Biosecurity is a safeguard against disease.
The word ‘biosecurity’ refers to practical precautions that should be taken by bird owners to minimise the potential for introduction and spread of diseases and infectious agents, like bacteria and viruses, into their flocks or aviaries.
Good biosecurity also minimises the risk of exotic diseases like Avian Influenza entering flocks and generally has the potential to improve the overall health of a flock.
Tips for good biosecurity.
• Always source your birds from a reputable producer or breeder.
• Do not share equipment with other bird keepers, unless it has been thoroughly disinfected.
• Restrict access of other animals, particularly rodents and wild birds, to your bird areas with good fencing and netting.
• Prevent domestic birds from coming into contact with aquatic wild birds by restricting access of your birds to open ponds, lakes, dams and creeks.
• Make sure your clothes, footwear and hands are clean before contact with birds. Any essential visitors should do the same.
• Inspect birds daily and clean bird areas weekly.
• Clean concrete floors, walls and aviary wire, and clean and disinfect feed containers regularly.
• Ensure water supplied to your birds is safe. Dam, creek, lakes or river water should be effectively treated with recommended products like chlorine or UV.
• Ensure proper veterinary care is provided to pet birds and discuss any unusual signs with your veterinarian.
• If unusually high mortalities occur, contact your veterinarian immediately or your local Rural Lands Protection Board (RLPB), NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI)
