Biosecurity means everything you do to keep disease out of your farm and to stop it spreading if it gets in. It works together with vaccination — neither is enough on its own.
1. Control who and what comes in
- Keep a single, gated entrance and a visitors' register.
- Allow only essential visitors. Anyone who has been on another poultry farm that day should not enter.
- Provide farm footwear or boot covers, and a footbath with fresh disinfectant at each shed door — change it regularly.
- Hand washing before entering and leaving sheds.
- Keep vehicles outside the bird area where possible; clean and disinfect wheels of vehicles that must enter.
2. Keep other animals out
- Bird-proof netting on shed openings to keep out wild birds and pigeons.
- Regular rodent control — rats and mice carry many poultry diseases.
- No dogs, cats or backyard poultry inside the production area.
- Clean up spilled feed, which attracts birds and rodents.
3. Feed, water and equipment
- Store feed in closed, dry stores; check for mould.
- Use clean, sanitised water — but stop sanitisers around water vaccination.
- Do not share equipment, crates or egg trays between farms without cleaning and disinfection.
4. All-in, all-out and downtime
Placing birds of one age together and emptying the whole shed at the end of the flock lets you break the disease cycle. Between flocks: remove all litter, dry-clean, wash, disinfect, let the shed dry and rest before new chicks arrive.
5. Sick and dead birds
- Check flocks at least twice daily and record mortality.
- Remove dead birds promptly and dispose of them by burial, a disposal pit or burning — never in open fields, canals or as food for animals.
- Call your vet early when mortality rises or birds look unwell.
6. People and training
Biosecurity only works when every worker follows it every day. Explain the reasons, keep the rules simple, and make sure supplies — disinfectant, boot covers, soap — are always available.
Key points
- One entrance, visitor register, footbaths, hand washing
- Keep wild birds and rodents out
- All-in, all-out with proper cleaning and rest
- Safe disposal of dead birds; early vet involvement
Important: This article is general guidance for farmers. Vaccination programmes depend on your flock, location and disease history — always follow the vaccine manufacturer's instructions and your veterinarian's advice.