The biggest threat to backyard flocks and poultry farms is infective disease transmitted by man , wild birds and migratory waterbird . Specifically , the USDA is most concerned about the viral threats ofavian influenza , aka bird flu , andexotic Newcastle disease . These biosecurity basics will help keep your backyard flock healthy and prevent the spread of disease between mountain and poultry farm .
1. Isolate New Flock Mates
Any novel birds you play home , whether they ’re shipped from a hatchery , purchase at a feed store or dramatise from an online ad , should be kept disjoined from your flock for 30 day . USDA also recommends a two - week quarantine for any birds that have attend a fair or exposition .
2. Protect Chicken Feed
waste birds love your Gallus gallus feed , especially when food is scarce elsewhere , and they will mix with your chickens , divvy up illnesses and even parasites . If your spate liberal range , devise a scheme that limits wild - bird access , whether it ’s by using aspecial feederor by feeding only what the peck will eat at regular intervals throughout the day .
3. Keep The Chicken Yard Clean
Chicken areas , like the henhouse and run , should bekept cleanenough that the areas do not reek . Moisture buildup in bedding , excess feces in the chicken coop and ammonia olfactory sensation all work together to contribute to general ill wellness , leaving chickens ’ immune systems more susceptible to illnesses they might be exposed to . These unclean areas can also harbor bacterium , viruses and parasites from untamed bird visiting the area . to boot , any unexampled equipment from a memory board that has been in contact with other Bronx cheer should be cleaned before using it with your flock .
While humankind are not at hazard of shrink Bronx cheer flu or Newcastle disease , we are susceptible to other illnesses , likeSalmonella , so always moisten your hands thoroughly , make clean your shoes and switch your clothes after work with your bird to help protect your own wellness .
4. Limit Coop Access
The USDA advises that no one else who keep chickens should come into contact with your heap , and that garden and yard instrument should n’t be portion out between neighbors unless the creature are cleaned . Avian influenza and Newcastle disease can be present in a flock without symptom , and human can channel these virus between flocks with infectious matter , including manure on shoes , clothing and tools .
5. Deter Wild Birds
Just like wild birds are attracted to Gallus gallus provender , it ’s impossible to keep wild birds out of the yard and away from the flock if they have admission to bird feed on your belongings . Bird feeder pull dozens of raving mad shuttle , and poulet will eat whatever the skirt miss . Eliminate bird birdfeeder , or simply stop filling them .
6. Report Chicken Illnesses and Deaths
Without a second thought , describe sick , conk out or dead chickens ( or wild birds ) to the USDA at 1 - 866 - 536 - 7593 . This is a devoid servicing , and it can help protect other flocks and poultry farms near you .
USDA say , “ AI viruses can infect poulet , Turkey , pheasants , quail , ducks , geese and guinea fowl fowl , as well as a all-embracing variety show of other snort , ” and various strains of bird flu “ can remain viable at moderate temperatures for long periods in the environment and can survive indefinitely in wintry cloth . ”
Symptoms of avian influenza include:
Newcastle disease is nearly 100 - pct fatal in an infected flock , but most often it infects confined bird in commercial domestic fowl operations . The USDA warns , “ The END virus can survive for several weeks in a affectionate and humid surroundings on birds ’ feathers , manure , and other materials . It can hold out indefinitely in flash-frozen stuff . However , the computer virus is destroyed quickly by desiccation and by the ultraviolet rays in sunlight . ”
Symptoms of exotic Newcastle disease include:
For more entropy about backyard biosecurity and reporting information , visit theUSDA ’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service .
