Biosecurity Best Practices for Disease Prevention

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- Highly pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu, can devastate your poultry flock.

Let's review important biosecurity rules you should follow to protect your flock from avian influenza, as well as other diseases, and to help stop the spread of these.

There are four basic rules for bird owners: Keep your distance, keep it clean, don't bring disease home, and inspect and assess daily.

And if you find sick birds, report them.

Let's discuss each in more depth.

Biosecurity rule number one is keep your distance.

Prevent direct and indirect contact between your flock and other birds, especially wild birds and waterfowl.

Wild waterfowl are major carriers of bird flu, so keep your birds fenced and covered to prevent interactions.

Limit unnecessary visitors and require boot covers and clean clothes and hands before entering your poultry area.

Ask that your visitors do not have contact with other poultry for 72 hours prior.

Do not use surface water like ponds for your birds and eliminate any standing water near your coop that could attract wild birds.

Wild birds can contaminate the water and ground with infected feces.

Rule number two is keep it clean.

Good sanitation is important in and around the poultry area to prevent disease.

Keep feed enclosed containers and clean up spills quickly to avoid attracting unwanted wildlife and rodents.

Regularly clean and disinfect all equipment, tools, and clothing and hands before and after working in poultry areas.

Clean with soap and water to remove all organic material.

Bird flu can survive in manure, so removing dirt and debris from tools, equipment, clothes, and boots is a crucial first step.

Then apply and follow the directions on the disinfectant.

Rule number three is don't bring disease home.

Avoid areas where lots of birds are gathered.

If you visit a potentially contaminated area, like a poultry show, live bird market, or places where wild birds and water foul frequent, be sure to wash your vehicle and floor mats to remove any potential contaminants.

Everyone should clean and disinfect their hands, clothes, and shoes after visiting these areas.

New birds, or those that have been off the farm, should be quarantined away from the flock for 30 days to prevent introducing new illnesses.

Designate a pair of shoes or boots for only working with your flock.

Dirty shoes from other activities pose a high risk for disease transmission.

Avoid sharing equipment, tools, or supplies with other poultry owners.

If you must share, clean thoroughly and then disinfect.

It's a two-step process.

This practice helps prevent the spread of diseases like bird flu between flocks.

Rule number four is observe and report.

Be vigilant and check your flock daily for signs of illness.

Look for unexpected deaths, lack of energy, decreased appetite, and other unusual behavior.

Early detection of avian influenza is crucial for preventing the spread.

Promptly report any sudden deaths or unusual behavior to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's Avian Hotline number at 717-772-2852 If PDA does not suspect avian influenza, you can call one of the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratories or a private veterinarian for assistance.

Remember, wear clean clothes, have designated boots, wash your hands, and prevent wild birds from interacting with your poultry.

Keep your flock safe from avian influenza and other illnesses with daily biosecurity practices.

For resources on biosecurity, view the avian influenza or poultry pages on the extension.psu.edu website, or call your county Extension Office to be put into contact with a poultry educator near you.