General Biosecurity (from USDA Policy for HPAI Mitigation)

Biosecurity is the most critical element to protecting non-infected flocks from currently circulating HPAI viruses. These measures should be heightened in states that have ongoing HPAI infection, as well as in production systems with infected premises. The following biosecurity practices are strongly recommended for all producers on all premises as part of the HPAI response, and should be part of a comprehensive biosecurity plan.

1. Keep poultry away from wild birds. Keep all poultry away from areas where they could potentially share an environment with wild birds, particularly waterfowl or shorebirds. Ideally, poultry should be housed indoors.
2. Don’t let wild birds (or fecal material) into barns.
   a. Close barn doors at all times.
   b. Consider delaying total cleans of finishing farms until the current HPAI outbreak has been contained. This will protect accidental introduction of contaminated material onto the farm, will help avoid any damage to thawing driveways, and will avoid creation of watering holes for migrating birds.
   c. Do not move equipment into or between barns containing poultry without thorough cleaning and disinfecting, particularly when it is muddy outside.
3. Nothing should enter a barn unless it’s been properly cleaned and disinfected. Equipment (including parts, loading panels, etc.) should be stored inside so that wild birds (or their droppings) don’t come into contact with it. Avoid driving trucks (such as shavings and poult trucks) into barns; if that’s not possible, clean and disinfect them thoroughly before entering. EPA -registered antimicrobial products with label claims for avian flu disinfectants (pdf)
4. Use barn - specific boots and coveralls. Keep protective gear in the barn’s entryway and use it each time a person enters the barn. Upon exit, remove the coveralls and boots and leave in the entryway. They should not be worn outside.
5. Eliminate standing water to prevent wild waterfowl from gathering on the farm.
6. Address feed spills as soon as they occur to avoid attracting wild birds to the farm.
7. Eliminate unnecessary farm visits. Nonessential personnel should not enter the farm.

Truck and Vehicle Biosecurity

In States with ongoing HPAI transmission, all trucks and other vehicles potentially contaminated with avian influenza virus should be cleaned and disinfected before entering and after leaving a premises. These vehicles include (but are not limited to) pullet trucks, shell egg trucks, feed trucks, and tankers. For specific guidance on cleaning and disinfecting vehicles, see the HPAI Cleaning and Disinfection SOP, found on the APHIS emergency management website.

EPA -registered antimicrobial products with label claims for avian flu disinfectants (pdf)

Feed Biosecurity

Wild birds — including all waterfowl — should not have access to any feed that will be or is being fed to any type of poultry. Feed must be protected from external birds and their feces, as well as any other potential contaminated material. Feed that is already contaminated should not be fed to poultry flocks until further notice, unless appropriate mitigation techniques (such as heat or chemical treatment), approved by State and APHIS officials, are applied.