Importance of Biosecurity in Poultry business

Through the implementation of a proper biosecurity program, in addition to highly effective treatment, poultry disease infestations can be controlled. Proper control programs have two steps which are prevention and treatment. Prevent disease infestations through biosecurity and hygiene measurement. Should an infestation occur, treat the birds and clean the poultry houses.

Biosecurity is defined as the protection of the economy, environment, and health of living things from pests, diseases, and bioterrorism. With the constant growth of the world marketplace biosecurity practices on every level from small family farms to large scale livestock and poultry producers are imperative to guarding against the spread of disease.

Primary biosecurity practices include basic cleanliness like washing boots, clothing, and instruments, to monitoring livestock for any symptoms of disease and reporting all reportable diseases to regulation agencies. Some diseases are endemic (already present) in some parts of the country and not in others as well as in some species, but not yet in others. Some diseases are present only in animals and cannot be spread to humans (zoonsis) while others pose a threat to humans. Veterinary science professionals can make the kind of determination livestock owners need in order to decide whether or not they have a reportable condition. It is very important for livestock owners and producers to be aware of the signs of specific diseases such as Avian Influenza and Ranikhet disease.

Biosecurity positions is available at all levels of animal production services. Small farms, large livestock production facilities, federal transit authorities, and stockyard and feedlot industries will have important regulatory practices that must be administered by farmers and veterinary science professionals.

Maintaining the excellent health of poultry flocks is the primary objective of any producer since a healthy flock is usually a profitable flock. Despite all progress in prevention and control of infectious diseases, it is still difficult to keep a commercial poultry facility disease free. Commercial poultry farms continue to be affected by the emergence of new or variant disease agents. Diseases are generally responsible for mortality and reduced growth rate and egg production in poultry flocks. The end result of these diseases is reduced economic returns to producers. The emergence of new diseases and variants of existing diseases are becoming more common in the industry. Genetic changes in the microorganisms might have, in part, contributed to this situation. Similarly, genetic changes in the birds might have also altered their susceptibility or resistance to diseases. Global trading and traveling have made it difficult to keep diseases to limited areas or regions.

Adequate Biosecurity program helps in the early detection and effective identification of contagious disease outbreaks which is very important in implementing harm minimization action. Though biosecurity measures might appear to be functioning soundly, the imminent risk of disease outbreak does not diminish. Immediate action to further prevent the disease from spreading must be taken.

Finally, to avoid the detrimental effects of a poultry disease infestation, it is advisable to conduct a farm biosecurity audit that evaluates protocol measures for various situations.