Notice to Industry
Protecting Your Poultry Through Biosecurity

October 18, 2010: With migratory birds now in flight, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) encourages poultry producers to maintain a high level of biosecurity. Poultry producers play an important role in protecting the national flock from serious diseases often carried by wild birds.

Implementing routine day-to-day biosecurity can protect your birds from diseases such as avian influenza (AI) and Newcastle disease. AI and Newcastle disease are present in wild bird populations and have the potential to cause serious illness in birds and significant economic losses. To minimize this risk, ensure that your birds and their food and water are kept away from wild animals.

Biosecurity measures apply when managing farm access, animal health and farm operations.

The following key measures should be included in a biosecurity plan:

• Control movements of people, animals, equipment and vehicles.
• Observe your animals daily for signs of disease.
• Routinely clean water lines, animal drinkers and feeders.

Poultry producers who suspect their birds may be sick should immediately contact a veterinarian, the provincial ministry of agriculture, or a local CFIA office.

For more information on the measures you can take to protect your poultry from diseases, visit www.inspection.gc.ca/biosecurity or call the CFIA toll-free at 1-800-442-2342.