Avian Flu/Biosecurity Best Practices

[Perris]

This is a complete list of disinfectants approved for use against the various health threats here, including AI, with dilution rates. You can look up your favorite product and see if it works against the virus you're having to deal with, and if not, what alternatives you have.
http://disinfectants.defra.gov.uk/DisinfectantsExternal/Default.aspx?Module=ApprovalsList_SI

 

[Weeg]

Wow! Thank you so much, Weeg! I really appreciate everyone's advice on this. Great idea re: storing the tools in the run (once disinfected). I may consider adding some sort of hook system to keep them off the ground in there, but it would save me quite a walk not having to go to the garage. I will definitely figure out a better boot cleaning system too, beyond just having a designated pair of boots.

When I first heard about this, I was hoping it was not a real threat to a chicken keeper like myself, but alas, it looks like it is. I'll do the best I can to protect my birds and hope for the best!

I wonder... How long will this outbreak/pandemic last? Avian Flu, that is (not Covid).

No problem! Glad I could help!
I think the hook system is a good idea. The first thing I see is dirty tools from the chickens knocking them over into the bedding.
If you have a designated pair of boots, I wouldn't' get too concerned unless you took those boots off your property, or they were exposed to a possible contaminate. I think that the biggest concern would be your kids if they don't have a designated pair of boots, thats when the lysol might come in.

Same here! We're all doing the best we can. I'm trying to get my duck run covered, and neither of my runs are made out of HC, so I'm trying to get everything sorted out over here as well.

I'm wondering the same thing. I think that NC was supposed to keep their birds in lockdown until the end of February. Just because thats how long it should take for the migratory birds to leave the area. I don't think that means us though, honesty I don't think anyone really knows, just as long as it takes to control it I guess.

 

[OffGridChook]

As for your tools I would keep them in your garage, and make sure to disinfect them before use for cleaning out the coop.

As for the scratch as long as the wild birds have no way to access the scratch than it is fine.

As to how concerned you should be. If even one bird comes down with it you must cull all poultry on your property. It has a very high mortality rate, and can spread like wildfire.

You can pick it up from the feed store or even the grocery store on your feet which could infect your flock

I would get a bucket of water mixed with disinfectant soap and wash your feet in that every time you go into the coop. Keep that bucket next too the coop. Change the water every few days. Or you can have a pair of boots in the coop, and only use that pair in your coop.

Also keeping your run covered helps too. Preferably a solid top, but a mesh top may work too. Covered runs are best for keeping you birds safe.

If you add new birds in to your flock quarantine them for a minimum of a month. I know you said you were not going to do that but it is good to know for the future, just in case.
I personally quarantine for a month, then do a blood test on both flocks to ensure no disease transmission. I test for:
- Avian influenza
- coryza ( I think I spelled that wrong)
- Salmonella

To prevent wild bird coming in your yard don’t put bird suet or seeds out for them, also adding owl or hawk dummies around help

I show my poultry, and they need a clean blood test to be able to show. So I have bio security measures already in place.

PS - I am in south eastern Pennsylvania, so I too am worried about the outbreak of Avian influenza.

Thank you for this info.

 

[saysfaa]

...If you have a designated pair of boots, I wouldn't' get too concerned unless you took those boots off your property, or they were exposed to a possible contaminate....

Maybe "unless you took those boots out of the coop/run" instead of "off your property"? Since it can come onto the property on tires or droppings of wild birds. Either which could leave it where it could be tracked into the coop.

The risk would be lowered in the first case compared to not changing shoes. The risk is a lot lower in the second case. Either is reasonable depending on how much risk one wants to take.

 

[Weeg]

Maybe "unless you took those boots out of the coop/run" instead of "off your property"? Since it can come onto the property on tires or droppings of wild birds. Either which could leave it where it could be tracked into the coop.

The risk would be lowered in the first case compared to not changing shoes. The risk is a lot lower in the second case. Either is reasonable depending on how much risk one wants to take.

Very true, good post.

 

[3bird]

With the boots and cleaning then disinfecting, I wonder how people in colder climates deal with it. We can't keep water by the run because it will freeze. We could (and maybe should?) carry an additional bucket to the run 2x/day just for boot washing before entering the run and after leaving the run. The walk to the duckhouse from the house crosses the driveway (possible vector) and proceeds along a path where there are, at times, wild birds (gulls, ducks and turkeys primarily). We also have indoor birds, so we're conscious of not bringing pathogens into their space. We do not have a mud room or other contained area in the house to clean/disinfect. Thoughts?

 

[saysfaa]

Shoe covers. Like movers and repair people wear. One pair at each coop.

 

[BDutch]

We have Avian flew in Europe (Netherlands ) most winters since I have chickens. This year the bird flew is very contagious and it spreads through many wild ducks, geese and other birds that live near water. Not by small song birds.

Transport, moving chickens and other poultry is completely forbidden within 10 km, anywhere where they found contaminated poultry. There is such a zone where I live now. 48.000 chicks and young pullets where killed today after discovering avian flew on a farm nearby.

I wouldn’t risk going to a show. Here all shows are forbidden.
Important is to prevent contact with poop of the wild poultry . Hobby keepers need to lock the chickens in a run. Preferably covered. Poop may not be composted but must be packed as garbage.

Poultry farmers need to keep the chickens inside under a solid roof . For commercial poultry famers there are a lot of rules on avoiding contacts and disinfecting. But they risk contamination anyway. They think rats and mice often spread the disease (enter the farm buildings).

As soon as it’s spring and there’s a lot of sun the avian flew vanishes. It did every spring. And it probably comes back again in another form / mutation at the end of autumn.

 

[3bird]

Poop may not be composted but must be packed as garbage.

Interesting. I had not considered that. Our soiled bedding goes directly into our compost.

 

[3bird]

Shoe covers. Like movers and repair people wear. One pair at each coop.

We've been talking about that and trying to figure out logistics. The way we are set-up, there is a lot of in and out of the run during chores 2x/day (e.g., dump old water, scoop soiled bedding and dump in compost pile, etc.). Presumably, the show covers should come off when leaving the run and go back on when entering the run. Then we were wondering about feces on the boots that are then transferred to the inside of the show covers. Every protocol feels like a rabbit hole!