disease risk requires the input of a number of groups and individuals (and some
luck as well). Fortunately, luck favors the prepared mind and an ounce of prevention
really is the best bet in maximizing a grower’s chances of excluding damaging
disease. It must be realized that bacteria and viruses are everywhere and low-grade
(subclinical) disease is always with us. As stewards of these living things
that we manage, we must control the environment in such a way that the birds
are comfortable and stress is limited. This reduces the chance that an opportunistic
organism already in the house will take off and cause a problem. By the same
token, many of the really deadly poultry diseases are not present in our houses
and prevention (exclusion) is the best method of avoiding problems.
From the prevention standpoint, a many-pronged attack
is necessary to minimize the threat of disease. A short list of topics would
look something like this:
has a number of regions of the state that show concentrated areas of poultry
production. The potential for catastrophic spread of a devastating disease organism
exists and can not be counted out. Over the years, only a tight control of disease
threats by a number of groups (growers, integrators and allied industries) will
keep Alabama’s poultry industry from being decimated by the worst of the
viral diseases (avian influenza, Exotic Newcastle disease). Experiences in the
state with laryngotra-cheitis (LT) have given many the idea of just how crippling
a disease outbreak of this type can be.
Grower controls on-farm disease introduction.
2. Integrator provides clean feed and chicks
3. Integrator controls threat of disease transmission in all company personnel
and equipment that visit the farm
4. Necessary visitors must use safety precautions.
5. Vaccination to protect birds if warranted.
growers need to monitor the following areas to minimize disease risk:
Exclude/control wild birds, rats, mice, flies and litter beetles. All can bring
in viral and bacterial diseases. They also remain as a disease reservoir between
2. Control and document visitors of all types (neighbors included).
3. Require visitors to wear disposable boots if the house is entered. Disposable
coveralls and hairnets may be necessary with some classes of poultry and during
regional disease outbreaks.
4. Use disinfectant footbaths and keep
fresh/clean. Police usage by employees and visitors.
5. Disinfectant spray of tires may be warranted if many farms are visited (equipment
repair, propane delivery, dead bird pickup, cleanout crew) or if there is a
disease outbreak in the area.
6. Clean/disinfect all equipment leaving or entering the farm (poultry and nonpoultry
uses). Non-poultry related equipment borrowed from or lent to other farms containing
poultry (commercial, backyard, emus, migrating waterfowl) can be a risk.
7. Remember disease risks when visiting local restaurants and stores that are
frequented by other poultry producers and service personnel. Change clothes
and shoes before visiting houses again.
8. Think of poultry links associated with other agricultural businesses on the
farm and take appropriate actions to avoid disease introduction (beef cattle
transactions, crop farming, crop consultants).
9. Use house management (ventilation, cooling, drinker management, litter quality)
to minimize stress on the birds, a healthy immune system will help birds fight
off the moe common disease problems.