Infographic: Key avian flu biosecurity considerations

The International Egg Commission (IEC) Avian Influenza Expert Group has developed the Practical Biosecurity Check List that it is designed to help egg businesses develop and improve their overall levels of biosecurity.

Checklist Iec

The International Egg Commission (IEC) Avian Influenza Expert Group has developed the Practical Biosecurity Check List that it is designed to help egg businesses develop and improve their overall levels of biosecurity.

The IEC Avian Influenza Expert Group is made up of leading scientists, veterinarians and other poultry industry experts. The long-term goal of the expert group is to help the global egg industry move beyond the risk of avian influenza.

IEC states that the egg industry must strive for improved performance through effective biosecurity protocols, because excellent biosecurity is proven to be the most critical tool in helping prevent a wide range of avian disease problems, and can even help egg businesses across the world avoid infection during severe outbreaks of avian flu. IEC believes that the check list will be an invaluable addition to protect the industry from the devastating consequences of avian influenza.

Among the critical guidelines included in the check list are:

  • Preventing chickens from having contact with rodents and wild birds that might be carriers of the virus
  • Controlling the movement of vehicles and people
  • Consistent use of dedicated, protective clothing and footwear for anyone that has access to chickens

The full Practical Biosecurity Check List can be downloaded from the IEC website, and critical considerations included in the check list can be seen on the infographic, below.

Iec Biosecurity Checklist Infographic 2

According to IEC, each egg production business should have a well-established and agreed-upon biosecurity plan, which should include the principal elements of the check list with special emphasis on avian influenza. The plan, IEC stated, should be backed up by frequent internal audits.

Within the past two weeks alone, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has issued reports concerning outbreaks of avian influenza in Japan, China, South Africa, Nigeria, Italy, Germany, Zimbabwe, South Korea and Cameroon. 

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