05/12/2017
Biosecurity" may not be a common household word. But, for poultry and bird owners it can spell the difference between health and disease. Practicing biosecurity can help keep disease away from your farm, and keep your birds healthy. Backyard Biosecurity means doing everything you can to protect your flock from disease.
Basic Biosecurity Steps:
1. Keep Your Distance
Restrict access to your property and your birds. Consider fencing off the area where you keep your birds to form a barrier between “clean and “dirty” areas. Only allow people who take care of your birds to come into contact with them, If visitors have birds of their own, DO NOT let them enter your bird area or have access to your birds. Game birds or migratory water- fowl should not have contact with your flock because they can carry germs and disease.
2. Keep it Clean
Wear clean clothing and scrub your shoes with disinfectant. Wash your hand thoroughly with soap and water before entering your bird area. Keep cages clean and change food and water daily. Clean and disinfect equipment that comes in contact with your birds or their droppings, including cages and tools. Remove manure before disinfecting. Properly dispose of dead birds.
3. Don’t Haul Disease Home
Car and truck tires, poultry cages and equipment can all harbor germs. If you travel to a location where other birds are present, or even to the feed store, be sure to cleasn and disinfect these items before returning to your property, Have your birds been to a fair or exhibition? Keep them separated from the rest of your flock for at least 2 weeks after the event. New birds should be kept separated from your flock for at least 30 days.
4. Don’t Borrow Disease From Your Neighbor
Do not share lawn and garden equipment, tools or poultry supplies with your neighbors or other bird owners. If you do bring these items home, clean and disinfect them before they reach your property.
5. Know The Warning Signs of Infectious Bird Diseases
Early detection is important to prevent the spread of disease.
• Sudden increase in bird deaths in your flock
• Sneezing, gasping for air, coughing, and nasel discharge
• Watery and green diarrhea
• Lack of energy and poor appetite
• Drop in egg production, thin soft shelled mishapen eggs
• Swelling around the eyes, neck and head
• Purple discoloration of the wattles, comb, and legs (avian influenza)
• Tremors, drooping wings, circling, twisting of the head and neck
6. Report Sick Birds
Don’t wait. If your birds are sick or dying, contact your agricultural extension office/agent, local vet, local animal heath diagnostic lab or the state vet. Or call the USDA toll free at 1-866-536-7593