[Jeffrey]

The best to approach any biosecurity practice is to think about five basic questions to get the conversation and brainstorming going.

1) What disease agent we want to avoid?
Avian influenza.

2) What is the most likely source of contamination?
For avian influenza the most likely source (but not the only one) of the virus is an infected wild animal such as migratory birds.

3) How can the disease agent enter the farm?
The virus needs to become in contact with the birds at the farm via several options: a) wild birds can enter the poultry barn then think about nets and barriers to prevent their access, b) excreta from wild birds can easily be picked up in the soles of shoes and carry inside the poultry house. Here think about the availability of trees and other structures where birds can perch. Also think about having a Danish entry at every poultry house so the shoes used inside the poultry house never go outside and outside shoes never go inside. Also think about personnel, clothing, instruments and other fomites capable of carrying the influenza virus. Here you need to think about protocols for restricted access to the farm, quarantine times, as well as cleaning and disinfection protocols for every single supply entering the farm, including feed.

4) What prophylactic and therapeutic options we have available
What avian influenza vaccines are available to you for use and what the implications (i.e., pros and cons) to implement a vaccination program.

5) What steps will be taken when a flock of birds contracts the disease?
For avian influenza you need to consult your veterinarian and as well as to contact your local animal health authorities to figure out how to proceed when a flock goes positive.

[Muhammad Zeeshan Asghar]

@everyone Please