Biosecurity basics for small flock owners: 5 steps

Some bird diseases, such as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) also known as "bird flu" and velogenic Newcastle disease, can spread quickly and cause serious illness or death in many bird species. Fortunately, you can protect your birds and keep them healthy using biosecurity practices.

Follow these 5 easy biosecurity rules to protect your flock:

1. Keep wild birds and animals away

Wild birds and other animals can carry diseases, bacteria and parasites that may harm your flock.

They can spread disease through:

• direct contact or
• contaminating:
  • feed
  • water
  • bedding
  • equipment
  • clothing

Keep them away to protect your animals by:

• limiting outdoor access for your birds when possible
• properly storing and managing feed, water, compost and manure to avoid attracting wildlife
• securing barns, ventilation openings and bedding storage to prevent wild animal entry
• using deterrents like lasers, noise devices or reflective tape
• cleaning up spilled feed and litter quickly to avoid attracting wildlife inspecting your barns to make sure that wild birds aren't building nests inside and check for any water leaks – especially during snow melt, when melting snow can cause water to enter the barn

Keep in mind

Barns located near wetlands or ponds may attract waterfowl (ducks and geese) – known carriers of bird flu – which can increase the risk of exposing your flock

2. Clean regularly and thoroughly

Viruses, parasites and bacteria can live in organic matter such as litter, old feed and soil. Regular cleaning and disinfection are essential to reduce the risk of your birds' contracting diseases like avian influenza, which can spread easily in unclean environments.

• Clean coops, cages, tools and feeders often
• Wash your hands, shoes and clothes before and after handling birds
• Never share equipment with other bird owners
• Safely dispose of dead birds and unused eggs
  • Through incineration, composting or burial
    Provincial legislations vary
• Clearly define hygiene zones and enforce strict clean/dirty area separation

How to properly disinfect

Most disinfectants will not work properly if there is a presence of organic matter in the way. That's why it's important to clean everything first before using any disinfectant.

A simple 3-step cleaning process is recommended. Do this outside or in a room with good air ventilation, wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself.

• Step 1. Remove all organic material from footwear, tools and other equipment with a brush or sponge, using detergent and clean, hot water.
• Step 2. Scrub again, using a solution of 50 millilitres of household bleach (sodium hypochlorite, 5% to 6%) and 4 litres of water. Let stand until the surface is dry.
• Step 3. Lastly, scrub with hot water and common household disinfectant following the label directions.

3. Spot the signs and report early

Bird owners are legally responsible to notify authorities of serious bird diseases like avian influenza. Call a veterinarian or a local office of the CFIA if you suspect your birds are sick.

Signs to look for include:

• lack of energy, movement or appetite
• fewer eggs than usual swelling around the head, neck and eyes
• coughing, gasping for air or sneezing
• nervous signs, tremors or lack of coordination
• diarrhea; or
• sudden death

It is always better to be overcautious. Report any bird that you think may be sick. Early reporting can greatly limit the effect of a disease on the health of your birds.

What to expect if your animals may be infected

4. Limit visitors to your birds

People can spread diseases, too.

• Don't let visitors near your birds unless necessary
• If they must visit, make sure their hands, boots and clothes are clean
• Provide boot covers or a disinfecting foot bath
• Clean vehicle tires and wheel wells before entering your property
• Assign dedicated staff and equipment to each barn where possible

5. Keep new birds separate before entering your flock

Avoid introducing disease to your birds by taking proper precautions

• Keep new birds separate from your existing flock for at least 30 days to monitor for signs of illness
• Only purchase birds from reputable suppliers that follow strict disease control practices
• Birds returning from shows or exhibitions should be kept apart from your flock for at least 2 weeks before reintroducing them
• Avoid any unnecessary movement of birds between barns

During a production cycle of a small flock

• plan flock depopulation to minimize overlapping production stages
• use fresh bedding and avoid adding or reusing during the production cycle
• house birds of similar age or production cycle together

Additional information

• Poultry biosecurity
• National avian on-farm biosecurity standard (second edition)
• Keep your birds safe