Vets discuss the term biosecurity a lot and especially when we are dealing with groups of animals such as dairy herds or chicken flocks. Successful flock biosecurity will prevent the movement of diseases from and to our birds with aim to maintain excellent animal and human health.
Vet Ben South says "We are seeing a rising challenge from avian viruses such as Avian Influenza and Infectious Bronchitis, maintaining simple biosecurity measures at home will give your small flocks the best chances of maintaining good health."
You may be wondering how 'good biosecurity' may look and be achieved so here are a few simple ways of doing just that:
Zoning
There are three main biosecurity zones with any poultry flock. We have the DIRTY ZONE which is anywhere outside from where the birds have access to and poses a real threat to humans and other animals from picking up diseases and bringing them in to your flock. There is then the INTERMEDIATE ZONE which is often relatively small, but an area where decontamination can occur. There should be at the least a change of footwear here and if possible an outside coat or overall to wear over existing clothes. These measures are to prevent dirty zone clothes/shoes entering the next zone, the CLEAN ZONE. This is the area where your birds are and have access to, this should be fenced to contain their movement. In the clean zone, specific footwear should be used and not worn outside this area.
Disinfecting
In addition to your biosecurity zoning there needs to be the ability to disinfect footwear when transitioning in and out of the intermediate zone. Vet Ben says "I would recommend using a lidded plastic container that you can store disinfectant in as a foot dip. You must use a DEFRA approved disinfectant that has been proven to tackle avian pathogens such as INTERKOKASK. These disinfectants should also be used at your weekly and monthly clean outs. I would recommend a weekly clean up of faecal matter and contaminated bedding and each month to do a full wash out of the nest boxes and coop." Disinfectants must be sprayed onto a dry surface as to not dilute them any more.
PPE
In areas of the country that are currently under a housing order due to the immediate threat of Avian Influenza in the wild birds it is critical that not only are you taking biosecurity seriously with measures discussed above but also your own hygiene is maintained. I would recommend wearing gloves and mask when entering your backyard flocks especially when cleaning out the coop. If gloves aren't available then washing your hands as soon as you've left your flock is vital.
Husbandry
Wild birds are the biggest risk to your back yard flock with regards disease transmission. You should aim to do everything you can to mitigate wild birds coming into contact with your chickens. This can be done simply by enclosing your flock in a meshed aviary. It is also critical that food is not left out continuously and that any feeding is done either under cover or inside the coop to prevent attacking wild feeding birds. Keeping good feed hygiene will also help prevent rodents, you should feed fresh pellet or mash daily and only the amount needed in that day. Restrict any unnecessary visitors to your site and avoid going to meet other flocks, especially if you are currently within an avian influenza controlled zone. As mentioned earlier, weekly and monthly clean outs will help prevent disease build up and help keep your hens healthy.
If you have any concerns about the health and welfare of your birds, please contact your local vet. You can find a list of chicken friendly practices HERE
