Preparation before arrival of chicks

From a profit point of view, prevention of disease has become the most cost-effective approach to poultry productivity. Followed properly, the procedures enumerated below can prove successful, but one should first contact local concerned authorities to verify their permissibility.

• Immediately after liquidating flocks, spray entire poultry house (inside and outside) with an approved insecticide in accordance with the manufacturer’s direction. This should be done prior to removal of litter and equipment. Allow sufficient time for insecticide to work.
• Remove all litter and dust. Then wash the house and equipment thoroughly with a pressurized water jet. Ensure that maximum possible organic matter and dirt is removed from inside and outside of the house. Make sure that all wire nets, iron structures, concrete structure and roof are thoroughly cleaned.
• When the building has completely dried, use selected disinfectants like quaternary ammonium compound, idophores, liquid ammonia or other commercially available approved disinfectants. One can also treat floors and parapet walls with caustic soda. Follow expert’s advice regarding dosages, procedures and compatibility. Place all disinfected equipments in place.
• Clean all water pipelines, feed bins, etc. with suitable disinfectants. Fumigation is effective in poultry houses which are reasonably air tight and at a temperature of 70°F (21°C) and 65% relative humidity. Close all openings and fumigate while building is still wet. Use 400 mL of Formaldehyde and 200 g of potassium permanganate for each 1000 cubic ft. of air space (28 cubic m). Keep the building closed for 24 hrs. Fumigation should only be done under strict supervision of authorized skilled person.
• An effective rodent control program should always be in use at all times.
• Regular spray of suitable disinfectants and strict bio-security procedures are necessary.

Biosecurity

All In All Out: This system is strongly recommended for maximum exploitation of genetic potential of birds. All birds in the shed/farm should be of the same age group and preferably of the same breed and source of supply. If this is not possible minimize the number of age groups on the farm. Efficient management, sanitation and vaccination programs become more complicated and less effective in multiple age sites.

Restriction on men and material: Sales people, bird lifters, service men and visitors should not be allowed to enter the bio-secured area.

Foot Baths: Foot baths should be provided at the entry of each shed. Water in foot baths should contain an approved disinfectant in its recommended dilution. The solution should be changed periodically.

Foot wears: Preferably disinfected rubber slippers should be used before entering the farm.