PREVENTION, IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN CURE

Ecowize plays a critical role in ensuring food safety. As an industry leader in cleaning, we offer sanitization services all the way from farm to fork. One of the ways that we do this is through biosecurity systems.

Biosecurity is an essential measure aimed at preventing the introduction and spread of harmful organisms that can cause infectious diseases in animals and humans. Effective biosecurity programs are crucial in maintaining food safety & food security, aimed at protecting the operation, animals, and consumers involved.

Biosecurity programs should adhere to the World Animal Welfare Standards, critical to creating a zoonotic disease-free zone without impacting the well-being of the animals. There are several infectious diseases caused by virucidal and bacterial infections such as, but not limited to:

Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) or Gumboro Disease

Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects young chickens and is caused by the infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV). The disease damages the bursa of Fabricius (an important organ in birds), leading to immunosuppression, diarrhea, anorexia, and dehydration. IBD is transmitted through the oral-fecal route, with infected birds shedding the virus in their droppings. The virus can survive for several weeks in the environment, including in contaminated feed, water, and equipment, making it difficult to control and eradicate. Prevention and control of IBD involve implementing strict biosecurity measures and vaccination.

New Castle Disease

Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects domestic and wild birds worldwide and is caused by the Newcastle disease virus (NDV). The disease can cause respiratory distress, nervous signs, and a drop in egg production. ND is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected birds or their excreta, but can also be spread through contaminated feed, water, equipment, and clothing. Prevention and control measures include strict biosecurity measures and vaccination. ND is a notifiable disease, and control measures may include quarantine, movement restrictions, culling of infected birds, and disinfection of affected premises.

Infectious Bronchitis

Infectious bronchitis (IB) is a highly contagious viral respiratory disease that affects chickens, caused by infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). The virus primarily targets the respiratory and reproductive tracts, leading to a range of clinical signs including coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, tracheal rales, conjunctivitis, and decreased egg production. IBV is primarily transmitted through respiratory secretions, with infected birds shedding the virus in their nasal and ocular discharge, as well as their feces. The virus can also be indirectly transmitted through contaminated feed, water, and equipment. Prevention and control involve implementing strict biosecurity measures, vaccination, and regular review and updating of vaccination programs.

Avian Mycoplasmas

Avian mycoplasmas are bacteria that can cause respiratory and joint diseases in birds. The most common are Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synovial (MS). They primarily infect the respiratory tract, causing clinical signs such as coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge, as well as joint inflammation and decreased egg production in laying hens. Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected birds and contaminated equipment, water, and feed. Prevention and control involve strict biosecurity measures, vaccination, and regular monitoring & testing.

Avian Influenza

Avian influenza (AI) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects birds, and it is widely recognized as one of the largest threats to food safety and food security. The virus has the potential to cause severe economic losses in the poultry industry, affecting both production and trade. Additionally, the transmission of avian influenza to humans has the potential to cause a public health crisis, making it a major issue for global health and food security.

The virus is generally classified into two categories, with low pathogenicity (LPAI) causing subclinical infections and high pathogenicity causing severe respiratory illness in birds, leading to high mortality rates. Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected birds or through contaminated equipment, vehicles, water, and feed. Prevention and control involve strict biosecurity measures, vaccination, and monitoring and testing of birds and poultry products. The control of avian influenza requires a comprehensive approach to reduce the impact of the disease on both poultry and human health.

So, what can be done?

Without a doubt, adequate biosecurity measures are crucial for preventing the spread of infectious diseases in poultry, which can have devastating consequences for both animals and humans. Effective biosecurity programs should include measures such as vaccination, regular monitoring and testing, and proper sanitation practices.

The prevention and control of these and many other diseases require a comprehensive approach that involves the cooperation of all stakeholders, including farmers, veterinarians, consultants, chemical and feed manufacturers, and government authorities. By implementing and enforcing these measures, we can ensure the safety and security of our food supply, protect animal health and welfare, and safeguard public health.

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