One of the biggest fears of working with poultry is the threat of avian flu. Detection of the infection in your animal pens can cause widespread mortality and will trigger a mass cull followed by strict cleaning and disinfection processes. The cost of these new processes and the losses can be considerable. Here at QUICKBLOCK, we have an affordable solution that we are already putting into practice for a number of farms across the country to defend against the disease. Here’s what we’ve learnt about Avian Influenza.
How is avian flu spread?
Direct bird-to-bird contact within your coops and through contaminated faeces, water, feed, vehicles, clothing and footwear.
How to spot avian flu symptoms
It’s important to note that there are two types of Avian flu, highly pathogenic (HP) and low pathogenic (LP), they have similar symptoms but with an HP strain it can be much more damaging to the flock. Symptoms to look out for include:
- High mortality
- Fall in productivity
- Appetite loss
- Respiratory distress
- Diarrhoea
- Swelling of the feet or head
What to do if you spot symptoms
Producers should report it to the authorities immediately.
- England – call Defra on 03000 200 301
- Wales – call 0300 303 8268
- Scotland – contact the local Field Services Office
How to control the spread of avian flu
There are many considerations if AI is detected in your poultry, from culling of the flock to ongoing biosecurity measures, these include:
- A full risk assessment with your vet is a good place to start
- Equipment should not be shared between animal pens to stop the spread
- Physical barriers should be created between clean and dirty areas
- Foot dips should be used outside all entrances to coops
- Keep records of visitors to your farm, disinfecting any vehicles and footwear
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used for all visitors and bins provided
- Bird feed and bedding should be kept clean and away from access of rodents and wild birds
- Keep all areas, paths and walkways clean, tidy and disinfected
- Fencing or segregated areas within your coops should be checked for holes and general security to protect the flock
- Ensure staff are trained accordingly on all of the measures
How can QUICKBLOCK help?
There are significant concerns for producers when it comes to protecting their flock against AI which include cost and sustainability. QUICKBLOCK offers solutions to both of these concerns with our affordable interlocking blocks. QUICKBLOCK is a rapid assembly building system that can produce multiple solutions time and time again.
- Tackling the separation of your birds will probably require temporary structures to house them. QUICKBLOCK structures can be built in less than 20 minutes.
- To ensure the safety of your birds, temporary wall dividers may need to be put in place within your existing animal pens. QUICKBLOCK is lightweight, yet robust and locks together like building blocks, creating temporary wall dividers with ease. There would be no need to check for holes in this fencing solution.
- The need for decontamination zones is essential, QUICKBLOCK’s ability to create these spaces is fast, efficient and cost-effective. You can build them, take them down and store them in a flat-packed condition to use again in the future.
- QUICKBLOCK is a sustainable construction solution proudly made from 100% recycled plastic, ensuring your temporary structures, temporary wall dividers and decontamination zones are made from sustainable materials.
- Hygiene is of utmost importance and our interlocking blocks made from recycled plastic material are easily wiped-clean with approved disinfectants.
Find out more about the features of our interlocking blocks, as well as accessing live chat or to book an appointment to chat to a member of our team about your requirements. We look forward to supporting you on your mission to protect against avian influenza.
