Discover the most common questions UK poultry farmers ask about on-farm biosecurity. Learn how to protect your flock from avian influenza, salmonella, and other poultry diseases with practical, legal, and cost-effective measures.
1. What is poultry farm biosecurity and why does it matter?
Biosecurity means protecting your birds from infectious diseases by keeping harmful viruses, bacteria, and parasites out of your farm. For UK poultry keepers, biosecurity is critical because of the ongoing threat of avian influenza outbreaks, salmonella risks, and strict welfare and food safety standards. Good biosecurity protects your flock, your business, and public health.
2. How do diseases usually enter a poultry farm?
Common disease entry points include:
- New birds introduced without quarantine
- Farm staff or visitors carrying pathogens on boots or clothing
- Shared or dirty vehicles and equipment
- Wild birds, rodents, and insects contaminating feed and water
- Poorly stored feed, bedding, or litter
3. What daily biosecurity routines should every poultry farmer follow?
Strong biosecurity relies on consistency. Daily tasks should include:
- Wearing clean overalls and farm-dedicated boots
- Hand washing or sanitising before entering poultry houses
- Cleaning and disinfecting feeders, drinkers, and tools
- Checking flock health for early signs of illness
- Maintaining pest control and keeping wild birds out of sheds
4. How should farms manage visitors, contractors, and vehicles?
Visitors and vehicles can be major biosecurity risks. Best practice is to:
- Allow essential visitors only and keep a logbook
- Provide clean protective clothing and disinfected boots
- Designate clean parking zones away from bird housing
- Ensure vehicles and equipment are thoroughly washed and disinfected
5. What are "clean/dirty zones" or "lines of separation" in poultry housing?
A line of separation divides the outside (dirty) environment from the inside (clean) poultry area. Anyone crossing must follow hygiene steps such as changing footwear and washing hands. Within sheds, clearly marked clean and dirty zones reduce the risk of spreading pathogens between flocks.
6. What are the legal biosecurity requirements for poultry farms in the UK?
All poultry keepers must follow DEFRA and APHA guidelines on disease prevention. During an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ), extra mandatory measures apply. Farms selling under assurance schemes (e.g. Red Tractor, Lion Code) must also meet strict biosecurity standards to remain certified.
7. How do I safely introduce new birds to my flock?
When bringing in new poultry:
- Source from reputable suppliers with health certificates
- Quarantine new stock away from the main flock for a set period
- Disinfect all transport equipment and housing
- Closely monitor for illness before and after introduction
8. How do feed, water, and bedding affect biosecurity?
Feed, water, and bedding are often overlooked but can carry disease:
- Store feed securely to prevent contamination by rodents or wild birds
- Protect water sources and consider filtration or treatment if needed
- Keep bedding and litter dry, clean, and stored under cover
9. What should I do if I suspect avian influenza or another notifiable disease?
If you suspect a notifiable disease:
- Report immediately to APHA (or DAERA in Northern Ireland)
- Restrict movement in and out of the premises
- Isolate the affected flock and enforce strict disinfection protocols
- Work with your vet and follow government disease control guidance
10. How can I monitor and improve my farm's biosecurity?
Ongoing improvement is key. Steps include:
- Keeping detailed records (visitor logs, mortality, cleaning routines)
- Carrying out regular self-audits and external inspections
- Training all staff and contractors in biosecurity procedures
- Maintaining buildings and fencing to block wildlife access
- Staying up to date with DEFRA alerts and industry best practice
Final Thoughts
Good biosecurity is the backbone of a healthy poultry farm. From daily hygiene routines to emergency response plans, UK poultry farmers who take biosecurity seriously protect not only their flocks but also their livelihoods.
By answering these ten common questions, we hope to make it easier for you to strengthen your farm's defences against disease.