Only 1g of infected faeces is required to cause 1 million birds to die, therefore keeping everything that is going in and out of the shed to a minimum, and as clean as possible, is the only way to minimise the risk of AI.
At this time it is more important than ever to remain biosecure.
Defra has put together some guidance on biosecurity and preventing disease in a Prevention Zone which has good biosecurity points worth following.
The Chief Veterinary Officer, Nigel Gibbens, advises the following:
- Cleansing and disinfecting clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry – if practical, use disposable protective clothing
- Reducing the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry are kept to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products and using effective vermin control
- Thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting housing at the end of a production cycle
- Keeping fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all points where people should use it, such as farm entrances and before entering poultry housing or enclosures
- Minimising direct and indirect contact between poultry and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds