What is Biosecurity?

Biosecurity requires the adoption of a set of attitudes and behaviors by people, to reduce risk in activities involving poultry production and marketing. That said, it must be clear that even a comprehensive biosecurity plan cannot completely eliminate the possibility of disease, but it can significantly reduce the probability of disease entering a farm. One should remember that it is often not possible to demonstrate direct benefits from a biosecurity plan from just one growth cycle. Improved health, production and profitability usually occur gradually over several production cycles.

A biosecurity plan should be comprehensive and include detailed components that are practical and easily understood by farm staff; complicated biosecurity plans, which are difficult to implement, will fail. An effective plan is achievable if it is farm-specific, as there is no standard formula applicable to all commercial poultry farms; each farm has its own unique conditions which require specialized solutions. All of the farm’s staff members should take part in the development and implementation of the biosecurity plan. This assures a full understanding, involvement and commitment for the success of the plan.

Consistency in following biosecurity rules as well as the on going evaluation of the efficacy of the plan throughout the year is very important. The plan should be dynamic, ever evolving, with the ability to fit into the changing situation in the field. One must keep in mind that any change in protocols and procedures must always be assessed for the risk of the introduction of pathogens.

The three elements of biosecurity

A biosecurity plan must be part of a farm’s good management practices. This would include: the provision of high quality feed and water, adequate temperature and ventilation, sufficient floor space, as well as feeder and drinker space for every bird. These are all are factors that can have an impact on the birds’ immunity, affecting their ability to resist disease if exposure occurs.

Maintaining a regular flock record provides essential information and understanding regarding flock health and development status. This information enables one to gauge performance in comparison to previous production cycles or current cycles on other farm sites. It is important to keep records of the source and number of birds being placed on the farm, the daily mortality and culls, the daily feed and water consumption, and any vaccinations, medications or vitamins that are being administered. Any biosecurity plan regardless of farm size or production type should contain the three essential elements of biosecurity:

The 3 essential elements of Biosecurity:

• Segregation & Traffic Control
• Cleaning
• Disinfection

Next chapter: Segregation & Traffic control