Biosecurity Recommendations for Small Flock Poultry Owners

Agdex#:	450/10
Publication Date:	12/05
Order#:	05-079
Last Reviewed:	12/05
History:	Original Factsheet
Written by:	Babak Sanei - Lead Veterinarian, Disease Prevention Poultry/OMAFRA; Paul Innes, Lead Veterinarian, Provincial Biosecurity/OMAFRA

1. Restrict Visitors and Observe Proper Hygiene
2. Prevent Contact with Wild Birds
3. Don't Bring Disease Home
4. Recognize and Report any Illness
   

• Restrict contact with your birds to those caring for them. If visitors are allowed, provide them with clean coveralls and boots.

• Do not allow people who own their own birds, or who have recently been in contact with other birds (e.g. visiting another flock, attending a bird show), near your birds. Also, people caring for your birds (staff or volunteers) should not have birds of their own or attend events where birds are present. This increases the risk of introducing diseases to your flock.

• Have separate clothing and footwear for use when dealing with your birds. These can be kept at the entrance to the structure or enclosure.

• Wash and disinfect boots and any equipment that comes in contact with the birds or their droppings, such as shovels, scoops and brooms. Clean cages, food and water surfaces on a daily basis.

• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after dealing with your birds.

• Keep your birds in a screened in area or preferably in an enclosed structure where they do not have contact with wild birds. Screen all doors, windows and vents, and make sure they are in good repair.

• Do not use water that may be contaminated with wild bird droppings, such as pond water, for your birds. Test your water at least once a year. If well water is used, it is recommended to use an appropriate water disinfectant such as chlorine.

• Keep feed in a tightly sealed container, protected from birds and rodents.

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• If multiple ages and/or species are kept, minimize contact between groups by keeping them in separate locations.

• If new birds are brought back to your farm, make sure that you get their complete background information, including a history of any diseases and vaccinations. Some vaccines, including some of those used to control Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT), can cause disease in unvaccinated birds. Consult your veterinarian regarding proper vaccination procedures.

• If you take birds to a fair or market, or have new additions to the flock, keep them separate from the rest of the flock (quarantined) for at least 2-4 weeks after returning home, and monitor them for signs of illness. Clean and disinfect cages and equipment used for these birds. Use separate clothing, footwear and equipment for isolated birds, and handle them last. If the same equipment and clothing are used, they should be cleaned and disinfected before and after handling the birds.

• Do not share equipment and supplies with other bird owners. Clean and disinfect before and after using any borrowed or shared items.

• If your birds show signs of disease, such as depression, abnormal egg production or feed consumption, sneezing, gasping, a discharge from the nose or eyes, diarrhea, or sudden death, call your local veterinarian immediately.

• Dispose of dead birds quickly using an approved method, such as burial or composting. Consult your veterinarian first, as he or she may wish to collect samples for laboratory diagnosis.

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