Overview
Biosecurity refers to a range of measures and practices aimed at minimizing the occurrence, transmission, and impact of infectious diseases in poultry populations. It plays a crucial role in preventing the outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in poultry flocks. Implementation of effective biosecurity measures throughout various stages and aspects of poultry production, not only can reduce the risk of HPAI incidence, but it also establishes a legal basis for compensation in the unfortunate event of flock loss due to HPAI. Furthermore, robust biosecurity protocols also help limit the spread of the disease in the event of an HPAI outbreak. It is important to note that adherence to an approved Biosecurity Plan, made according to the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) principles, is essential for obtaining permits to move poultry and poultry products during HPAI outbreak.
Risk Factors of HPAI in Commercial Broiler Flocks
HPAI can enter poultry farms through two primary routes: direct contact with infected birds and indirect transmission via humans, feed, water, equipment, or rodents. The risk factors of HPAI incidence in a poultry premises are-
- Breach in Biosecurity
Lack of perimeter fencing and controlled access points, improper ventilation, inadequate disinfection of vehicles and equipment, free movement of unauthorized personnel, etc. increase the risk of HPAI in Commercial Poultry.
- Movement of Infected Birds and Equipment
Introduction of the Infected Birds or Equipment into the broiler operation can spread the HPAI. This occurs mostly through purchase of new birds, sharing of the equipment between two or more premises, and contaminated vehicles. It is recommended to quarantine newly arrived birds for at least 30 days before mixing them to the existing flock.
- Proximity of the Premises to Wild-Bird Migration Route
Commercial Poultry premises located near the migration pathways have higher risk of HPAI introduction through contaminated droppings, water, or dust.
General Biosecurity Measures against HPAI
The USDA recommends these six simple biosecurity measures to lower the risk of Bird Flu entering your flock.
- Restrict Access
Limit the entry to the poultry premises, allowing only the authorized personnels. The visitor should not be allowed be allowed near poultry and if necessary clean and disinfected footwear and clothing should be provided. Provision of footbath at the entrance, shower, and a place to change clothes is very important to maintain stringent biosecurity.
- Maintain Cleanliness
Maintain cleanliness and hygienic practices in the premises. Wearing clean clothes, regularly disinfecting footwear, cleaning and disinfection of facility, equipment and vehicles help in preventing the HPAI in the flock.
- Do not bring Disease Home
When you, your employees, or family members have been to other farms or places where there are livestock and/or poultry, it is crucial to clean and disinfect your vehicle tires and equipment before returning home. Also, ensure to change your clothes and wash your hands before rejoining your flock.
- Do not Share Equipment with Neighboring Farms
Avoid sharing equipment, tools, or supplies with nearby farms or other owners of livestock or poultry. If you do share or sharing becomes necessary, make sure to thoroughly clean and disinfect the items before bringing them back to your own property.
- Be Vigilant for any Bird Flu symptoms.
Be familiar with the major diseases affecting the poultry and watch for any unusual behavior, symptoms, and sudden mortality. Regular assessment of flock health can help in the early detection of disease which helps to stop the spread of disease.
- Timely reporting of the Disease
Promptly inform your company veterinarian, local extension office, state, and federal Animal Health Officials if you see any serious or unusual health in your poultry. The USDA provides a toll-free hotline (1-866-536-7593) with veterinarians ready to aid.
Addressing the Risk of HPAI in Free-range Poultry Flock
The risk of high HPAI is high for free-range poultry, especially those reared near migratory corridors of wild birds. These precautions, nonetheless, can help farmers to reduce the risk in their flock:
- Strict biosecurity measures
Implement controlled access, perimeter fencing, and proper sanitation practices to limit contact with potential sources of HPAI.
- Location planning
Position free-range flocks away from high-risk areas such as known wild bird habitats or migration routes.
- Regular monitoring
Keep a close eye on flock health, behavior, and mortality rates, and promptly report any signs of illness.
- Good flock management
Maintain hygiene by regularly cleaning and disinfecting the free-range area, water sources, and equipment, while practicing proper waste management to prevent disease vectors.
Important Biosecurity Links
- BEAT-HPAI: A Web Tool for Self-Assessment of Biosecurity against HPAI
- NPIP 14-point biosecurity Principles
- NPIP Biosecurity Plan Audit Checklist
- Information manual for implementing Poultry Biosecurity
- Biosecurity plan Template
- How to create a site map for a Biosecurity Plan
- Biosecurity Videos
Acknowledgment:
This work is supported by the Smith-Lever Special Needs Competitive Grant, project grant number 2022-41210-38062, from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the University of Maryland, College Park. ( you can add logos for UMD and USDA NIFA as you see fit)
Project Title: Biosecurity Compliance Audits to Prevent Outbreaks of HPAI and Risk-Based Planning to Improve Outbreak Response.
Project Team: Dr. Nathaniel Tablante, Dr. Mostafa Ghanem,Dr. Jonathan Moyle, Jennifer Rhodes, and Maegan Purdue, Madhusudan Timilsina