Disease can spread through wild birds, other animals, visitors, clothing, equipment, vehicles, feed, and anything that moves between farms, coops, or bird areas. Practicing biosecurity helps you reduce those risks with everyday habits that keep germs away from your flock.
What Is Biosecurity?
Biosecurity is the set of steps you take to help protect your birds from disease. It includes the routines, boundaries, and clean habits that reduce the chance of pathogens entering your flock area or spreading between birds.
Practicing good biosecurity does not need to be complicated. It works best when the same simple steps are followed every day by everyone who cares for your birds.
The Foundations of Effective Biosecurity
Follow these basic principles to build everyday habits that help protect your flock.
Know What To Do If Birds Get Sick
While biosecurity helps reduce the risk of disease, it is still important to watch your flock closely. Changes in behavior, appetite, egg production, breathing, or sudden death may be signs that something is wrong.
If you notice signs of illness, act quickly. Learn how to recognize common warning signs, then contact USDA, your local veterinarian, or your State animal health official for guidance.
Hatch a Biosecurity Plan
The best biosecurity plan is one you can follow every day. Create a plan that fits your operation and review it regularly with everyone who cares for your birds. Clear routines and consistent practices can help reduce risks before they become problems.
Before you enter your flock area, ask yourself these quick questions:
- Are my clothes and shoes clean?
- Are my tools and equipment clean?
- Have I washed my hands?
- Are visitors limited to people who need to be there?
Have more than 500 birds? Get free support from USDA.
USDA offers free biosecurity assessments to help poultry producers identify ways to better protect your flock from disease. If the assessment identifies improvement opportunities, USDA may help cover part of the cost of those improvements.
Enjoy majestic bird photos along with helpful tips in English and Spanish.
Report Sick Birds
If you see signs of illness in your birds, act quickly. Report any sick or dying birds to your State veterinarian or to USDA by calling toll-free 1-866-536-7593 or connecting with your APHIS Area Veterinarian in Charge.
