Biosecurity – the first step in prevention of avian influenza
The threat of the devastating avian influenza virus remains high, and outbreaks of bird flu in poultry farms have been increasing worldwide.
Avian influenza is a virus that occurs naturally among wild aquatic birds. Infected birds can shed the virus in their nasal secretions, saliva and feces, which can infect domestic poultry species. This leads to severe consequences for animal health, welfare and production as well as great financial losses.
Biosecurity is crucial in preventing both highly pathogenic avian influenza and low pathogenic avian influenza from entering a farm. Strict hygiene measures apply to farmers, staff, and visitors. When highly pathogenic avian influenza is detected, immediate action is required to prevent its spread, including culling, surveillance, and quarantine.
The virus can survive for long periods on surfaces, requiring regular biosecurity reviews with veterinarians and farm staff. Effective biosecurity starts with identifying entry points, limiting movement of poultry and personnel, and thorough cleaning and disinfection.
The Intra Hygiene Programme offers the an effective cleaning and disinfection solution. As every farm situation can differ, contact your local distributor or Intracare for specific advice.
How does the bird flu spread?
The virus can enter the body through the eyes, nose, mouth, or by inhaling contaminated dust or droplets. Outbreaks of avian influenza often occur in the fall and winter when migratory birds, especially waterfowl, travel to Europe, Asia, and Africa. These birds can carry the virus without showing symptoms and spread it to others through saliva, nasal discharge, feathers, and feces.
Domesticated birds can become infected by avian influenza through several routes:
- Direct contact with infected (wild) birds
- Contaminated surfaces, such as equipment, housing, surrounding areas
- Infected materials, such as footwear, clothing, crates, and tools
- Contaminated vehicles or transport equipment
- Airborne dust from infected barns or surrounding areas
- Pests carrying the virus
- Contaminated feed and water
Essential biosecurity measures to protect your farm against the bird flu
It is essential to follow a strict biosecurity protocol to prevent avian influenza virus from entering the farm. This is a fundamental step in how to protect your birds from infection, ensuring that the right products are used at the right time. The following protocol details the necessary steps and products to ensure maximum biosecurity.
Steps in cleaning and disinfection:
- Dry cleaning – Remove as much material as possible using mechnical and manual methods.
- Wet cleaning – High pressure washing with or without soaking.
- Detergent soaking – Use Intra Foamcleaner to remove stubborn dirt.
- Wash off – High pressure washing to remove dissolved dirt.
- Drying – Allow surfaces to dry, prevent puddle forming
- Disinfection – ensure the correct dosage of Intra Multi-Des GA and contact time. Do not rinse.
- Drinking water disinfection – Use Intra Hydrocare to clean and disinfect the drinking water (system). Especially when the incoming water could be contaminated by wild aquatic birds, continuous drinking water disinfection is important.
