Avian Influenza: What biosecurity measures should be set up?
Posted 22nd January 2018
With epidemics like this, it is essential to ensure that all possible, comprehensive biosecurity measures are introduced, because the economic impact for the industry is enormous, and each new case increases this cost while reducing possible outlets.
Biosecurity advice
If you keep poultry or other captive birds, you must take action to reduce the risk of disease in your flock by following government advice on biosecurity. Good biosecurity improves the overall health and productivity of your flock by helping keep out poultry diseases such as avian influenza and limiting the spread of disease in an outbreak.This applies just as much if you only have a few birds as pets, or if you have a large commercial flock. An outbreak of bird flu in back garden chickens results in the same restrictions on movement of birds. It has the same impact on farmers and trade in poultry as an outbreak on a commercial farm. To ensure good biosecurity, all poultry keepers should:
- minimise movement in and out of bird enclosure
- clean footwear before and after visiting birds, using a Defra approved disinfectant at entrances and exits
- clean and disinfect vehicles and equipment that have come into contact with poultry
- keep areas where birds live clean and tidy, and regularly disinfect hard surfaces such as paths and walkways
- humanely control rats and mice
- place birds’ food and water in fully enclosed areas protected from wild birds, and remove any spilled feed regularly
- keep birds separate from wildlife and wild waterfowl by putting suitable fencing around outdoor areas they access
- keep a close watch on birds for any signs of disease and report any very sick birds or unexplained deaths to your vet
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu
Related document
Information_on_the_spread_of_Avian_Influenza_as_of_09_01_2018.pdf