What does biosecurity mean in relation to poultry?

Biosecurity in relation to poultry refers to the measures taken to prevent infectious diseases from affecting birds. This is crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of poultry populations. Implementing strong biosecurity practices involves a variety of strategies, including controlling access to birds, disinfecting equipment, monitoring the health of birds, and ensuring that any new birds are properly quarantined before being introduced to an existing flock.

The essence of biosecurity lies in reducing the risk of disease transmission, whether from external sources like wild birds or from within the poultry flock itself. By prioritizing biosecurity, poultry caregivers can protect their flocks from potential outbreaks that could arise from pathogens. This focus on disease prevention is vital not only for the welfare of the birds but also for the overall success of poultry production.