Australian National Farm Biosecurity Manual: Poultry Production
From Poultry Hub
Purpose
The purpose of the manual is to establish a minimum set of biosecurity standards, applicable to all poultry producers (including ratites). While the manual was produced with commercial producers in mind, the principles of good biosecurity apply to any poultry or bird-raising operation. Individual producers and companies may wish to develop enhanced biosecurity manuals, which should nevertheless incorporate these minimum standards in addition to any specific company or industry sector requirements.
Definition of Poultry
In the context of this manual, the following definition of poultry is adopted to define the meaning of poultry:
‘Poultry’ means chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, ducks, geese, quails, pigeons, pheasants, partridges, ostriches and emus reared or kept in captivity.
Scope
The manual applies to poultry enterprises from the time of delivery of birds, until pick-up, slaughter or disposal of live birds. While the manual stipulates the minimum requirements for any poultry farm, it should be noted that biosecurity measures in place on breeder farms would generally be much more stringent, reflecting the economic importance and the extended life cycle of breeder flocks. The pick-up of birds and transport to the processing plant is covered in Appendix 10.
Status
At the second Government–Industry Avian Influenza Forum held in Canberra on 11 June 2008, a draft Generic Farm Biosecurity Manual was presented to industry and jurisdictional representatives. It was agreed that the manual filled an important gap and should be adopted by all industry sectors as the base document upon which sector specific manuals should be developed. The sector specific manuals must, as a minimum, satisfy the requirements stipulated in this generic manual but may provide more specific guidance or additional requirements that reflect the characteristics of the industry sector.
Poultry Production Biosecurity
Major Routes for Disease and Pathogen Transmission
Definition of the Concept of Production Area and Property
Levels of Biosecurity
Species Differences
Free Range Production Operations
Level 1: Routine Biosecurity Procedures
- Documentation and Training
- Facility Standards
- Personnel Standards and Procedures
- Operational Standards
Level 2: High Risk Biosecurity Procedures
Appendixes
- Appendix 1: Personnel Quarantine Declaration
- Appendix 2A: Entry Conditions for Visitors to Poultry Shed and/or Range Areas
- Appendix 2B: Visitor's Log
- Appendix 3: Surface Water Treatment
- Appendix 4 Water Quality Guidelines
- Appendix 5: Water Sanitation Record
- Appendix 6: Rodent Control Record
- Appendix 7: Dead Bird Collection
- Appendix 8: Dead Bird Composting
- Appendix 9: Production Area Audit Checklist
- Appendix 10: Pick-Up and Transport to Processing Plant
