BIOSECURITY FOR POULTRYDR. AUDREY MCELROY

PROFESSOR AND EXTENSION SPECIALIST

DEPARTMENT OF POULTRY SCIENCE

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DISEASE PREVENTION

There are basically 2 types of diseases that must be considered in poultry production:

•diseases of detriment to bird health

•diseases of potential human health concerns

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CAUSES OF HEALTH ISSUES

• Pathogens

• bacteria, viruses, parasites, protozoa, fungi

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Chemical poisons

• Overmedication

• Poor management

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BIOSECURITY

What is “Biosecurity”?• Protecting your birds from disease

• Preventing or controlling disease transmission by vectors

What is a vector?• Something that may transmit a disease

• Rodents, birds, insects, shoes, car tires, shared equipment, best friend, pet, feed, water, dust, air….

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BIOSECURITY

• Preventative strategies to control disease causing organisms and their carriers (vectors).

• Protection of poultry flocks from any type of infectious agent.

• Control transmission of disease from flock to flock.

Biosecurity is the cheapest, most effective

means of disease control available.5

Everyone!

•Commercial producers

•Small flock/backyard poultry owners

•Hobbyists/breeders

•Youth poultry project owners for livestock shows (4-H and FFA members)

WHO SHOULD PRACTICE GOOD BIOSECURITY?

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Because of what might happen:

•Disease and high mortality in flocks

• Infected flocks euthanized

•Loss of income for producers

•Higher prices of poultry meat and eggs•Quarantines and restricted movement/sale of birds

•Cancellation of poultry shows

WHY SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT BIOSECURITY?

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MAJOR COMPONENTS OF BIOSECURITY

• Flock Management• Isolation

• Traffic Control • Cleaning/ Sanitation

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BIOSECURITY MONITORING POINTS

• Humans

• Equipment

• Environment

• Animals

• Contaminated eggs and chicks

• Contaminated feed9

ENVIRONMENTAL ROUTES OF DISEASE TRANSMISSION

Environmental contaminants:

•wind

•water

•dust

• feathers

•manure

Drying and sunlight are very effective at killing many disease causing organisms. 10

GOOD BIOSECURITY PRACTICES

• Keep pets, wild birds and animals and other livestock away from the flock

• No trading or purchase of untested birds – quarantine new birds

• Use dedicated footwear/clothing or disposable coveralls and boot covers when checking your birds

• Hand washing before and after handling birds, manure, coops, eggs, etc.

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ISOLATION MEASURES

• Confine flocks to controlled environment

• Screen houses to protect flock from wild birds

• Avoid contact with migratory waterfowl and other birds

• Restrict visitors

• Do not share equipment, coops or leftover feed

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REDUCE EXPOSURE RISKS

• Control vector habitat and attractants• birds• rodents• varmints• insects

• Make sure pen is animal and bird proof

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MAINTAIN FLOCK HEALTH

Minimize stressors to prevent increased susceptibility to disease

• Fresh feed

• Clean water

• Clean, dry litter

• Good ventilation

• Provide an overall comfortable environment

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CLEANING AND SANITATION

Five steps to cleaning and disinfection (C&D)

1. Dry Clean (remove all organic matter)

2. Soap

3. Rinse

4. Dry

5. Disinfect

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DISEASE/HEALTH CHECKS

• Watch for symptoms such as:

• Coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, ruffled feathers, loss of feathers, excessive picking, labored breathing and sudden drops in production and feed or water consumption

• Eliminate unhealthy or nonproductive birds

• Check birds periodically for lice, mites, and worms

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FINDING HELP

• Local Vet

• Texas Animal Health Commission

• 1-800-550-8242

• http://www.tahc.texas.gov

• Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratories – Poultry Labs

• Gonzales – (830) 672-2834 – Dr. Ficken

• Center – (936) 598-4451 – Dr. Moore

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USDA biosecurity program

• http://healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov/

RESOURCES

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posc.tamu.edu

• Extension • Publications

• Avian Influenza Information (subheading)• PDF materials• Links to websites

http://posc.tamu.edu/texas-agrilife-poultry-extension-specialists/publications

RESOURCES

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