1. Biosecurity for poultry
Dr. Audrey McElroy
Professor and Extension specialist
Department of Poultry Science

2. Disease Prevention diseases of detriment to bird health
There are basically 2 types of diseases that must be considered in poultry production:
diseases of detriment to bird health
diseases of potential human health concerns

3. Causes of Health Issues
Pathogens
bacteria, viruses, parasites, protozoa, fungi
Nutritional deficiencies
Chemical poisons
Overmedication
Poor management

4. Biosecurity What is “Biosecurity”? What is a vector?
Protecting your birds from disease
Preventing or controlling disease transmission by vectors
What is a vector?
Something that may transmit a disease
Rodents, birds, insects, shoes, car tires, shared equipment, best friend, pet, feed, water, dust, air….

5. Biosecurity
Preventative strategies to control disease causing organisms and their carriers (vectors).
Protection of poultry flocks from any type of infectious agent.
Control transmission of disease from flock to flock.
Biosecurity is the cheapest, most effective means of disease control available.

6. Who should practice good biosecurity?
Everyone!
Commercial producers
Small flock/backyard poultry owners
Hobbyists/breeders
Youth poultry project owners for livestock shows (4-H and FFA members)

7. Why should I be concerned about biosecurity?
Because of what might happen:
Disease and high mortality in flocks
Infected flocks euthanized
Loss of income for producers
Higher prices of poultry meat and eggs
Quarantines and restricted movement/sale of birds
Cancellation of poultry shows

8. Major Components OF Biosecurity
Flock Management
Isolation
Cleaning/
Sanitation
Traffic Control

9. Biosecurity Monitoring Points
Humans
Equipment
Environment
Animals
Contaminated eggs and chicks
Contaminated feed

10. Environmental Routes of Disease Transmission
Environmental contaminants:
wind
water
dust
feathers
manure
Drying and sunlight are very effective at killing many disease causing organisms.

11. Good Biosecurity Practices
Keep pets, wild birds and animals and other livestock away from the flock
No trading or purchase of untested birds – quarantine new birds
Use dedicated footwear/clothing or disposable coveralls and boot covers when checking your birds
Hand washing before and after handling birds, manure, coops, eggs, etc.

12. isolation Measures Confine flocks to controlled environment
Screen houses to protect flock from wild birds
Avoid contact with migratory waterfowl and other birds
Restrict visitors
Do not share equipment, coops or leftover feed

13. Reduce exposure Risks Control vector habitat and attractants
birds
rodents
varmints
insects
Make sure pen is animal and bird proof

14. Maintain Flock health
Minimize stressors to prevent increased susceptibility to disease
Fresh feed
Clean water
Clean, dry litter
Good ventilation
Provide an overall comfortable environment

15. Cleaning and Sanitation
Five steps to cleaning and disinfection (C&D)
Dry Clean (remove all organic matter)
Soap
Rinse
Dry
Disinfect

16. Disease/Health Checks
Watch for symptoms such as:
Coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, ruffled feathers, loss of feathers, excessive picking, labored breathing and sudden drops in production and feed or water consumption
Eliminate unhealthy or nonproductive birds
Check birds periodically for lice, mites, and worms

17. Finding Help Local Vet Texas Animal Health Commission
Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratories – Poultry Labs
Gonzales – (830) – Dr. Ficken
Center – (936) – Dr. Moore

18. Resources
USDA biosecurity program

19. Resources posc.tamu.edu
Extension
Publications
Avian Influenza Information (subheading)
PDF materials
Links to websites
extension-specialists/publications