diseases and pathogens:  The producer saves money by not having to euthanize (kill painlessly) all the birds in the infected flock.  Depending on the size of the flock, the economic loss could be worth millions of dollars. How is Biosecurity Achieved?  Tire Baths  Reduces opportunity for incoming traffic, such as feed and delivery trucks, to bring in pathogens from outside the perimeter of the farm. How is Biosecurity Achieved?  Outside Perimeter  High fences prevent intruders such as animals and people from entering the premises and possibly transmitting diseases to the flock. How is Biosecurity Achieved?  Footbaths  Footbaths are placed outside the door of all facilities and contain disinfectants, reducing the risk of bringing pathogens inside the buildings. How is Biosecurity Achieved?  Sanitation of Equipment and Supplies  The purpose of sanitizing equipment, surfaces, and supplies is to reduce pathogens.  This is especially important in preventing the spread of diseases between neighboring flocks. How is Biosecurity Achieved?  Good Hygiene  Prior to entering the facility, employees and visitors should demonstrate good hygiene by showering and wearing clean designated clothing such as boot covers, hairnets, and cover-alls. How is Biosecurity Achieved?  Entrance Order  The order of entering facilities depends on the age of the birds.  For example, you want to enter the hatchery first (where the youngest birds are), before entering the grower house (where the older birds live.)  Older birds have stronger immune systems, making them more resilient to any pathogens that may be present. How is Biosecurity Achieved?  Hostile Environment  Creating an environment that is non-desirable will reduce the risk of transferring pathogens from infected wild life.  Eliminating any trees, grass, and ponds from the property will deter wildlife from trying to enter. How is Biosecurity Achieved?  Bait Stations  Reduces the risk of rodents, which are small enough to easily get into facilities and carry many pathogens, from infecting the flock. How is Biosecurity Achieved?  No contact with outside birds  Since most avian diseases are transmitted through the air, it is highly important to have no contact with outside birds within 72 hours of entering a facility.  This includes pets as well as birds from other flocks.