{"id":143730,"date":"2021-09-16T10:34:09","date_gmt":"2021-09-16T08:34:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ew-nutrition.com\/want-to-reduce-antibiotic-use-biosecurity-and-sanitation-are-crucial\/"},"modified":"2023-06-09T10:42:35","modified_gmt":"2023-06-09T08:42:35","slug":"want-to-reduce-antibiotic-use-biosecurity-and-sanitation-are-crucial","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ew-nutrition.com\/en-uk\/want-to-reduce-antibiotic-use-biosecurity-and-sanitation-are-crucial\/","title":{"rendered":"Want to reduce antibiotic use? Biosecurity and sanitation are crucial"},"content":{"rendered":"
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By T.J. Gaydos<\/b><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Biosecurity may not sound like an exciting topic at first, but it is a critical component of responsible poultry production. It is not enough to devise a strong biosecurity program; that program must also be followed by all people that interact within the system. It only takes one dirty boot or tire to ruin months of hard work.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Achieving good results with a flock largely depends on protecting the birds from biosecurity risks<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Antibiotic reduction in poultry requires biosecurity<\/h1>\n

In a poultry operation, feed, people, and equipment constantly need to go in and out of farms and mills. Thus, no biosecurity program can be perfect. The intensity of the program needs to balance the realities of farming and the current disease pressure. The best program takes all of those into account, additionally considers local weather, availability of supplies, and company\/farm staff. It is simple enough to be done even when no one is watching and should be easily scalable in case of increased disease pressure.<\/p>\n

The rigorousness of a program must be in due proportion to the local circumstances. Having a biosecurity program that is too strict for the perceived disease pressure may result in people taking the path of least resistance. They probably will not follow instructions, especially if there is not enough monitoring and training to reinforce the value of biosecurity. On the other hand, a program with too lax guidelines will not have the desired effect.<\/p>\n

The discrepancy between care requirements and separation<\/h2>\n

Unfortunately, the most valuable animals in an operation are often the most frequently visited by the most people. Pullets need closely monitored feedings, vaccines, and deworming. Breeders need eggs collected and shipped. Hatcheries require a labor force and maintenance. The feed mill and hatchery are central and overlapping points for all areas of the operation. The human and vehicle traffic at these locations must be closely monitored to reduce the risk of rapid disease transmission.<\/p>\n

\"\"Feed mills are critical sites for biosecurity measures in poultry production<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

A physical barrier or sign indicating a biosecurity area on a farm or building entrance can help remind people of the program. Of course, these signs will not stop a disease from entering, nor a person determined to enter a site, but they will cause well-trained people to pause and reflect if they are making a sound decision.<\/p>\n

Hygiene is a critical factor<\/h3>\n

It is well documented that hands and feet are significant transmitters of human and animal pathogens. Several studies have shown that hand washing can reduce absenteeism in school-aged children by 29-57%, thanks to a decrease in gastrointestinal diseases (Wang et al., 2017<\/a>). Hand washing also reduces the incidence of respiratory illness<\/a> in human populations by up to 21% (Aiello et al., 2008<\/a>). Mycoplasmas<\/em> can survive for one day in a person\u2019s nose, for up to three days in hair, and up to 3-5 days on cotton or feathers (Christensen et al., 1994<\/a>). Influenza viruses endure 1-2 days on hard surfaces (Bean et al., 1982<\/a>) and more than a month in pond water (Domanska-Blicharz et al., 2010<\/a>).<\/p>\n

When building a biosecurity program, it is essential to consider the relevant pathogens of concern and the practical ways to reduce their risk of transmission.<\/p>\n

How to establish an effective biosecurity program<\/h2>\n

Generally, biosecurity comprises two important parts:<\/p>\n