Australian National Farm Biosecurity Manual: Poultry Production/Facility Standards

From Poultry Hub

Objective:

To limit and control access to poultry production areas by people and prevent as much as possible access by livestock, wild birds and other animals (including rodents)'

Requirements

• The production area must have a perimeter fence or otherwise well defined boundary (e.g. creek, vegetation) establishing a clearly defined biosecurity zone.
• If livestock graze the property then the production area must have a stock proof fence. Grazing near sheds (i.e. on part of the production area as defined in this manual) is only permitted where the grazing area is separated by a stock proof barrier from the area used by poultry, effectively preventing transmission of contaminants from grazing livestock to poultry, and the grazing area is not used for access to other parts of the production area. Drainage from livestock pastures or holding areas must not enter poultry enclosures or areas that can be accessed by poultry (e.g. through fences). (Note restricted applicability to ratites)
• A sketch or map of the layout of the property, showing the production area, sheds, ranges, access roads and gates must be created and kept up-to-date.
• The main entrance to the production area must be capable of being closed to vehicle traffic (e.g. lockable gate which, where feasible, should be kept locked at all times) and must display appropriate signage including Biosecure Area No Entry Unless Authorised or similar wording. In addition, signage must direct visitors to contact the producer before proceeding i.e. telephone number and/or enquire at house.
• There must be a parking area for vehicles not entering the production area. There must be a change area away from sheds with clean protective clothing and boots provided.
• Entry to sheds must only be made through entrances with a footbath containing a suitable disinfectant used in accordance with company or manufacturer’s instructions and changed on a regular basis. There must be provision for scraping the soles of boots before dipping to ensure the sanitiser makes contact with the soles of the boots. An alternative system using separate production area and shed footwear may be used. Facilities for hand sanitation must also be placed at the entry to each shed.
• Dead bird disposal method must conform with applicable environmental compliance requirements (collection as per Appendix 7, incineration with after burner, composting as per Appendix 8). (Note restricted applicability to ratites)
• All poultry housing must be designed and maintained so as to prevent the entry of wild birds and limit the access of vermin as far as is practical. (Note restricted applicability to ratites)
• Landscape—trees and shrubs should be selected to minimise wild bird attraction, particularly in free-range operations. The area around sheds must be kept free from debris and vegetation should be mown regularly. Vegetation buffers for environmental compliance should not be compromised. Trees may be used as shelter belts, along fence lines and on free range premises (including ratites) to provide shade and protect birds from harsh weather conditions.
• Drainage—the production area should be adequately drained to prevent accumulation and stagnation of water likely to attract water fowl, especially in the areas around sheds and range areas. (Note restricted applicability to ratites)
• An appropriate vermin control plan must be developed and implemented, including rodents, foxes, and wild dogs and cats.
• A baiting program for rodents must be implemented where a risk assessment deems this necessary (e.g. live rodents, droppings, nests). Such a baiting program must include the following features:
  • bait stations must be numbered and a map kept of their location.
  • bait stations must be placed at regular intervals around the sheds. The number of bait stations should be increased in areas where there are signs of increased rodent activity.
  • bait stations must be designed to minimise the opportunity for other mammals and birds to access the bait. (Note restricted applicability to ratites).
• Drinking water for poultry, as well as cooling water used in poultry sheds, must meet appropriate water standards. The poultry drinking water standard can be found in Appendix 4. Water that does not meet the standard must be treated (e.g. chlorination, ultraviolet, iodine) to ensure that the standard is met. All surface water (dam, river etc.) must be treated before being used as drinking water for poultry. Treated water supply must be kept in a closed system from the point of treatment to the drinker. (Note restricted applicability to ratites).
• Sheep and other domestic stock must not have access to the production area at any time except under the specific condition stipulated in above. Dogs and cats must not enter sheds unless dogs are part of the flock security strategy. (Note restricted applicability to ratites).
• Only commercially produced avian species are to be kept in the production area and no other avian species (including aviary birds and pet birds) or pigs are to be kept on the property.
• If more than one commercially produced avian species is kept in the production area, the species should be housed and managed separately, with suitable biosecurity arrangements for each species. Shared equipment should be cleaned and disinfected between use. Despite this general requirement, emus and ostriches may be farmed together.
• Feeding systems must wherever possible be closed to ensure that feed in silos and feed delivery systems are protected from access and contamination by wild birds and rodents. Feed spills should be cleaned up without delay to prevent the congregation of wild birds.
• Where bird weighing is practised, it must be carried out using the production area’s own weighing frames and scales. Company service personnel can use their own scales provided they are cleaned and disinfected when moved between production areas.

Next Section: Personnel Standards and Procedures.