The Feather Board Command Centre is calling on all poultry
farmers, not just those inside two 10-kilometer quarantine zones, to practice
enhanced biosecurity.
The concern arises from two outbreaks of the deadly H5N2
strain of avian influenza, one a turkey farm, the other a broiler breeder
hatching eggs farm, both in Oxford County.
The Feather Board Command Centre, which is made up of
supply-management marketing boards for eggs, chickens and turkeys and the
commission for the chicken hatching egg industry, says “producers are reminded
of the following enhanced biosecurity practices:
· Alert all visitors to the farm that there is
enhanced biosecurity and keep a logbook of all movements
· Minimize visits to other poultry production sites
· Avoid any co-mingling of birds or contact with
outside birds
· Avoid unnecessary contact with other poultry
producers or industry stakeholders especially at group
meetings
· Avoid exchanging equipment with other poultry
production sites
· Ensure all vehicles/farm equipment that access the
barn vicinity are properly washed and disinfected
· Ensure all personnel in contact with birds arrive
at the farm with clean footwear and clothing and
when applicable wear boots,
protective suits, head coverings and gloves
· Wash hands and use hand sanitizer before and after
handling the birds
· Secure all laneways to restrict all unnecessary
traffic
· Ensure adequate control of wild birds and rodents
· If there is a pressure washer or a hose available to wash
tires and equipment, please make this
available to service vehicles.
Poultry growers should immediately contact the CFIA
Diagnostics and Surveillance centre at 519-691-0615 if their birds show any
signs of illness. “
