Biosecurity Tips for Poultry Consumers

Avian Influenza

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a significant viral disease found primarily in wild birds. It can cause high mortality rates in waterfowl, birds of prey, vultures, and even sometimes songbirds. Domestic poultry are especially susceptible. The current outbreak of H5N1 HPAI has been ongoing since 2022. Unfortunately, when a poultry flock tests positive for this virus, the birds must be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease to nearby flocks. Depopulation and proper disposal of depopulated birds also help prevent zoonotic infections. A zoonotic disease is one that affects more than one species. Flu viruses, such as HPAI, may naturally mutate to become better at infecting other species if transmission is not prevented. There have been cases of HPAI in dairy cattle and cats during this outbreak. There have also been cases in humans, but most of these cases were in dairy and poultry workers near infected animals, so the risk to the public is still considered to be low.

The loss of poultry flocks is one reason why egg prices increase during HPAI outbreaks. Fewer hens mean fewer eggs entering the food supply, causing prices to increase. Poultry meat prices are not affected as much as eggs. This is partly because of the turnaround between replacing new birds and when their products are ready. Broiler chickens take as little as 6-8 weeks to reach market weight, whereas laying hens take 6 months to mature and begin laying eggs. Overall, prices will vary throughout an outbreak depending on the number of birds affected within a given timeframe, where affected farms are located, availability of replacement birds, and other supply chain factors.

Because HPAI is found in wild birds, it will be almost impossible to eradicate it completely. The best way to prevent domestic poultry from being infected is by practicing good biosecurity. Poultry producers bear much of this responsibility, but consumers can also play a part in helping protect poultry flocks in their local communities. It is good to understand what biosecurity is, the recommended practices, and the different factors that influence disease risk.

What is Biosecurity?

Bio=Life, Security=Protection

Biosecurity includes habits and practices that are done to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases. In animal agriculture, biosecurity seeks to accomplish two goals: avoid the introduction of disease-causing pathogens onto farms with healthy animals and stop the spread of disease from farms with sick animals. Biosecurity helps protect animals from not only HPAI, but also other diseases, pests, and parasites from the outside environment.

You may do biosecurity in your everyday life without even realizing it! Here are a few common actions that demonstrate key biosecurity practices:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): wearing gloves or using bags to pick up pet waste
• Separation: staying home from work or school when feeling sick
• Disinfection: using hand sanitizer (or sanitizing wipes) after handling commonly touched objects, such as fuel pumps or shopping carts

Consumers can contribute to biosecurity efforts by being mindful of fomite transmission, especially when making purchases close to or on farms. Fomites are objects, animals, or even people that can carry pathogens from one place to another. Common fomites include boots, vehicles, and clothing. The level of risk for fomite transmission can vary depending on location, bird presence, and human movement. Knowing where you have been, where you plan to go, and how those movements may affect farms will help guide your biosecurity practices as a consumer.

Large Stores and Public Spaces

Grocery stores, recreation areas, and other locations with high foot traffic are generally not considered biosecure places. However, there are some best practices that consumers and the public can follow to help reduce the risk of HPAI fomite transmission in their local area.

While you cannot control the movements and habits of other people, there are a few things you can do to be more biosecure yourself. Avoid wearing dirty clothes or shoes to public spaces, especially if those items have wild bird or poultry manure on them. HPAI is more stable in organic material and disinfectants do not work on dirty surfaces.

During times of high HPAI risk, such as the spring and fall wild bird migration seasons, take caution or avoid areas where large numbers of waterfowl congregate. Water recreation areas and other locations with surface water, such as ponds and lakes, are highest risk. These areas may even be closed to the public if a significant wildlife disease event has taken place that poses a risk to humans or domestic animals. Please respect these closures and do not trespass in these areas. When public spaces are open, but large groups of waterfowl are observed, it is good practice to remove dirty shoes and clean and disinfect them when leaving. A carwash is also a good idea if you plan to visit any farms or have neighbors with poultry. Avoid feeding birds (waterfowl) in parks or other public places.  Also, consider avoiding stepping in bird droppings on the sidewalk and discouraging wild birds from visiting your property.

Farmers Markets

Smaller markets offer the benefits of public storefronts while also allowing consumers to interact more directly with farmers. Much like other larger public spaces, these locations are not considered biosecure. However, there is a good chance that producers and animal caretakers will be present as vendors or fellow shoppers. They should be following their own biosecurity practices, but consumers do not need to add to the risk! Clean shoes, clothing, and vehicles are important here, too. Consider also avoiding areas of the market where live birds are present if you do not have a reason to enter. When exiting the market, wash or sanitize hands and consider cleaning and disinfecting shoes.

Direct from Farm

Roadside stands and small storefronts are a common sight across Pennsylvania. Purchasing products directly from the farm is a great way to be connected to local agriculture and build community relationships. However, a higher number of visitors entering a farm creates a higher risk for the animals within.

Always respect signage and do not trespass. For roadside stands, pull over in a safe location and do not go further onto the property past the stand. If the producer conducts sales in their own home or elsewhere on the property, make sure to stop at designated areas and follow the producer's directions on where to go. They may have public parking, require you to disinfect vehicle tires before proceeding, or even wear PPE. Once on the property, be mindful of whether you are entering poultry spaces. It is recommended that poultry always be kept in an enclosure such as a barn, coop, outdoor run, or fenced pasture. However, it is possible that some farms may have roaming poultry.

Traveling from farm to farm also increases risk. If you purchase products from several farms, try to avoid going to multiple farms in one day. Also, space out poultry farm visits by waiting at least 72 hours between different poultry contacts. This includes if you have any birds at home, such as poultry, parrots, pigeons, or other feathered pets. If you know you will be visiting a poultry farm, have someone else take care of the birds during the 72-hour period if possible.

Other Ways to Help

Reducing the risk of fomite transmission is one way for consumers to help biosecurity efforts, but that isn't the only way! Another great way is to practice proper handling and cooking of poultry meat and eggs. Humans and other animals that consume undercooked or unpasteurized poultry or dairy products are at risk of foodborne illness. For example, some of the HPAI cases in cats have been linked to the consumption of raw poultry meat. Allowing such infections to occur increases the risk of virus mutations that may lead to zoonotic transmission.