There are three general principles for a successful biosecurity program: go onto a farm clean, leave the farm clean, and if in doubt…clean and disinfect. That was the message from Shawn Carlton, technical service manager with Cobb-Vantress, at USPOULTRY’s 2015 Hatchery-Breeder Clinic held in Nashville, Tennessee.
In his presentation, Carlton provided best practices for “Sanitation at the Breeder Farm.” He emphasized the need for a biosecurity program that includes monitoring and control methods such as water sanitation, reduction of stressors that may cause bacterial infection in flocks, equipment disinfection and contamination monitoring. Carlton discussed how the highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak has highlighted the need for biosecurity procedures in and around the farm, remarking, “Biosecurity is a good investment to prevent viruses, bacteria and microbes from affecting the flocks.”
“I believe our single best hope is biosecurity, both for prevention and control of spreading. There is no way we can begin to plan for a worst-case scenario for the fall season unless we know site specific biosecurity, depopulation and disposal plans to combat this highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza,” warned Dr. Charles Hatcher, state veterinarian for Tennessee.
In his presentation, “Avian Influenza . . . What to Do Now to Prepare for the Fall Season,” Dr. Hatcher provided a brief overview of the key factors facing both domestic and international turkey and egg layers as related to biosecurity concerns and the economic impact of this far-reaching pandemic. He also outlined steps hatchery and breeder managers can take to reduce the risk of disease introduction to the flock.
Other presentations at the gathering included practical employee safety and hazard prevention programs, as well as animal welfare considerations, salmonella concerns, and effective hatching egg sanitation, among others.