BIOSECURITY ADVICE FOR POULTRY FLOCKOWNERS

1. Poultry farmers should ensure that they have a good perimeter fence around the site, and that there is a single entrance/exit, with a lockable gate. Small flocks should also be fenced in.

2. All poultry houses should be bird and rodent-proof, and always keep the doors closed. Wild birds, especially pigeons and waterfowl, are a particular risk. Bird-proof netting should have apertures no larger than 25mm.

3. Only allow essential visitors to have access to the poultry site, and provide farm or disposable overalls and footwear for visitors and staff. Provide hand-washing facilities, and insist that these are used by staff and visitors.

4. Provide footbaths containing approved disinfectant* outside each poultry house. Ensure that the disinfectant is used at the recommended dilution rate, and change the disinfectant at least twice weekly.

5. Only allow essential vehicles onto the site. Staff, service vehicles etc. should be parked outside the perimeter. Insist that all vehicles that have to enter the site have been cleaned and disinfected beforehand.

6. Keep house surrounds free of vegetation and debris, and disinfect the surrounds regularly.

7. Operate an all-in/all-out policy when stocking houses, and only buy replacement birds from reputable sources.

8. Only allow equipment that has been cleaned and disinfected into poultry houses. Always store equipment in a bird and rodent-proof location following disinfection.

9. Always store shavings in a bird and rodent-proof location. Do not allow pet animals into stores or poultry houses.

10. Store dead birds in a lidded container. Dispose of carcases regularly in a safe manner. If the carcases are due to go for rendering, leave the container at the perimeter of the site for collection.

*A list of approved disinfectants can be found at: http://www.agriculture.gov.ie