Training video #5 Poultry health and biosecurity - #SWMProgramme

Summary

This video provides essential guidance for maintaining a healthy and productive poultry flock in small-scale and semi-intensive systems. Key practices include good animal husbandry, biosecurity measures, and targeted vaccinations to prevent diseases like Newcastle disease and avian influenza. It emphasizes the importance of regular cleaning, disease detection, and prompt treatment. The video also stresses the careful use of antibiotics, as misuse can lead to antimicrobial resistance. Practical steps for controlling outbreaks, such as isolating sick birds and proper disposal, are outlined to protect both flock health and safety.

Takeaways

• 😀 Good animal husbandry, effective biosecurity, and targeted vaccinations are key to maintaining a healthy and productive poultry flock.
• 😀 Biosecurity practices include regularly cleaning poultry houses, feeders, drinkers, and nests with soap or detergent to prevent disease spread.
• 😀 Quarantine new birds for at least two weeks before introducing them to your flock to check for signs of illness.
• 😀 Avoid purchasing birds from uncontrolled sources, especially during disease outbreaks, and avoid selling or consuming sick birds.
• 😀 Regularly clean and disinfect farm equipment, cages, and egg trays to prevent disease transmission.
• 😀 Vaccinations, particularly against Newcastle disease, are crucial for preventing poultry diseases. Always consult a poultry health specialist for proper vaccination schedules.
• 😀 Parasite prevention includes dust bathing trays with ashes and sulfur powder placed near the poultry house.
• 😀 Early detection and proper treatment of diseases can prevent outbreaks in your flock. Seek professional help when unsure.
• 😀 In case of unusual mortalities or symptoms of disease, consult a veterinarian immediately to prevent further spread.
• 😀 Antibiotics should only be used when necessary and as prescribed by a poultry health specialist to prevent antimicrobial resistance.
• 😀 Clean thoroughly after an outbreak by disinfecting the poultry house, removing infected materials, and waiting before restocking new birds to prevent reinfection.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video on health and biosecurity?

The video focuses on providing guidance for sustainable wildlife management, specifically aimed at successful family poultry production. It covers small extensive and scavenging systems but also applies to semi-intensive systems.

What are the key measures to prevent infectious diseases in poultry?

The key measures include good animal husbandry, effective biosecurity practices, and vaccination targeting specific pathogens. Prevention is more cost-effective and efficient than waiting for disease outbreaks.

What is biosecurity and why is it important?

Biosecurity refers to a set of practices that aim to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases in poultry. It is crucial for keeping diseases away from the flock and preventing further outbreaks once a disease occurs.

What are some important biosecurity practices to follow?

Important biosecurity practices include keeping different poultry species separate, cleaning poultry houses and equipment regularly, quarantining new birds for two weeks, washing hands before and after handling birds, and limiting access to the poultry house.

Why should new birds be quarantined before joining an existing flock?

New birds should be quarantined for two weeks to ensure they do not bring any diseases into the existing flock. This practice helps in detecting potential illness early and preventing the spread of disease.

What role do vaccines play in poultry health management?

Vaccines help protect poultry from specific infectious diseases, such as Newcastle disease. They are administered by injection, eye drops, drinking water, or spray. However, vaccines cannot treat diseases once they have occurred.

What is Newcastle disease, and why is it significant for poultry farming?

Newcastle disease is one of the most deadly diseases for chickens. Vaccination is the only known way to prevent it, and in many regions, it is a primary concern for poultry health.

What should be done if a flock shows signs of illness?

The sick birds should be isolated in a separate poultry house or cage. The infected area must be cleaned thoroughly, and any dead birds should be disposed of immediately. If high losses occur, it may be necessary to slaughter the entire flock and wait before restocking.

Why is the misuse of antibiotics dangerous for poultry?

Misuse of antibiotics can lead to antimicrobial resistance, where bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, making them harder to treat. Antibiotics should only be used under the guidance of a trained poultry health specialist.

What are some common diseases poultry farmers should watch out for?

Farmers should be vigilant for diseases such as Newcastle disease, avian influenza, and fowl pox. Early recognition and treatment are crucial for managing these diseases.