Staying Ahead of the Curve
After a spring of dealing with HPAI in the US, many states are returning to normal operations. While this may seem logical, a new sense of wonder is starting to be discussed. What is it going to be like in the fall when waterfowl will be returning on their migration south?
The answer is "it all depends"... Farms that have prepared for high levels of biosecurity in the fall should weather the storm ahead. Take the time to look at the farm and tighten up those loose ends that could help reduce HPAI exposure. This would include setting exclusion lines over rain retention ponds and wastewater lagoons to prevent waterfowl from landing. Continue to check and repair netting in rafters and inlets to reduce any access by wild birds into the house. Mow grass near the housing to prevent rodents from getting too close. And, fix leaky feed bin boots that spill feed drawing wild birds to a house.
Review your Farm Biosecurity plans for people and vehicle movement onto the farm. This could include building a package drop hut at the farm lane or a danish entry point in the entrance to a poultry house. Adding on now while it is warm is better than building in the middle of winter. By keeping ahead of migration you may be able to bypass any major disease from coming onto your farm.
