When Can We Stop Worrying About Biosecurity?

Biosecurity-the methods and protocols established to keep animals safe from contagious diseases, parasites, and pests are continuously evaluated. When there was an outbreak of HPAI in the Midwest in the spring of 2015, we increased our biosecurity standards beyond the strict protocols we already had in place. HPAI is Avian Influenza, informally called bird flu. It is a highly contagious disease among birds and if it spreads throughout a farm, it can be quite deadly. So, sure we worry, but mostly we take action, by following our regularly updated biosecurity plans.

Protocols on the Farm 

1. Any vehicles that enter the farm must have their wheels washed with disinfectant that is provided at all entrances.
2. Absolutely no visitors may enter bird facilities or the hatchery.
3. Visitors should have no contact with other poultry or wild birds 24 hours prior to entering the premises.
4. Complete separation of crews and bird care duties. Eliminate crossover between different departments such as hatchery, brooder, breeder, bird care, and shipping crews. Crew members should never work in another area the same day without showering and changing into clean clothes. We prefer that staff don’t work in another department until the next day.
5. All tractors, trailers, and trucks must be washed at the end of every day.
6. All equipment must be washed and disinfected between uses and equipment sharing between departments should be avoided.
7. Foot mats with disinfectant are placed and maintained at the entrances of all buildings.
8. Brooder barns will all have Danish entry systems in their workrooms where workers change into clean shoes and coveralls before entering the clean.
9. All farm delivery vehicles will have disinfectant sprayers, coveralls, plastic booties, and an aerosol can of disinfectant.
10. All employees will wear footwear designated for farm use only. Employees change into provided footwear upon arrival and change out of them when going home.
11. Hand sanitizer units are available in all buildings to use upon entering and leaving.
12. Rodent and wild bird plans are in place to eliminate the diseases they can bring into the facility.

 Delivery Truck Protocols 

1. Drivers delivering chicks or birds to customers must spray their vehicle wheels before entering the premises.
2. If the driver gets out of the truck to load or unload, booties and coveralls are to be worn at all times.
3. When leaving the customer’s premises, the driver must spray wheels with disinfectant and spray foot pedals with disinfectant.

Contact Ben Lawton at [email protected] if you have questions about our biosecurity plan. When we work together, all of our game birds stay healthy!