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Avian Influenza Avian Influenza: Biosecurity
Avian influenza (AI) is spread directly from bird-to-bird through secretions and feces,
and indirectly through contaminated feed, water and equipment, including clothing and
boots. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) reminds Canadian bird owners that
following strict biosecurity practices may protect their birds from AI.
What is biosecurity? | Disinfection |
Guidelines and recommendations for bird owners and poultry producers to
protect their birds from avian influenza |
Preventing avian influenza virus from being brought onto your premises
| Common mistakes to avoid
Biosecurity refers to measures that protect the health of livestock by preventing the
transmission of disease. Biosecurity is job security - it is the most important investment
bird owners can make to limit opportunities for the introduction and spread of avian
influenza (AI) and other infectious diseases in their flocks.
Infectious diseases are caused by a large number of agents. We cannot see infectious
agents, so we cannot tell if an article is contaminated by looking at it. However, we must
assume that any article that is dirty is contaminated. Even if an article looks clean,
there is a chance it may be carrying infectious agents.
Avian influenza is spread directly from bird-to-bird through infected secretions and
feces, and indirectly through contaminated feed, water and equipment. There are many types
of infectious agents, some of which are easier to destroy than others. Avian influenza
survives in organic matter.
There are a number of ways to destroy avian influenza (AI) viruses. These include steam
cleaning, fumigation, and use of chemical disinfectants. A wide range of commercial
disinfectants are available on the market. Some products will kill bacteria, but not
viruses, and most will not kill spores. Soil and organic matter rapidly
inactivate most disinfectants, so it is important to first thoroughly clean
the objects with warm water and detergent. Then apply the appropriate disinfectant. Your
veterinarian, the provincial ministry of agriculture, or a local CFIA office can advise
you as to which disinfectant is most suitable for your application. If you are not using
commercial disinfectants, the CFIA recommends a solution of equals parts bleach and water.
Foot baths are important, but only work properly if boots are washed before using the
foot bath, and by keeping the disinfectant properly replenished. Disinfectants should be
changed at least daily, and more frequently in high traffic areas. Vehicles and equipment
should be power-washed with detergent and disinfected on a hard, dry surface, such as a
concrete panel, before entering the premises.
The protection of any domestic poultry or egg operation from avian influenza (AI)
requires a strict set of biosecurity measures, which should be become part of an everyday
routine.
To protect their birds, owners should:
- prevent exposure of birds to wild birds by keeping birds in closed poultry houses, where
possible;
- prevent contamination of feed and water supplies by wild birds;
- seal bird house attics and cover ventilation openings with screens;
- thoroughly and routinely clean all equipment, cages, vehicles, clothing and footwear
before and after coming into contact with birds;
- limit access to poultry houses, and ensure proper hygiene practices for all persons
coming into contact with poultry;
- isolate or avoid introducing new birds into existing poultry flocks; and
- ensure that birds do not have contact with surface water, which may be contaminated with
AI virus.
Avian influenza is characterized by a number of clinical signs. These include:
- lack of energy and appetite;
- drop in production of eggs, many of which are soft-shelled or shell-less;
- swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles, and hocks;
- coughing, sneezing and nervous signs;
- diarrhea;
- sudden death; and
- lack of coordination.
Poultry producers who suspect infection should immediately contact a veterinarian, the
provincial ministry of agriculture, or a local CFIA
office.
Vehicles, equipment and clothing can carry the avian influenza (AI) virus. As a general
practice, bird owners should strictly limit access to their premises. If visitors must
enter, ensure that they take the following biosecurity precautions. These measures can
significantly reduce the risk of AI spread.
Clothing
Clean coveralls or other clothing should be provided for all visitors. Require all
visitors to wear these over their clothes while in your barns. Clean these clothes each
day using normal laundering practices.
Hygiene
Require all visitors to wash their hands before entering your barns.
Footwear
Require all visitors to wear footwear you supply while on your premises. If this is not
feasible, thoroughly clean all debris from footwear with soap and water, followed by
disinfectant*. Foot baths containing disinfectant should be placed at the
entrance of poultry houses to clean footwear upon entering and exiting. As an added
precaution, you may wish to have designated footwear for each poultry barn on your
premises. That footwear should be worn only within its respective barn, and should be
disinfected and left behind when you exit. This will help to increase the effectiveness of
disinfectants.
Vehicles
Place a standard pump sprayer containing disinfectant at the entrance to your property.
Require all visitors to thoroughly spray their vehicles - particularly the tires, wheel
wells and undercarriage - before driving onto your premises.
Equipment
Ensure all equipment brought onto your premises is clean. To further protect against AI
spread, spray equipment with disinfectant.
Security
Ensure your premises are secure. Locked gates should safeguard all entrances to the farm,
and locks should be placed on the doors of chicken barns. Vehicles should be parked at
least 30 metres away from poultry houses.
*Disinfectant: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency recommends using a
solution of equal parts bleach and water.
Quick disinfection
When disinfecting your equipment, allow sufficient contact time for the disinfectant to
take effect before entering the premises. For example, when disinfecting your boots in a
foot bath, boots should be cleaned before stepping into the footbath, and ample time
allowed for your boots to soak before stepping out. Contact time is important -
disinfectants should be applied according to the instructions on the label. Similarly, if
using a solution of bleach and water, allow sufficient time for the chemicals to take
effect.
Dirty foot baths
If the contents of a foot bath are noticeably dirty, it will not work. Foot baths should
be changed at least daily, and more frequently in high traffic areas. In addition, foot
baths must be kept inside or covered. This will help to reduce the threat of
contamination, and to avoid inactivation by sunlight or dilution by rainwater.
Cleaning and disinfecting equipment on dirty surfaces
Cleaning equipment and vehicles on muddy surfaces is ineffective. Disinfecting on dirty
surfaces is also useless. Avoid muddy, dirt and grass surfaces. Wash vehicles and other
heavy machinery on a clean, hard surface, such as a concrete panel. A high pressure
sprayer is recommended to ensure that all grit and grime is washed away prior to
disinfection.
Dense vegetation growth close to poultry barns
Dense vegetation, such as grass and weeds, is home to insects and rodents that may be
carrying infectious diseases, which can be easily transmitted to your flock. Regular
grooming of these areas is recommended, and mowing crews should not have access to poultry
barns.
Parking vehicles close to poultry barns
Vehicles - particularly the tires, wheel wells and undercarriage - should be power-washed
with detergent, disinfected upon entry of the premises, and parked at least 30 metres away
from poultry houses.
Outside animals on the premises
Outside animals, such as dogs, cats or stray animals should not be allowed to roam freely
within the premises. If animals must be present on the site, they should be under strict
control at all times and should never be allowed inside the barns.
Presence of litter close to poultry barns
Composted litter and litter from the same farm may not be as critical, but litter of an
unknown origin can be a major source of infectious agents. Any litter should be kept 300
metres away from poultry barns, at a minimum.
Irregular workflow on the farm
Routine workflow can help to minimize cross-contamination between poultry barns,
especially on farms where flocks vary in age. Always follow the same schedule - preferably
from youngest-to-oldest - when caring for your flock, unless the presence of disease in
one facility calls for a change. There is a greater possibility that older birds could be
carrying avian influenza (AI) viruses.
Presence of a pond on or in close proximity to the farm
Any body of water attracts waterfowl, which can carry infectious agents. All ponds around
poultry houses should be drained. In addition, visitors should avoid going near ponds and
other bodies of water prior to entering the premises.
Unknown health status of flock
Monitor the health of your flock. A program should be put in place to watch over the well
being of your fowl. Avoid the introduction of infected birds or eggs. Early detection of
any disease is critical to minimizing losses.
Presence of wild birds on the premises
Wild birds can be a source of AI viruses. Efforts should be made to keep wild birds away
from air inlets (doors, windows, other openings) of buildings on the premises. Ensure your
facilities are properly fenced in. If your birds are raised outdoors, measures should be
put in place to minimize their contact with wild birds.
For additional information,
visit www.inspection.gc.ca.
P0477E-06 |
