Spring sees the reemergence of new plants, animals, and insects alike. Unfortunately, it also brings with it the reemergence of diseases that we haven’t seen since fall. That makes early spring a good time to check your structural and operational biosecurity to protect your farm, flocks and family from diseases like Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.
While it’s important to be vigilant about biosecurity year-round, spring is a good time to give the farm a thorough biosecurity update. Below, we’ve highlighted a few checklist items to help you get biosecurity in place for the approaching warm weather.
Avoid contact with wild birds. Migratory water fowl and wild birds are the primary carriers of avian influenza. While you can’t do much to control where they fly, you can avoid letting them nest on the farm, taking special care to keep them out of the barns.
Control rodent populations. Spring is also the time where mice and other rodents start making their way out of the wood work. Clean up feed spills, seal up holes in the building, and set rodents traps to keep them out of the houses. Also maintain the vegetation around the houses as it grows to discourage vermin.
Control vehicular traffic. Ensure entry to and from the farm is controlled through one point. Wash and disinfect tires of vehicles upon entry and exit. Keep any employee parking outside of the biosecure area.
Practice cleanliness and sanitation. Use foot baths, boots, and coveralls specific to each barn to limit disease transmission between barns.
For more detailed information on biosecurity, check out our white paper, or consult the online resources through the USDA APHIS.