Avian Influenza Advanced Biosecurity Program
Avian Influenza, also referred to as bird flu, is an extremely contagious and devastating disease, which causes high morbidity and mortality rates in poultry (predominantly chickens and turkeys). The consequences of Avian Influenza are immediate and financially severe. However, with thought and planning, a comprehensive Advanced Biosecurity Program can be implemented in order to minimise the impact of potentially catastrophic outbreaks.
STOPPING THE SPREAD:
The virus spreads rapidly through contact with infected birds, contaminated equipment, vehicles, and personnel—particularly during wild bird migration seasons. Preventing transmission requires strict implementation and follow-up of biosecurity protocols, including comprehensive cleaning and disinfection. Success depends on the full commitment of farm management, staff, contractors, and suppliers.
ADVANCED BIOSECURITY:
An effective biosecurity strategy goes beyond basic hygiene. It demands careful planning, standardized procedures, ongoing training, and the use of proven tools and disinfectants.
Conduct a thorough review of biosecurity plans in collaboration with veterinarians, management, and staff, using a risk-based approach to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
Carefully plan all transportation activities, including deliveries, equipment entry, and waste removal. Whenever possible, use separate transport vehicles for infected and healthy farms to prevent cross-contamination.
Limit the movement of personnel between sites, especially during high-risk periods, as advisors, staff, and contractors can inadvertently spread the virus.
Implement strict measures to exclude wild birds, rodents, and other animals from production buildings, as they can act as carriers of disease.
Never share vehicles, equipment or personnel between infected and non-infected sites to maintain strict separation and reduce transmission risk.
Carefully plan all transportation activities, including deliveries, equipment entry, and waste removal. Whenever possible, use separate transport vehicles for infected and healthy farms to prevent cross-contamination.
Limit the movement of personnel between sites, especially during high-risk periods, as advisors, staff, and contractors can inadvertently spread the virus.
Implement strict measures to exclude wild birds, rodents, and other animals from production buildings, as they can act as carriers of disease.
Never share vehicles, equipment or personnel between infected and non-infected sites to maintain strict separation and reduce transmission risk.
Strict separation between clean and dirty areas is essential to effective biosecurity, from Danish entry systems to vehicle cabs. Clear separation lines must be stablished, identified and followed.
Key procedures include proper use of showers, controlled farm entry and exit, disinfection of incoming equipment and risk vehicles, and strict staff and contractor protocols.
On infected farms, bio-containment measures include staff movement control, disinfection of pathways, roads and vehicle routes, proper litter disposal, and thorough cleaning and disinfection between production cycles.
Key procedures include proper use of showers, controlled farm entry and exit, disinfection of incoming equipment and risk vehicles, and strict staff and contractor protocols.
On infected farms, bio-containment measures include staff movement control, disinfection of pathways, roads and vehicle routes, proper litter disposal, and thorough cleaning and disinfection between production cycles.
Effective biosecurity requires full commitment from management, staff, drivers, and visitors. Everyone involved must understand both the serious consequences Avian Influenza and how easily the virus can spread between and within farms.
Biosecurity coordinators plays a key role in maintaining high standards through regular training, review, and retraining – particularly important in environments with high staff turnover. Ongoing compliance is essential; even a single lapse can significantly increase the risk of a biosecurity breach.
Biosecurity coordinators plays a key role in maintaining high standards through regular training, review, and retraining – particularly important in environments with high staff turnover. Ongoing compliance is essential; even a single lapse can significantly increase the risk of a biosecurity breach.