Controlling traffic on and around the farm can present quite a challenge to flock owners. Yet once implemented, it dramatically reduces the threat of disease. Traffic may include vehicles, people and other animals (such as pets) that move around on the farm. Communicating with personnel who come onto the property about biosecurity measures that have been established is essential. Many people do not practice biosecurity simply because they have not been informed on farm or property procedures. Controlling traffic on the farm is only effective towards biosecurity if practiced correctly and consistently.
People
Have a designated set of work clothes that you wear only when working with your birds. Designated work clothes should not be worn off the farm. Do not allow visitors near birds. If it is necessary for people to visit birds, provide protective outer clothing and disposable plastic footwear before visitors enter the bird area (Carey et al., 1997). Make sure your designated footwear is disinfected with a footbath before entering each bird area (Jeffrey, 2008).
Vehicles
Controlling the amount, as well as, the direction of traffic on the property is one of the most inexpensive forms of biosecurity. Controlling traffic is essential because traffic onto and around the property pose one of the greatest threats to bird health. In a rural community, many people depend on private vehicles to tend to the daily needs of their farm/property and having a separate vehicle only for farm/property use is not feasible. Therefore, maintaining clean vehicles is a must. Post "restricted" signs at drive entrances and near bird areas. This will inform visitors what parts of the property they cannot enter. Also, have vehicles disinfect and scrub down before entering the premises. This ensures that no germs are brought onto your farm accidentally.
Traveling off the Property with your Birds (Jeffrey, 1997)
Traveling to shows and fairs is a fun way to exhibit your birds to other poultry owners. Along with excitement comes responsibility. Show grounds are, unfortunately, excellent areas for diseases to harbor because of the high traffic of people and other poultry. When traveling with your birds, don't forget that biosecurity practiced at home should be practiced away from home as well.
- Use only clean plastic coops for transferring poultry. Do not use wooden crates because they are difficult to clean and can harbor diseases for long periods of time.
- Do not handle other people's birds. You can transfer disease to their birds and vice versa.
- Do not share supplies and tools while at show grounds. Make sure your materials are disinfected routinely during your stay.
- Clean cages or enclosures before placing birds inside.
Make sure your birds do not come in contact with droppings, feathers, dust, or debris from previous birds. Some diseases are able to survive for long periods of time even after the facilities have been left vacant.
Bringing new birds onto the Farm (Carver, 2008)
There may come a time when you want to increase the size of your flock. Two ways to increase the size of your flock is: 1.) allowing chicks to mature and 2.) buying new fowl. Caution should be exercised if you decide to buy new birds. New birds present the greatest risk to biosecurity because their disease history and exposure is unknown (Jeffrey, 1997). Guidelines to follow when buying new birds include:
- Buy all new stock from a supplier/breeder that participates in USDA's National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP). This ensures new birds have been tested free from certain diseases.
- Isolate new birds for 30 days to make sure that no signs of disease appear.
- Confine or fence in ALL flocks. Do not allow wildfowl to come in contact with your birds.
- Feed and care for your original flock first. Wash hands between working different flocks, then tend to new birds.
- Maintain a separate set of clothes to wear when caring for new birds that are confined. Also, use separate tools and supplies when feeding or cleaning new birds.
If you buy a new species of bird to add to your flock, DO NOT mix different species within the same flock. Different species should be raised in separate flocks or separate within enclosures. Mixing species quickly leads to an increase in disease transfer between birds.
References:
- Carey, J.B. Prochaska, J.F. and Jeffrey, J.S. 1997 Poultry Facility Biosecurity. Texas Agriculture Extension Service - The Texas A&M University system. Publication L-5182. htpp://gallus.tamu.edu/depts/poulsci/tech-manuals/preventing_avian_influenza_backyard.pdf. Accessed June 2008.
- Carver, D.K. 2008 Biosecurity for Backyard Flocks. NC State University Extension Services. http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/poultsci/ tech_manuals/preventing_avian_influenza_backyard.pdf. Accessed June 2008.
- Jeffrey, J.S. 1997. Biosecurity for Poultry Flocks. University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine. www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/vetext/INF-PO_Biosecurity.html. Accessed Feb. 2007.