The current 2022-2024 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak highlights the crucial role of proactive action and planning to keep poultry facilities disease free. HPAI has devasted the poultry industry, particularly in commercial turkey production. More than 14 million turkeys have been depopulated because of HPAI, nearly triple the 6 million broilers impacted.
The dairy industry has also seen H5N1 infections, which it calls bovine influenza A virus (BIAV). More than 165 cattle in 13 U.S. states have tested positive for the virus since the first case was reported in March 2024 in Texas.
In addition, the virus can and has spread to workers in poultry barns, making biosecurity more important than ever.
In July 2024, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that industrial fans in a commercial poultry barn may have been to blame for H5N1 infections among workers involved in the depopulation of a flock with the virus. Strong breezes from the industrial fans may have made it difficult to keep personal protective equipment (PPE), including Tyvek suits, boots, goggles, gloves and respirators, in place, the report said.
Although the human H5N1 infections were reported in those working at a layer operation, this could just as easily have occurred at a broiler facility.
The first barrier to disease transmission
Because HPAI is highly contagious, biosecurity is the very first barrier to prevent disease transmission on commercial poultry farms and economic loss, said Gisele Ravagnani, DVM, technical marketing manager, North America, Lanxess.
“Disease outbreaks can have severe economic consequences for the poultry industry. Measures such as quarantine, restricted movement and biocontainment protocols help minimize the impact of diseases by preventing their introduction and spread, thereby safeguarding the industry’s economic stability,” she added.
As a result of the current outbreak, producers have become more proactive when it comes to biosecurity; however, many of these principles remain the same no matter what the disease. Constant vigilance and awareness, the monitoring and reporting of potential risks and renewed emphasis on regular training for farm personnel remain the bedrock of any biosecurity program.
Other important aspects of biosecurity protocols include PPE, strict access control to farms, surveillance and disease monitoring, and cleaning and disinfection protocols for equipment, vehicles and personnel.
There are two primary approaches to disinfection on poultry farms, terminal disinfection and continuous disinfection.
Terminal disinfection refers to the thorough cleaning and disinfection process that occurs between flocks. It is typically conducted after the removal of birds from a facility or when a section of the farm is emptied. The goal of terminal disinfection is to eliminate any remaining pathogens and prepare the environment for the next group of birds.
Conversely, continuous disinfection involves ongoing measures to maintain a clean and pathogen-free environment within poultry houses throughout the production cycle. While terminal disinfection focuses on thorough cleaning between flocks, continuous disinfection aims to prevent the buildup of pathogens and maintain hygiene on an ongoing basis.
“Although the basic principles of biosecurity measures remain unchanged, outbreaks have been strengthening how these measures are being implemented in poultry farms worldwide. There has been a heightened emphasis on controlling access to farms, implementing strict sanitation protocols and improving surveillance to prevent the introduction and spread of the virus,” Ravagnani explained.
New ideas in air sanitation
When it comes to biosecurity, the old adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” applies. There is no cure for HPAI, so right now a poultry producer’s best tool is finding ways to prevent the spread of the virus. Contaminated air is one way that diseases and viruses like HPAI can be transmitted into a facility.
“This tends to be the most difficult transmission form to curtail. Since farms require a large amount of air exchange, the air intake would need to be filtered or sterilized, which isn’t very practical, Aaron Stephan, Ph.D., director of research and innovation for the animal lighting division at Once by Signify, said.
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