Good biosecurity practices are essential to prevent bird flu as well as other poultry diseases. Biosecurity refers to the steps you must take to prevent disease from infecting your birds.
• Do not allow non-essential visitors to enter your bird area.
• Require veterinarians, Extension agents and other authorized visitors to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as disposable coveralls and boots before allowing them into your bird area. Provide PPE or clean clothing and footwear to authorized visitors who do not have their own personal protective equipment.
• Purchase birds only from reputable sources that have their birds tested for avian influenza.
• Avoid going to live bird auctions.
• Practice good biosecurity when attending fairs and exhibitions so you do not bring bird flu or any other poultry disease back to your birds.
• Keep your birds in an isolated area, whether inside a barn or shed or under a solid cover, to prevent them from coming into contact with wild birds that may carry the virus.
• Provide your birds with a water source isolated from wild waterfowl.
• Prevent your birds from coming into contact with wild bird droppings.
• Wash your hands, clothing, boots, gloves, and any equipment after handling birds. Discard disposable coveralls, boots, and gloves according to state regulations.
Visit http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/birdbiosecurity/ for more information.
