Section 3. Biosecurity

1. Isolation
2. Traffic Control
3. Decontamination/Sanitation

• Poultry housing should be away from public roads.
• Avoid setting up near ponds or stagnant water sources as they attract wild birds. Housing area should also drain well.
  
• Houses or pens should have a solid roof and sides to prevent contact with infected wild birds or their droppings.
• If your birds are outside, try to keep them in a screened area. Consider placing a tarp or mesh netting over the fence to protect your poultry from wild birds and the elements.
  
• Food and water should be provided only in the covered area.
• Limit the amount of free standing food that may attract wild animals and keep stored food covered.
• A fence with locks should be set up around the housing as another barrier.
• Ensure birds have adequate space, light, and ventilation.

• Different species and ages should be kept separate if possible. Some diseases may be worse in one group.
  
• Avoid introducing new birds to your old flock. Depending on your flock size, “All In - All Out” is a good approach to prevent disease. This means that one flock is brought in and no more birds are added until that flock is taken out.
• When purchasing new birds, ensure they are from a reputable seller, who participates in the USDA's National Poultry Improvement Plan. This ensures birds are free of avian influenza and other devastating diseases.
• If new birds are introduced, they should be isolated in quarantine for 30 days before being added to the rest of the flock.
• Sick birds should be isolated in quarantine for 30 days as virus can be spread for up to four weeks after infection.
• Avoid live bird markets.

• Practice rodent and insect control (such as mouse traps, baits, and insecticides) as these pests can carry viruses and spread disease.
  
• Line gravel around the outside of the poultry house and keep the grass short to discourage rodents from nesting.

• Wash your hands before and after handling birds.
  
• Set aside rubber boots and clothing that are only worn around your birds.
  
• Wear clean clothes when you enter the poultry area. Change and launder clothes after exiting the area.
  
• Use disinfectant footbaths at the entrance to pens of different ages or types of birds within the flock.

• Try to keep people away from your birds.
• Do not allow people with other birds to come in contact with yours.
• Provide clean clothes and footwear for visitors to wear.
  
• Post biosecurity signs to prevent unauthorized visitors from entering your poultry premises.
• Pave roads or line with gravel to prevent mud accumulation on tires which may carry disease.
• Clean vehicle tires before and after a visit every time a vehicle goes on site.
  

• Avoid sharing animals or equipment with other backyard flock owners.
• Decrease potential disease exposure by conducting business by telephone when possible.
  
• Clean and disinfect your shoes and clothing after you visit bird exhibits, auctions, or other locations and before you go near your birds.

Sanitation is a means of promoting health by preventing contact with wastes.

Decontamination is a two-part process involving cleaning and disinfecting in order to reduce or remove pathogens.

Handling Materials:

• Do not use your bare hands when handling waste materials; always wear gloves.

• Prevent direct contact by using tools such as shovels, pitchforks, and wheelbarrows.

• Always wash your hands after handling waste materials; never rub your eyes, eat, or drink if you have dirty gloves on or have not washed your hands with soap and water.