Australian National Farm Biosecurity Manual: Poultry Production/Operational Standards
From Poultry Hub
Contents |
Water supply
Objective:
To ensure that water used in poultry sheds for drinking, cooling and cleaning, is of a standard suitable for livestock
The use of a suitably treated water supply is critical to achieving good biosecurity. In general, water with a high level of organic matter is unsuitable for chlorination alone, while ultraviolet treatment is of little use for turbid water. It may be necessary to seek expert advice to ensure a safe water supply. Effective treatment of surface water to reduce contamination is essential but complex. The water treatment process should be monitored regularly.
- For a chlorinated water supply the treatment must achieve a level of 1.0–2.0 parts per million (ppm) free available chlorine (FAC) at the point of use.
- When chlorinating water, there must be a minimum of 2 hours contact time between chlorine and water prior to use.
- Testing must be conducted and recorded daily (see Appendix 5) and a maintenance program needs to be in place.
- The effectiveness of water treatment systems, including alternative systems (e.g. ultraviolet), must be validated before use and treatment systems require a program of maintenance and monitoring to ensure effectiveness. Production area records able to demonstrate the effectiveness of water treatment must be kept. Microbiological validation of the efficacy of the treatment system must be carried out at least annually.
- Drinking water quality must be maintained at a standard suitable for use in livestock (Appendix 4).
- Guidelines regarding the treatment of surface water are available in Appendix 3.
Vermin baiting
Objective:
To minimise the potential for introduction of infectious agents and pathogens by vermin, in particular rodents, through their presence in the production area
- Bait stations must be checked weekly and fresh baits laid as required.
- A record should be kept of each inspection and vermin activity noted (see Appendix 6).
Cleaning and ground maintenance
Objective:
To hinder the introduction of disease agents and contaminants into poultry sheds and enclosures and reduce the attraction of rodents and birds to production areas
- Feed spills must be cleaned up as soon as practicable. Feed attracts birds and rodents to the production area.
- Grass on and around the production area must be kept cut—long grass attracts rodents and favours the survival of viruses and bacteria.
- Footbaths must be inspected daily (e.g. for excessive organic matter) and the contents replaced as required to achieve an adequate concentration of suitable disinfectant according to company or manufacturer’s recommendations.
- On free-range production sites:
- manure deposits outside the hatch openings must be removed after each batch
- ramps to free range area must be scraped and cleaned after each batch.
- The production area must be adequately drained to prevent accumulation and stagnation of water, especially in the areas around sheds and range areas.
(Note restricted applicability to ratites)
Record keeping
Objective:
To assist early detection of animal health issues and the response to any biosecurity breach
- Bird mortality must be recorded on a regular basis to assist monitoring for any unusual animal health problems potentially indicating a biosecurity breach.
- A record of bird movements must be maintained to facilitate tracing in case of an animal health or food safety concern.
End of batch procedures
Objective:
To minimize the risk of introducing or spreading disease or contaminants by delivery and pick-up operations
This section applies specifically to those production areas that run a batch operation, such as meat chicken production areas.
- After final pick-up the shed doors must be kept closed except during litter removal. After washing and disinfecting, shed doors must be kept closed. If drying is a problem ventilate using fans or bird wire screens in shed doorways. Wild birds must be kept out after disinfection.
- Litter and manure must not be stockpiled in the production area. Litter and manure must be stored in an appropriately designed storage area, off the production area, with sufficient buffering zone from the bird sheds and enclosures.
Next Section: High Risk Biosecurity Procedures
