ODA: Biosecurity Protects You and Your Birds

Many poultry owners across Oregon consider birds part of the family.  The state Department of Agriculture is stressing the health and well-being of those chickens, ducks or geese are just as important as any other pets.

ODA said raising poultry can bring joy and companionship, so it’s important to remember that biosecurity helps protect your flock from harmful diseases.  ODA added some of the easiest biosecurity steps poultry owners can follow include: 

• Limit Visitors and Guests: Keep visits to a minimum, and when guests do come over, make sure they wash their hands and sanitize their shoes before interacting with your birds. Limiting exposure reduces the chance of bringing in any unwanted germs or diseases. 

• Sanitize Your Equipment: If you use tools like feeders, waterers, or other equipment, be sure to clean and disinfect them regularly. This helps stop potential germs or contaminants from spreading between your poultry and other animals. 

• Quarantine New Birds: If you're adding new poultry to your flock, keep them in a separate area for at least 30 days and handle these birds last. This helps ensure they are healthy and don't bring any illnesses to your existing birds. It's like a health check before they join the rest of the family! 

• Keep Their Environment Clean: Ensure your poultry’s living space is clean and dry. Dirty coops can lead to illness, so regularly clean bedding and provide fresh water and food to keep them healthy and happy. Make sure to clean the nooks and crannies of your coop! This is where mites and lice can harbor. 

• Watch for Early Signs of Illness: Spend time with your birds every day. Get to know their personalities and habits, so you can spot any signs of illness early. If you notice unusual behavior, a change in appetite, or abnormal droppings, contact a veterinarian who specializes in poultry for advice. If you are concerned that your poultry may be infected with Avian Influenza, call the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s (ODA) Animal Health Hotline at 503-986-4711. 

Why does biosecurity matters for poultry owners?  According to ODA: 

• Protect Your Flock’s Health: Biosecurity measures help prevent diseases from affecting your birds, keeping them happy and safe. 

• Avoid Unnecessary Costs: Even though you’re raising poultry as pets, a disease outbreak can still lead to unpredicted expensive outcomes for your flock. Prevention is always better than dealing with illness after it happens. 

• Community Health: Protecting your poultry also helps keep other farms and flocks healthy, preventing diseases from spreading. 

And ODA stressed it’s important to make biosecurity part of “Your Routine”, just like caring for your dog or cat, caring for your poultry requires attention to detail.  By keeping biosecurity in mind, the Department said "you ensure your feathered friends stay happy, healthy, and part of your family for years to come". 

For more additional tips and resources on poultry biosecurity for pet owners, visit the USDA's Website.

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