Section 3. Biosecurity

Traffic Control

Movement of people, vehicles, and equipment between bird owners should be limited as viruses can be carried on clothing, tires, and tools. Follow these guidelines to prevent the spread of disease.^8,10,11

Daily Routine:

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.

Visitors:

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.

Business:

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.

USDA APHIS - Making a Footbath

Photo Credit: Dr. Jennifer Timmons

FEMA: John Ficara