Biosecurity is the backbone of a healthy poultry operation. Diseases like avian influenza, Newcastle disease, and infectious bronchitis can wipe out flocks, halt production, and cause significant financial losses. Once pathogens enter a poultry house, they can spread rapidly often before you notice symptoms.

Strong biosecurity isn’t just about having rules in place; it’s about consistent, day-to-day habits that prevent disease from entering, spreading, or lingering in your poultry houses.

Control Access to the Farm and Poultry Houses

The fewer people and vehicles that enter your farm, the lower the risk of introducing disease.

• Perimeter fencing and clearly marked entry points help restrict access.
• Maintain visitor logs and allow only essential visitors, such as veterinarians or suppliers.
• Require visitors to wear protective clothing such as clean boots, coveralls, and hairnets.

Example: Some large farms use a “clean/dirty” barrier a bench or step where visitors must change footwear before entering the poultry area.

Entry Point Sanitation

Every person and vehicle is a potential disease carrier.

• Footbaths at every barn entrance, refreshed daily with the correct disinfectant concentration.
• Handwashing or sanitizer stations to reduce hand-borne contamination.
• Vehicle disinfection for feed trucks, service vehicles, and any equipment brought onto the farm.

Tip: Place footbaths in high-visibility areas so staff and visitors are reminded to use them.

Maintain Clean and Dry Housing Conditions

Pathogens thrive in dirty, damp environments.

• Remove wet litter quickly to prevent ammonia buildup.
• Clean and disinfect feeders, drinkers, and nesting boxes between flock cycles.
• Keep storage areas tidy to avoid attracting rodents and insects, which can carry disease.

Case in Point: A farm in the Midwest reduced respiratory disease outbreaks by 60% after implementing a strict litter management schedule.

Separate and Monitor Flocks

Different bird groups have different immune levels.

• All-in, all-out systems bring in birds of the same age at once, then clean and disinfect before the next flock.
• Quarantine new birds for 14–21 days before adding them to existing flocks.
• Keep young birds away from older ones to avoid disease transfer.

Implement Pest and Wildlife Control

Wild birds, rodents, and insects can introduce pathogens.

• Seal gaps in walls, roofs, and floors.
• Maintain traps and bait stations for rodents.
• Use netting or wire to block wild bird entry.

Staff Training and Routine Enforcement

Even the best biosecurity plan fails without proper training.

• Hold regular training sessions for staff on hygiene and disease prevention.
• Post clear signage reminding workers of hygiene rules.
• Assign a biosecurity officer to monitor compliance.

Health Monitoring and Record Keeping

Daily flock checks allow early detection of problems.

• Monitor feed and water intake, droppings, and general behavior.
• Keep detailed health and production records to spot trends or recurring issues.
• Contact a veterinarian at the first sign of unusual mortality or symptoms.

Preparedness for Outbreaks

Have a clear plan ready in case disease occurs.

• Identify isolation pens or barns for sick birds.
• Know the reporting requirements for notifiable diseases in your region.
• Be ready to restrict movement of people, equipment, and products if necessary.