USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has provided guidance to poultry producers, including free range and organic producers, regarding biosecurity considerations for their operations. This guidance is found at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/birdbiosecurity/.
Integral to the National Organic Program is a management plan for each organic production facility. Among other things, this plan must address preventative livestock health care practices, including sanitation practices that will be followed to minimize the occurrence and spread of diseases and parasites.
USDA has brought the APHIS biosecurity guidance materials to the attention of its accredited organic certifying agents for their use in working with organic poultry producers.
If it is determined by a producer and certifier that for the health, safety and welfare of poultry, there is need for temporary confinement of birds, provision exists within the National Organic Program for such confinement without a loss of organic certification.
If Federal or State animal health authorities determine that more prescriptive actions are required, organic producers could be required to adhere to those actions.
