Importance of biosecurity measures with poultry

IT WON’T come as a surprise to many of you that we have unfortunately been hit by a wave of Avian Influenza here in the UK with over 79 cases currently recorded to date, with three of those being here in Wales.

Thankfully now the Restricted Zones around those three premises have been lifted.

Therefore, I thought I would take the opportunity in this column to highlight the importance of biosecurity measures when it comes to keeping poultry.

There are several things that poultry keepers, no matter how big or small your flock is, can do to help protect your birds, and minimise the risk of losing your flocks to bird flu.

New housing measures were introduced in November to stop the disease from spreading.

This means that keepers are legally required to keep birds indoors and follow biosecurity measures.

Wild birds and other wildlife can spread the disease, so it is vital to not allow wild birds to mix with chickens, ducks, geese, or other birds. It is also possible for people to spread the disease on their clothes and shoes so you should always wash your hands before going into a bird enclosure as well as changing or cleaning and disinfecting your footwear.

You should also do this after you leave the enclosure, and if possible, use disposable, protective clothing. Vehicles and equipment should also be disinfected.

Also remember it is essential that boots and vehicles are clean before disinfection otherwise the efficacy of the disinfectant is much reduced.

You should reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment coming and going from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept. This will minimise contamination from manure, slurry, and other products, and you should use effective vermin control.

Housing should also be thoroughly cleansed and disinfected on a continuous basis and fresh disinfectant, at the right concentrate, should be kept at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points. It is also essential to use disinfectant approved for poultry units.

You should minimise the direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds. It is worth noting that whilst the main source of infection comes from migratory wild birds, those failing to implement these measures risk infecting their own flocks by walking the virus into their holdings.

It has become clear this year that resident wild birds have also been infected. I must also highlight that the risk to human health from this strain of avian influenza is very low. It is safe to continue eating poultry meat and eggs as usual and following cooking guidelines. Welsh Government encourage all keepers to register their birds on the poultry register, which is a legal requirement if you have more than 50 birds.

Doing this will mean you are kept up to date with any information or required action should an outbreak happen in your area. You can do this by visiting the Welsh Government website.

Finally, do not pick up any dead of sick birds that you find but instead report it straight away to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77. You should also report suspicion of disease here in Wales by phoning 0300 303 8268 or contacting your own vet. Please, remain vigilant.