Biosecurity seems like such a scary word, bringing to mind intimidating biohazard symbols and people walking around in paper suits like in science fiction movies. When applied to the poultry industry it sounds like a term that should only be applicable to large farms, the kind who pump out tens of thousands of birds each year.
It’s certainly not something conscientious, small-scale farmers need to think about . . . right?
Unfortunately, following the recent avian flu epidemics in B.C. and Ontario, that led to the euthanasia of tens of thousands of birds, biosecurity is seeming a little more relevant to all farmers these days, big and small. In some respects, because small farms often rely heavily on farm-gate sales or agritourism, small farm biosecurity management can be even more important.
I’ll admit I’m not the best example for biosecurity savvy; while I’m aware of the protocols I don’t always follow through on them as I should. But as a farm writer who spends a lot of time traipsing through other farmers’ fields, I’m often surprised by how few farmers question where my boots have been.
Luke Swale, owner of Earth’s Harvest Farm, a 100-acre farm located outside of Ottawa, Ontario, is a strong believer in biosecurity. Formerly a dairy farmer from New Zealand, Swale has approached farming in Canada from a practical mindset, and sees biosecurity as one more cog in the wheel that helps his farm run smoothly and profitably.
Visitors to a farm practicing biosecurity management should wear protective clothing and footwear to make sure they can’t introduce any disease to the farm. Here, columnist Amy Hogue stands wearing a protective suit and boots with Earth’s Harvest Farm owner, Luke Swale, outside his brood house that is clearly marked as part of a Controlled Access Zone.
“We’ve done the best possible practice that we can,” Swale said, “I never had a problem before but I didn’t want a problem. I’m trying to run a business, not a hobby, and every loss is a loss of income.”
Swale is part of Ontario’s Artisanal Chicken Program, and in 2016 Earth’s Harvest Farm raised more than 2,000 meat birds, and maintained approximately 80 layers. One of the criteria for the Artisanal Chicken Program is that registered farms undertake a biosecurity audit, something Swale is in favour of 100 per cent, understanding that disease prevention and farm management are key to protecting his farm.
Luke Swale should take out stock in this boot company — he keeps multiple pairs of boots at strategic points on the farm and changes footwear before entering different zones to prevent the risk of spreading disease.
Biosecurity protocols in action
According to the National Avian On-Farm Biosecurity Standard (NAOFBS), the principals of biosecurity are simple: prevention of disease, response to disease and recovery from an outbreak. How you achieve all three functions on your farm is called your biosecurity plan, and involves protocols that are followed as part of daily farm management.
Biosecurity practices are specific to each farm, and in Swale’s case the protocols that work best involve a regimen of rotational cleaning, restricting access to certain areas of the farm, eliminating the potential for the introduction of disease and strict management to prevent cross-contamination of birds at different stages of development.
Biosecurity protocols can be as simple as protecting food and water from possible contamination from wild birds and/or animals. Here, Luke Swale is shown with the containers he uses to house his grain. He keeps the containers near his mobile chicken tractors to allow him easy access while also keeping the grain from being contaminated.
“I always go to my brooding houses first, because the youngest are the most susceptible to disease,” Swale explained as an example of a biosecurity management practice.
Swale also staggers chick introduction to allow for a two-week down period in the brooder, where the brooders are cleaned, pressure washed with a vinegar solution, allowed to dry, sprayed again and allowed again to dry. In total, the brooder has 14 days with no sawdust before new chicks are introduced. Swale focuses on ensuring housing is cleaned frequently and birds provided with ample clean shavings, an inexpensive management tool that he claims will go far in preventing disease.
The bigger picture
Dr. Tom Baker, Manager for the Feather Board Command Centre, said that after the 2014-15 U.S. avian flu outbreak that reached across more than 20 states, he no longer feels outbreaks occur randomly. An analysis following the U.S. epidemic looked at why some farms were infected while others weren’t. The answer, according to Baker, is “old fashioned biosecurity.”
Baker acknowledged that while wild birds are capable of moving viruses long distances and contaminating the area around barns, it’s really gaps in biosecurity protocols that will result in the virus being introduced into the barn. Baker also pointed out that a biosecurity gap can occur anywhere, from the smallest to the biggest farm, and can come from something minor like boots that didn’t get changed.
“It’s important to monitor wild birds, it gives you an idea of what’s out there, but if your farm is using the proper biosecurity principals, then we don’t think you’re going to get infected,” Baker said, “The studies are showing there’s a biosecurity gap.”
The bigger picture for biosecurity can be harder to see when you’re knee deep in chicken manure, but its importance to the poultry industry can’t be underrated. Chicken Farmers of Ontario, director of communications and public affairs, Michael Edmonds, is clear about the responsibility we all have as farmers to take biosecurity seriously, not just for ourselves and our farm, but for the poultry industry as a whole.
“Biosecurity is a very important part of farming,” Edmondson said, “You’re helping the industry protect itself from future outbreaks of viruses.”
Interested in learning more about avian biosecurity and how to implement it on your farm? Access a complete list of the National Avian On-Farm Biosecurity Standards by visiting the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website at www.inspection.gc.ca.
Biosecurity terminology
--Controlled Access Point (CAP): Visually defined entry points through which all traffic will enter the CAZ and/or the RAZ.
This sign at the end of Luke Swale’s driveway is considered sufficient for a Controlled Access Point for his farm. If there is an outbreak on his farm he is easily able to block the driveway with a chain or gate to prevent entry.
--Controlled Access Zone (CAZ): The land and buildings that make up the poultry production areas and that are accessible through a controllable access point.
--Restricted Access Zone (RAZ): The part of the farm inside the CAZ that is used to physically house poultry and where access is more restricted than in the CAZ.
Despite ample signage on his 100-acre property, Luke Swale explained that he still has people unfamiliar with the signage enter his property without following the instructions on the signs. More awareness of what the biosecurity signs actually mean is needed.
How do you rate?
Not sure how your farm would fare in a biosecurity audit? Here’s a rundown of some basic principles you should be incorporating onto your farm.
Access Management
Does your farm:
- Have a clear demarcation for controlled and restricted zones, and controlled access point
- Control the movement of people and animals between the different zones
- Have a means of restricting access to essential visitors only
Animal Health Management
Does your farm:
- Purchase birds only from healthy sources
- Have a quarantine procedure for new birds that allows for a minimum of 30 days before introducing to your flock
- Begin flock handling with the youngest birds and end with the oldest
- Monitor flocks for any signs of disease or illness
- Allow facilities a “down time,” or period of time without birds, to break the pathogen cycle
Operational Management
Does your farm:
- Have a plan for the proper disposal of mortalities and manure or bedding
- Ensure food and water are stored properly in a manner to reduce the risk of contamination
- Regularly remove soiled bedding
Principles taken from the National Avian On-Farm Biosecurity Standard
- Amy Hogue