Fortress Flock: Biosecurity Practices in Commercial Indian Poultry Farms

Fortress Flock: Biosecurity Practices in Commercial Indian Poultry Farms

 Rahul Nisanka¹* and Sudhanya Nath²

 ¹B.V.Sc. & A.H., Madras Veterinary College, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Science University (TANUVAS), Chennai – 600007, Tamil Nadu, India

²Additional Veterinary Assistant Surgeon (PhD in Animal Nutrition), F&ARD Department, Hemgir, Sundargarh – 770013, Odisha, India

 *Corresponding author: rahulnisanka@gmail.com

ABSTRACT
India, boasting the third-largest egg production globally, accounting for about 7% of global egg production, faces significant challenges in poultry health due to various infectious diseases. Biosecurity, a comprehensive set of practices aimed at preventing pathogen introduction, establishment, and spread, is crucial for safeguarding flocks and ensuring farm profitability. This article explores the scientific basis of biosecurity principles and outlines practical measures applicable to Indian poultry farms. By implementing these strategies, farmers can significantly reduce disease risks, enhance flock health and performance, and contribute to a robust poultry industry in India.

Keywords: Biosecurity, Flock Health, Performance, Poultry farms

Introduction
The Indian poultry sector is a vital contributor to the national economy, providing livelihood opportunities, high-quality protein, and manure for soil fertility. However, infectious diseases like Avian Influenza (AI), Newcastle Disease (ND), and Infectious Bronchitis (IB) pose substantial threats to flock health and productivity. These diseases not only cause significant economic losses but also disrupt market access and consumer confidence. According to a study in 2023, there has been around economical loss of around Rs. 4.74 million per layer farm due to New Castle Disease.

Biosecurity emerges as a cornerstone for disease prevention in poultry farms. It encompasses a multi-layered approach that minimizes the risk of pathogen introduction, establishment, and dissemination within the farm environment. Implementing effective biosecurity measures is essential for safeguarding flock health, promoting animal welfare, and ensuring the sustainability of the Indian poultry industry.

Scientific Basis of Biosecurity:

(Source: https://benisonmedia.com/poultry-management-and-biosecurity-measures/)

Pathogens – viruses, bacteria, and parasites – can enter poultry farms through various routes, including:

• Infected birds or eggs introduced from outside sources
• Contaminated feed, water, or litter
• Wild birds, rodents, and insects acting as vectors
• Farm personnel and visitors
• Contaminated equipment and vehicles

Biosecurity strategies address these potential entry points, aiming to disrupt the chain of infection and prevent disease outbreaks. Here’s a breakdown of the core biosecurity principles:

1. Bio-exclusion:This principle focuses on keeping pathogens out of the farm environment.
2. Physical barriers:Secure fencing with a minimum height of 2 meters discourages unauthorized entry and deters wild birds. Rodent control programs are crucial to prevent these animals from acting as disease vectors.

(Source: https://benisonmedia.com/poultry-management-and-biosecurity-measures/)

3. Bio-containment:Once pathogens enter the farm, bio-containment strategies aim to limit their spread within the flock and farm environment.
4. Designated entry points:Establishing a single entry point for people, vehicles, and equipment allows for proper disinfection procedures to be implemented.
5. Traffic control:Minimize movement of people and equipment between different poultry houses. Restrict visitor access and require them to wear protective clothing and footwear disinfected with appropriate disinfectants.
6. Internal zoning:Implement a zoning system within the farm, separating clean areas (e.g., feed storage) from dirty areas (e.g., poultry houses). This minimizes the spread of pathogens on clothing, footwear, and equipment.
7. Bio-sanitation:Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment minimizes pathogen survival and reduces the risk of disease transmission.
8. Cleaning and disinfection:Regular cleaning and disinfection of poultry houses, equipment, and vehicles with approved disinfectants are essential. Proper ventilation and litter management further reduce pathogen survival within the environment.
9. Dead bird disposal:Prompt and safe disposal of dead birds through composting or incineration prevents the spread of pathogens.

Practical Biosecurity Measures for Indian Poultry Farms:

 
Considering the specific context of Indian poultry farms, here are some practical recommendations for implementing biosecurity:

• Farm Location and Design:Locate poultry farms away from water bodies and migratory bird routes. Construct poultry houses with smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces and proper ventilation systems.
• Flock Management practices:Implement all-in, all-out production cycles to minimize disease carryover between flocks. Practice age segregation by housing birds of similar age groups in separate houses.
• Vaccination Programs:Consult a veterinarian to develop vaccination programs targeting prevalent diseases in your region.

(Source: https://www.asian-agribiz.com/2023/02/22/iec-offers-practical-biosecurity-resources-towards-ai/)

• Biosecurity Training:Regularly train farm staff on biosecurity protocols and ensure proper compliance.
• Record Keeping:Maintain meticulous records of vaccinations, flock health observations, biosecurity procedures performed, and visitor logs.

Benefits of Effective Biosecurity:

Implementing robust biosecurity measures offers numerous benefits for Indian poultry farms:

• Reduced Disease Incidence:Effective biosecurity significantly reduces the risk of disease outbreaks, leading to improved flock health and productivity.
• Enhanced Animal Welfare:Healthy birds experience improved well-being and reduced stress, leading to better growth and egg production.
• Economic Benefits:Reduced disease burden translates into lower treatment costs and mortality rates, ultimately leading to increased farm profitability.
• Consumer Confidence:Strong biosecurity practices reassure consumers about the safety and quality of poultry products, fostering market access and consumer trust.

Conclusion

Biosecurity is not a one-time fix but an ongoing commitment that necessitates continuous monitoring and adaptation. By integrating these scientifically-backed practices into their operations, Indian poultry farmers can create a “Fortress Flock” – a secure environment that safeguards birds from invisible invaders and fosters a thriving poultry industry.  Furthermore, collaboration between farmers, veterinarians, and government agencies is crucial for sharing best practices, developing region-specific biosecurity protocols, and ensuring the implementation of effective disease surveillance programs. Investing in biosecurity is not just about protecting flocks, it’s about safeguarding the future of the Indian poultry sector, ensuring the well-being of birds, and delivering safe, high-quality poultry products to consumers.

References

1. Sharma, R., Saran, S., Yadav, A.S., Kumar, S., Verma, M.R., Kumar, D. and Tyagi, J.S. (2023). Economic losses due to Newcastle disease in layers in subtropical India. The Indian Journal of Animal Sciences, 93(5): 422-426.
2. Government of India, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. Retrieved on 20^thApril 2024 from https://dahd.nic.in.
3. (2015). Biosecurity guide for live poultry markets. FAO Animal Production and Health Guidelines No. 17. Rome, Italy.Retrieved on 20^th April 2024 from https://www.fao.org/3/i5029e/I5029E.pdf.
4. Infection with high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses. OIE – Terrestrial Animal Health Code. Retrieved on 20^thApril 2024 from https://www.woah.org/en/home/
5. Poultry Management and Biosecurity Measures. (2019).Retrieved on 20^th April 2024 from  https://benisonmedia.com/poultry-management-and-biosecurity-measures/
6. Kumar, A. and Gupta, T. (2023). Biosecurity Measures for Profitable Poultry Production in India. SR Publications. Retrieved on 20^thApril 2024 from https://www.srpublication.com/biosecurity-measures-for-profitable-poultry-production-in-india/
7. Fachrudin, A. (2023). IEC offers practical biosecurity resources to curb AI. Asian Agribiz, Retrieved on 20^thApril 2024 from https://www.asian-agribiz.com/2023/02/22/iec-offers-practical-biosecurity-resources-towards-ai/

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