Biosecurity basics: Extension educators share tips

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Biosecurity practices protect farmers and their animals from disease.

Purdue Extension educators Torey Fischer, Geoff Lossie and Darrin Karcher shared considerations for backyard and small flock poultry farmers to keep in mind.

The three main components of biosecurity are:

1. Isolation — Keep your birds away from wildlife and other animals.

Animal tips:

• Don’t let dogs or cats in with your flock.

• Keep wild birds and wildlife away from your birds.

• Remove dead birds quickly.

• Quarantine all new birds at least 21 days before mixing them with your current birds.

2. Traffic control — Limit people who visit your flock.

People tips:

• Shower and change clothes after being around other birds before seeing your birds.

• Limit people coming to see your birds.

• Limit going to see other birds.

• If possible, have visitors put on clean boots and clothes, and ask them not to interact with other poultry prior to visiting your flock.

3. Sanitation — Keep your equipment and buildings clean.

Equipment tips:

• Clean out your chicken coop or building at least twice per year.

• Keep the area around the coop clean from waste and debris where rodents can hide.

• Mow grass 10 feet around the chicken coop to ward off rodents.

• Wash and disinfect water containers weekly.

• Clean and disinfect all equipment you use, such as feeders, waterers, nests and crates.

• Do not share equipment with others who have poultry.

The USDA Healthy Birds Hotline is 866-536-7593. Learn more at tinyurl.com/5n8c487z.