Bird Flu South Africa: 6 Ways Poultry Biosecurity Can Protect Your Poultry Farm

Bird flu in South Africa is ravaging poultry farms. Bird flu infection’s high prevalence in South Africa over the years can be attributed to the high production level of poultry and possible poor biosecurity on farmers’ side.

Bird Flu South Africa; What is Poultry Biosecurity?

In layman’s words, biosecurity in poultry refers to protecting the biological aspects of poultry. Although biosecurity in poultry may appear to be a difficult task, it is a simple task that will positively impact your poultry farm.

Bird flu symptoms

Symptoms begin within two to eight days and can seem like the common flu like bird flu South Africa. Cough, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, and shortness of breath may occur.

Biosecurity in poultry production

Biosecurity can positively impact your farm when it is properly implemented, but it can also cost you your entire life savings if it is not done correctly. It is common for poultry farmers to neglect safety protocols to protect the birds and the whole farm’s investment.

Biosecurity measures to prevent bird flu infection

Disinfection bath

Disinfecting footwear and vehicles that come close to poultry farms have reduced the rate of microbes transferred to farms. Microorganisms can not be seen with the physical eyes, and putting a disinfection solution at the farm entrance helps prevent any form of microbial infections.

Feeding birds with contaminated Feeds

Feed sources have compromised the majority of biosecurity in poultry farms. Large-scale farms primarily obtain feed supplies from feed manufacturing firms, but they do so based on trust and biosafety standards established by these companies. On the other hand, small and medium-sized poultry farms do not take tons of feed from suppliers; instead, they mix their feed manually or engage the services of neighboring farmers. As a result, countless infections like bird flu have been transferred from one farm to another.

Humans medium disease spread

Workers who come into contact with the flock should make an effort to keep their work clothes clean. When a farm has both younger and older flocks, work should begin with the younger birds and end with the older birds. If you have extra farmhands, assign workers to each section and strictly prohibit movement from older to younger birds. Moving from older flocks to younger flocks will result in the spread of infections, and immune boosters may not be as effective in combating infections as they are in older flocks.

Quality feed and enough water

For healthy animal production, farm animals require a nutritional diet and water. Change their water regularly and feed them the proper amount of feed at the right time. Poor feeding management can significantly affect production and will cost you money, time, and other resources. Biosecurity in poultry depends on animal welfare as well.

On-Time Medication

Ensuring the criteria mentioned above, don’t forget to refer to the medication charts to determine when to administer a specific vaccine or drug to the flock. Another critical thing to remember is constantly to check with your local veterinarian for updated medicine and vaccination charts.

Environment management

Changing the litter, fumigating the farm, and cleaning the farm environment are essential aspects of farm production. Farm animals may survive in filthy conditions, but they may not perform as well as they should. Bacteria and pests can grow in filthy conditions and endanger the health of your farm animals, costing you more money to restore their health and reach production goals.

Conclusion

Finally, we should not overlook the importance of biosecurity in poultry. On the farms, must treat them seriously. Feed prices are at an all-time high these days, so don’t be tempted to add more costs to your farm production. Follow this guide, and I wish you happy farming.

More Resources:

• Bird Flu South Africa Under Control; biosecurity tips you should practice on your poultry farm
• Biosecurity Techniques for Reducing Antibiotics Use
• Where to buy poultry feed in South Africa?
• How To Start A Poultry Farm Business
• A Must Have Poultry Equipment
• How To Increase Poultry Egg Production
• Discover the Top Poultry House Washers on the Market