Safeguarding Poultry Health
The technology "Biosecurity for Disease Prevention" is a set of practices and strategies implemented in poultry farming to prevent the introduction and spread of disease-causing organisms. It is guided by the design and day-to-day management of poultry production units and is based on three main elements: isolation, traffic control, and sanitation. This technology also promotes training for poultry farmers and workers to raise awareness about the importance of biosecurity measures, not only for their personal health but also for the profitability of their business. It emphasizes the importance of diligent surveillance for early disease detection, which helps reduce the impact and spread of diseases. Furthermore, biosecurity is crucial at every stage of the poultry value chain, from breeding to feed processing, to prevent a wide range of pathogens, some of which also pose a threat to humans.
This technology is TAAT1 validated.
Veterinary costs reduced
Materials per birds
Poultry farming faces a number of challenges, including:
In response to the pressing challenges of disease prevention in poultry farming, the concept of Biosecurity for Disease Prevention has emerged as a comprehensive solution:
For Manufacturers:
The biosecurity program offers a comprehensive solution to prevent disease outbreaks in poultry farms. By implementing these practices, manufacturers can help poultry farmers improve flock health and increase productivity. This technology also promotes long-term cost savings by reducing the need for expensive treatments and culling.
Potential customers for this disease prevention practice include poultry equipment manufacturers, veterinary product manufacturers and users, and are equally relevant to commercial and smallholder producers, but vary depending on flock size.
Manufacturers can collaborate with veterinarians for biosecurity planning and implementation to prevent diseases. They can also benefit from partnering with agricultural extension services to promote biosecurity practices and engage with research institutes such as the International Livestock Research Institute to stay updated on the latest biosecurity innovations.
Key resources for manufacturers include expertise in biosecurity measures and poultry health management, access to high-quality materials for biosecurity implementation such as disinfectants and protective gear, and a strong distribution network to supply biosecurity products to various regions.
Initial start-up costs involve set-up costs associated with the design and construction of secure premises. Ongoing costs include the purchase of disinfectants and equipment to prevent the spread of disease, estimated at $0.036 per broiler and $0.076 per hatching egg producer.
There are no specific licensing requirements for biosecurity practices. However, compliance with local reporting requirements for serious disease outbreaks is necessary. In addition, there may be requirements for signage of disinfection points and maintenance of designated clean and dirty areas.
For Users:
The use of biological control agents offers cowpea farmers increased yields, reduced yield losses due to pod borers and reduced reliance on chemical pesticides, resulting in improved profitability and environmental sustainability.
For end users such as poultry farmers, the benefits are a significant reduction in disease risk and the associated costs of disease treatment and flock culling. Implementing biosecurity measures can lead to healthier flocks, increased egg production and better feed efficiency, ultimately improving overall profitability.
Key partners for end users include veterinarians who can provide guidance on biosecurity practices and early disease detection. Suppliers of biosecurity products and local agricultural extension services are also essential partners.
Early results suggest that the cost of biosecurity practices is relatively low, at 2% to 5% of total operations cost, making it a cost-effective investment with a cost/benefit ratio of 1:49.
Adults 18 and over: Positive high
The poor: Positive high
Under 18: Positive medium
Women: Positive medium
Climate adaptability: Highly adaptable
Farmer climate change readiness: Significant improvement
Biodiversity: Positive impact on biodiversity
Carbon footprint: Much less carbon released
Environmental health: Greatly improves environmental health
Soil quality: Does not affect soil health and fertility
Water use: Same amount of water used
Country | Tested | Adopted |
---|---|---|
Benin | Tested | Adopted |
Burundi | Tested | Adopted |
Central African Republic | Tested | Adopted |
Côte d’Ivoire | Tested | Adopted |
Democratic Republic of the Congo | Tested | Adopted |
Ethiopia | Tested | Adopted |
Gabon | Tested | Adopted |
Ghana | Tested | Adopted |
Guinea | Tested | Adopted |
Kenya | Tested | Adopted |
Malawi | Tested | Adopted |
Mozambique | Tested | Adopted |
Niger | Tested | Adopted |
Nigeria | Tested | Adopted |
Rwanda | Tested | Adopted |
Senegal | Tested | Adopted |
Sierra Leone | Tested | Adopted |
Somalia | Tested | Adopted |
South Sudan | Tested | Adopted |
Tanzania | Tested | Adopted |
Uganda | Tested | Adopted |
Zambia | Tested | Adopted |
Zimbabwe | Tested | Adopted |
This technology can be used in the colored agro-ecological zones. Any zones shown in white are not suitable for this technology.
AEZ | Subtropic - warm | Subtropic - cool | Tropic - warm | Tropic - cool |
---|---|---|---|---|
Arid | ||||
Semiarid | ||||
Subhumid | ||||
Humid |
Source: HarvestChoice/IFPRI 2009
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that are applicable to this technology.
Here are the steps for implementing biosecurity measures in poultry farming:
1. Ensure that poultry houses are situated away from densely populated human settlements and other animal production systems to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
2. Establish an isolated area within the poultry operation for the treatment and recovery of sick chickens, preventing the spread of diseases to the main flock.
3. Newly acquired birds should be quarantined for a period of fourteen days and vaccinated before they are introduced into the main flock.
4. Require all workers to wear boots, overcoats, gloves, and face masks. These protective garments should be regularly disinfected to prevent disease spread.
5. Install a footbath with a strong cleaning solution at the entrance of each poultry house to disinfect footwear, reducing the risk of contamination.
6. Facilities for feed storage and processing birds should be located 30 to 50 meters away from the production houses to minimize the risk of disease transmission.
7. Implement a system where vehicles entering the premises must drive through a water sanitation pan to prevent the introduction of pathogens.
8. Ensure that poultry manure is kept at least 20 meters away from production units to reduce the risk of contamination.
9. Infected chickens should be either burned or buried off-site to prevent the spread of diseases within the farm.
10. Install mesh wire fencing around the premises to prevent the entry of rodents, wild birds, and domesticated animals that may carry diseases, helping to maintain a disease-free environment.
Last updated on 6 June 2024