Biosecurity is defined as set of sanitary and preventive measures that are applied to prevent or exist infection causing agents. It includes physical, procedural, and hygiene practices to control diseases.
There are large number of infectious diseases whose prevention and control measures are related to biosecurity, like avian influenza, salmonellosis, marek’s diseases.
ESSENTIAL BIOSECURITY PRACTICES:
1. SEPARATE NEW BIRDS: Place new birds in a separate enclosure for quarantine to detect any infectious agents before they are introduced to the main flock, ensuring health of existing bird. Observe for signs of illness and vaccinate as needed.
2. DISINFECT EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS: Clean feeders, drinkers, and tools daily. Disinfect crates and transport containers between uses.
3. LIMIT HUMAN ENTRY: Restrict unnecessary human access to farm to reduce the risk of disease introduction through contaminated clothing or equipment.
4. OBSERVATION PERIOD: Keep new birds isolated from old stock for at least 21 days. During that period, observe any signs of illness to prevent potential disease outbreak.
5. MAINTAIN CLEAN WATER AND FEED: Regularly flush and sanitize water lines. Avoid moldy feed and store it in dry place.
6. PEST AND RODENT CONTROL: Keep the surroundings clean and dry to deter insects and pests.
ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE:
• Timely removal of dead birds: It’s very important to remove dead birds from the farm to prevent them from becoming source of infection to other.
• Litter management: Maintain litter in dry condition and ensure good ventilation which help to reduce microbial growth.
• Effective disposal methods: Burial, or incineration are the preferred methods for disposing of bead bird.
ADVANTAGES OF FOLLOWING BIOSECURITY:
- It reduces the risk of introducing or spreading deadly diseases like Newcastle disease, avian influenza, mycoplasmosis, and infectious bursal diseases. Prevents both viral and bacterial infections.
- Healthy birds convert feed into meat and eggs more efficiently. It ensures better feed conversion ratio and higher weight gain.
- Biosecurity supports gut health and reduces exposure to pathogens. It also helps your supplements and vaccines to work more efficiently.
- Provides long-term farm sustainability.
- By minimizing disease outbreaks, it reduces overuse of antibiotics. It supports antibiotic-free production.
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