Biosecurity refers to the implementation of policies and practices to minimize the introduction and spread of diseases.
Livestock diseases are often spread through the preventable actions of people. Hence, biosecurity should be a priority for everyone involved in poultry production. Diseases in a flock can easily be identified by locating and identifying the disease through surveillance of the flock by the local community or public awareness through reporting. If infection is discovered all possible sources must be traced and measures need to be taken to stop its spread. Cull infected animals quickly and humanely to stop the spread of diseases in the long term.
Steps to achieve biosecurity
Create a physical barrier for the entry of people and objects and use all-in and all-out management system. Also quarantine newly introduced or returning birds.
Change outer clothes and foot wear when entering and exiting and provide clean water and feed sources. Use poultry housing that is wild birds and rodent- proof and ban bird keeping by poultry workers.
Isolation of flock
Ensure that the poultry and homestead are isolated from the sources of infection by separating different species and preventing the introduction of new birds into the older flock.
Quarantine the new birds and animals that appear to be sick for a period of time before allowing them to join the older flock. Do not return birds from the market without decontamination.
Prevent contact of flock with wild animals to mitigate the effects of cross species contamination.
Controlling traffic
Control traffic by fencing the area where poultry are kept adding gates and pens to help keep unwanted visitors, notify guests to avoid contact with livestock and limit the movement of people and equipment to and from the farm.
Use fresh clothing exclusively for chicken housing including gumboots, clean and disinfect all equipment, wash hands before and after handling poultry and poultry products and adults should dispose off the dead flocks.
Controlling an epidemic
Incase of an epidemic, high level of biosecurity should be enforced for one to understand the levels of threat .
Use green when the level of threat is low and the disease is not present in the country or in neighbouring countries. Use amber when the level of threat is medium and the disease is present in neighbouring countries but a low level.
Use red when the threat is high and the disease is present in the neighbouring countries close to the borders.
