National Farm Biosecurity Manual

F O R C H I C K E N G ROW E R S

February 2010
 © Australian Chicken Meat Federation Inc. 2010

The National Farm Biosecurity Manual for Chicken Growers has been approved by
all signatories to the Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement as part of the
National Disease Risk Mitigation Program referred to in section 14 of said Agreement.

The Manual is maintained and distributed by the Australian Chicken Meat Federation. It
is available in PDF format from the ACMF website www.chicken.org.au.

Any comments should be addressed to ACMF, P.O. Box 579, North Sydney NSW 2059
or sent to acmf@chicken.org.au.

Funding for the preparation and printing of this manual was provided by The RIRDC
Chicken Meat Program.

1
Background The sector specific manuals, such as this one, must,

A National Farm Biosecurity Manual for Poultry as a minimum, satisfy the requirements stipulated in

Production was produced by a Biosecurity Consultative the generic manual but may provide more specific

Group (BCG), established as a resolution of the guidance or additional requirements that reflect the

2007 Government–Industry Avian Influenza Forum. characteristics of the industry sector.

Membership of the group included representatives Individual producers and companies may wish to
from each of the following organisations and poultry develop enhanced biosecurity manuals, which should
industry sectors: nevertheless incorporate these minimum standards in

n Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, addition to any specific company requirements.

Fisheries and Forestry Scope

n Animal Health Australia The Manual applies to commercial meat chicken farms
n Australian Chicken Meat Federation Inc. (broiler farms) from the time of delivery of birds, until
n Australian Chicken Growers’ Council pick-up, slaughter or disposal of live birds. While the

n Australian Egg Corporation Limited Manual stipulates the minimum requirements for any
meat chicken farm, it should be noted that biosecurity
n Australasian Turkey Federation
measures in place on breeder farms would generally
n Free Range Egg and Poultry Australia
be much more stringent, reflecting the economic
n Australian Duck Meat Association importance and the extended life cycle of breeder
n Emu Industry Federation of Australia flocks. The pick-up and transport to the processing
n Australian Ostrich Association plant is covered in Appendix 10.

n Game bird industry Implementation

n NSW Department of Primary Industries The adoption of the new Poultry Meat Production and
n Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Processing Food Standard (PPPFS), expected to be
Fisheries finalised by FSANZ in 2010 and to be implemented
The purpose of the Manual was to establish a minimum over the following two years in a consistent way by
set of biosecurity standards, applicable to all poultry all States and Territories, presents a good opportunity
producers (including ratites). to promote adoption of the biosecurity standards set
out in this Manual. While the biosecurity requirements
Manual adapted for the commercial in this Manual are in some areas broader than what
chicken meat industry is strictly required from a food safety point of view,
The present document is an adaptation of the generic it is the industry’s expectation that adoption of the
poultry manual to reflect the requirements as they measures stipulated in this Manual will largely meet the
apply to the commercial chicken meat industry. PPPFS requirements as far as the production phase is
Reference to other sectors has been removed and concerned.
some industry specific arrangements have been
reflected in the present text.

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 This page is deliberately left blank

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CONTENTS

MEAT CHICKEN PRODUCTION BIOSECURITY 6

MAJOR ROUTES FOR DISEASE AND PATHOGEN TRANSMISSION 7
DEFINITION OF THE CONCEPT OF PRODUCTION AREA AND PROPERTY 7
LEVELS OF BIOSECURITY 8
LEVEL 1 – ROUTINE BIOSECURITY PROCEDURES 8
ACTION PLAN FOR SUSPECTED EMERGENCY ANIMAL DISEASE 8
LEVEL 2 – HIGH RISK BIOSECURITY PROCEDURES 8
FREE RANGE PRODUCTION OPERATIONS 8
THE TERM “POULTRY” 8
LEVEL 1 – ROUTINE BIOSECURITY PROCEDURES 9
1. DOCUMENTATION AND TRAINING 9
2. FACILITY STANDARDS 9
3. PERSONNEL STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES 11
4. OPERATIONAL STANDARDS 13
5. PROCESSOR OR FARM SPECIFIC ADDITIONAL BIOSECURITY REQUIREMENTS 14
LEVEL 2 – HIGH RISK BIOSECURITY PROCEDURES 15
1. ACTION PLAN FOR SUSPECTED EMERGENCY ANIMAL DISEASE 15
2. FACILITIES 15
3. PERSONNEL 15
4. OPERATIONAL 15
5. STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES (SOPs) 15
APPENDIX 1 – PERSONNEL QUARANTINE DECLARATION 16
APPENDIX 2A – ENTRY CONDITIONS FOR VISITORS TO POULTRY SHED AND/OR RANGE AREAS 17
APPENDIX 2B – VISITORS’ LOG 18
APPENDIX 3 – SURFACE WATER TREATMENT 19
APPENDIX 4 – WATER QUALITY GUIDELINES 20
APPENDIX 5 – WATER SANITATION RECORD 21
APPENDIX 6 – RODENT CONTROL RECORD 22
APPENDIX 7 – DEAD BIRD COLLECTION 23
APPENDIX 8 – DEAD BIRD COMPOSTING 24
APPENDIX 9 – PRODUCTION AREA AUDIT CHECKLIST 25
APPENDIX 10 – PICK-UP AND TRANSPORT TO PROCESSING PLANT 31
APPENDIX 11 – PROCESSOR OR FARM SPECIFIC ADDITIONAL BIOSECURITY REQUIREMENTS 33

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 MEAT CHICKEN PRODUCTION
BIOSECURITY

This page is deliberately left blank

5
MEAT CHICKEN PRODUCTION industry personnel, contractors, and deliveries of day-old
BIOSECURITY chicks and feed.

An additional element in the prevention of introduction

OBJECTIVES and spread of disease is the use of vaccination. The
n To prevent the introduction of infectious disease agents Manual does not cover this aspect but the importance
to meat chicken flocks. of an appropriate vaccination strategy is acknowledged
n To prevent the spread of disease agents from an and vaccination as a possible risk management measure
infected area to an uninfected area. should form part of the overall biosecurity assessment and
n To minimise the incidence and spread of strategy.
microorganisms of public health significance.
The purpose of the Manual is to establish a minimum set

Biosecurity and quarantine are integral parts of any of biosecurity guidelines, applicable to all meat chicken

successful poultry production system. Biosecurity refers producers from hatcheries to the point of delivery at

to those measures taken to prevent or control the the processor. Commercial enterprises which raise meat

introduction and spread of infectious agents to a flock. chickens for the purposes of breeding fall within the scope

Such infectious agents, whether they cause clinical or of this Manual.

subclinical disease, significantly reduce the productivity, Individual producers and companies may wish to develop
profitability and long term financial viability of a poultry enhanced biosecurity manuals, which should nevertheless
operation. incorporate these minimum standards in addition to any

Biosecurity is about managing risk to meet the objectives specific company requirements.

stated above. It is essential that a risk assessment be A biosecurity self audit/auditable checklist for continuous
conducted for each enterprise to establish what level of improvement is attached as Appendix 9. This document
risk exists in each phase of its operations and to identify may also form the basis for either 2nd or 3rd party audits
and implement control measures appropriate to these where this is required.
levels of risk.
Biosecurity is like any other insurance policy and as such
This Manual identifies areas of risk common to most
it is a prudent investment.
broiler farms and appropriate measures to minimise these
risks. When undertaking the risk assessment underpinning
the farm-specific biosecurity measures, it is important
to take into account all factors that may impact on the
biosecurity of the production area. These factors should
include location and layout of property and production
area, source of water supply, disease status of the district,
proximity to other production areas with avian species,
presence and type of wildlife, and interface with the
organisations and/or individual clients that are being
supplied. These interactions include pick-ups, servicemen,

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 MAJOR ROUTES FOR DISEASE AND
PATHOGEN TRANSMISSION

MAJOR ROUTES FOR DISEASE AND WATER SUPPLY

PATHOGEN TRANSMISSION n Water supplies may become contaminated with faeces
POULTRY from contact with avian or other animal species.

n Transfer of birds from production area to FEED

production area
n Feed may be contaminated by the raw materials used,
n Dead bird disposal post-production and during transport, or by exposure to
rodents and birds on the property. Bacteria and mould in
OTHER ANIMALS
poor quality or damaged feed may also be a concern.
n Wild birds
LITTER
n Feral and domestic animals, including other livestock
n Transport of litter material on and off the farm site as well
and pets
as storage of used litter on site may be a biosecurity risk.
n Insects
DEFINITION OF THE CONCEPT OF
n Rodents – rats / mice
PRODUCTION AREA AND PROPERTY
n Domestic birds In this document, the production area includes the poultry
PEOPLE sheds, the ranges used for free range production, the
areas used for feed storage and handling and the area
n Farm personnel and family members living on site
immediately surrounding the sheds, including pick-up areas.
n Contractors, maintenance personnel, neighbours,
The property is the land on which the production area is
serviceperson, visitors
located and typically includes the facility manager’s home
n Disease can be transmitted by, for example, hands, and may include other farm land used for livestock or
boots, clothing, dirty hair cultivation. The boundary of the production area and the

EQUIPMENT boundary of the property may be the same.

VEHICLES Any reference to sheds is a reference to roofed buildings

capable of and used for holding poultry securely within its
AIR perimeter. Any reference to range is a reference to fenced
n Transmission as an aerosol or dust pastures that are, or at times are, accessed by the poultry
being farmed.

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LEVELS OF BIOSECURITY FREE RANGE PRODUCTION
LEVEL 1 – ROUTINE BIOSECURITY OPERATIONS
PROCEDURES This Manual applies equally to conventionally housed birds
and free-range operations. It is recognised that free-range
These procedures should be implemented and followed
birds will have some exposure to wild birds. However, in
on a daily basis. They give a high degree of assurance that
these environments measures should be taken to minimise
diseases and pathogens will not be carried into poultry
the congregation of waterfowl and the impacts of wild
production areas and will reduce the risk of transmission
birds generally, and these measures should be documented.
between production areas. These should be seen as a
minimum requirement. While footbaths are not appropriate for a free range
paddock, a system should be implemented to monitor and
ACTION PLAN FOR SUSPECTED
control any potential hazardous organic material or litter
EMERGENCY ANIMAL DISEASE
from entering free range paddocks and these measures
Each owner must establish and document clear guidelines should be documented. Paragraph 4.3.4 covers some
regarding the circumstances when a emergency animal specific range management issues to be followed by free
disease alert should be raised (e.g. an unusual increase range operations.
in mortality or drop in production), and who must be
Good fencing is required around free range farms to
informed. The action plan must also clearly state that, if an
prevent entry of animals such as dogs, foxes and cats.
alert is raised, movements on and off the production area
In many situations, however, fencing alone is insufficient
and the property must be limited to the absolute minimum
to stop such intrusions; therefore, some free range
and special precautions must be taken as outlined in the
enterprises keep specially trained dogs with the chickens,
section Level 2 – High Risk Biosecurity Procedures.
as a protection against other animals and also against
LEVEL 2 – HIGH RISK BIOSECURITY unauthorised human entry. Guard dogs such as these
PROCEDURES are not regarded as a biosecurity risk but rather as a
In the event of an outbreak of an emergency disease or biosecurity tool.
serious endemic disease, High Risk Biosecurity Procedures THE TERM “POULTRY”
will be implemented.
The term “Poultry” in the remainder of this document
In the case of an emergency animal disease, and where refers to meat chickens. For other poultry species, please
applicable, standard operating procedures (SOPs) will refer to the generic poultry farm biosecurity manual
be implemented in line with the relevant AUSVETPLAN “National Farm Biosecurity Manual, Poultry Production”
disease strategy. (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, 1st
Edition, 2009) or the sector specific manual relevant to the
particular species concerned.

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 LEVEL 1
Routine Biosecurity Procedures

1. DOCUMENTATION AND 2.3 A sketch or map of the layout of the property,

TRAINING showing the production area, sheds, ranges, access
roads and gates must be created and maintained
OBJECTIVE up-to-date.
To ensure awareness by and training of all production
2.4 The main entrance to the production area must be
area employees in all relevant biosecurity requirements.
capable of being closed off to vehicle traffic (e.g.
lockable gate which, where feasible, should be kept
1.1 Each production facility must keep a copy of this
locked at all times) and must display appropriate
National Farm Biosecurity Manual (the Manual)
signage including “Biosecure Area No Entry Unless
readily accessible to staff.
Authorised” or similar wording. In addition, signage
1.2 Staff must be provided with training in the relevant must direct visitors to contact the producer before
parts of the Manual and such training is to be proceeding i.e. telephone number and/or enquire at
recorded. house.

2.5 There must be a parking area for vehicles not

2. FACILITY STANDARDS entering the production area. There must be a
OBJECTIVE change area away from sheds with clean protective
To limit and control access to poultry production areas clothing and boots provided.
by people and prevent as much as possible access by 2.6 Entry to sheds must only be made through
livestock, wild birds and other animals (including rodents). entrances where a footbath exists containing
a suitable disinfectant used in accordance with
2.1 The production area must have a perimeter fence company or manufacturer’s instructions and
or otherwise well defined boundary (e.g. creek, changed on a regular basis. There must be provision
vegetation) establishing a clearly defined biosecurity for scraping the soles of boots before dipping to
zone. ensure the sanitiser is making contact with the soles
2.2 If livestock graze the property then the production of the boots. An alternative system using separate
area must have a stock proof fence. Grazing near production area and shed footwear may be used.
sheds (i.e. on part of the production area as defined Facilities for hand sanitation must also be placed at
in this Manual) is only permitted where the grazing the entry of each shed.
area is separated by a stock proof barrier from 2.7 Adequate and biosecure dead bird disposal
the area used by poultry, effectively preventing procedures must be in place (collection as per
transmission of contaminants from grazing livestock Appendix 7, composting as per Appendix 8 or
to poultry, and the grazing area is not used for incineration with after-burner) and conform with
access to other parts of the production area. applicable environmental compliance requirements.
Drainage from livestock pastures or holding areas
2.8 All poultry housing must be designed and
must not enter poultry enclosures or areas that can
maintained so as to prevent the entry of wild birds
be accessed by poultry (e.g through fences).
and limit the access of vermin as far as is practical.

9
2.9 Landscape – Trees and shrubs should be selected be found in Appendix 4. Water that does not meet
to minimise wild bird attraction, particularly in the standard must be treated (e.g. by chlorination,
free-range operations. The area around sheds must ultraviolet, iodine) to ensure that the standard is
be kept free from debris and vegetation should be met. See also section 4.1.
mown regularly to discourage wild birds, insects and
All surface water (dam, river etc) must be treated
rodents which are potential disease vectors.
before being used as drinking water for poultry. See
Vegetation buffers for environmental compliance also section 4.1.
should not be compromised. Trees may be used
Treated water supply must be kept in a closed
as shelter belts, along fence lines and on free range
system from the point of treatment to the drinker.
premises to provide shade and protect birds from
harsh weather conditions. 2.14 Sheep and other domestic stock must not have
access to the production area at any time except
2.10 Drainage – The production area should be
under the specific condition stipulated in 2.2. Dogs
adequately drained to prevent accumulation and
and cats must not enter sheds unless dogs are
stagnation of water likely to attract water fowl,
part of the flock security strategy (see Free Range
especially in the areas around sheds and range areas.
Production Operations, page 8).
Standing water may also increase the presence of
insects which can act as significant disease vectors. 2.15 Only commercially produced avian species are to
be kept in the production area and no other avian
2.11 An appropriate vermin control strategy and plan
species (including aviary birds and pet birds) or pigs
must be developed and implemented, including for
are to be kept on the property.
rodents, foxes, and wild dogs and cats.
2.16 If more than one commercially produced avian
2.12 A baiting program for rodents must be
species is kept in the production area, the species
implemented where a risk assessment deems this
should be housed and managed separately,
necessary (live rodents, droppings, nests). Such a
with suitable biosecurity arrangements for each
baiting program must include the following features:
species. Shared equipment should be cleaned and
2.12.1 Bait stations must be numbered and a disinfected between use.
map kept of their location.
2.17 Feeding systems must wherever possible be
2.12.2 Bait stations must be placed at regular closed to ensure that feed in silos and feed
intervals around the sheds. The number delivery systems are protected from access and
of bait stations should be increased in contamination by wild birds and rodents. Feed spills
areas where there are signs of increased should be cleaned up without delay to prevent the
rodent activity. congregation of wild birds.

2.12.3 Bait stations must be designed to 2.18 Where bird weighing is practiced, it must be carried
minimise the opportunity for other out using the production area’s own weighing
mammals and birds to access the bait. frames and scales. Company service personnel can
use their own scales provided that they are cleaned
2.13 Drinking water for poultry, as well as cooling water
and disinfected when moved between production
used in poultry sheds, must meet appropriate
areas.
water standards. The drinking water standard can

10
 LEVEL 1
Routine Biosecurity Procedures

3. PERSONNEL STANDARDS 3.2 COMPANY SERVICE PERSONNEL

AND PROCEDURES
OBJECTIVE
OBJECTIVE To minimise the risk of introduction of disease or
To minimise the risk of introducing or spreading a contaminants by company service personnel
disease or contaminant through people movement,
including: 3.2.1 Company service personnel by necessity make
n Staff (including production personnel and company multiple production area visits on a single day.
service personnel) Protective clothing and footwear, as approved by the
n Contractors, suppliers and other service personnel production facility manager, should be worn in the
n Visitors and family members production area. Hands must be sanitised before
and to document such movements to facilitate tracing in entering sheds.
case of a concern. 3.2.2 Visits should always be made from ‘clean’ areas i.e.
home, younger or healthy production area. In an
3.1 PRODUCTION PERSONNEL emergency, visits may be made from production
areas with lower standards of biosecurity after a
OBJECTIVE shower and complete change of clothing.
To minimise the risk of introduction of disease or
contaminants by production personnel 3.3 REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE

OBJECTIVE
3.1.1 Production area personnel or any person residing
To minimise the risk of introduction of disease or
on the property must not have contact with any
contaminants by contractors carrying out maintenance
other poultry, cage birds, emus, racing pigeons
and repair work
or pigs unless they have a complete head-to-toe
shower and change into new protective footwear
and clothing prior to entering the production 3.3.1 Repair and maintenance contractors who have
area (see Appendix 1 “Personnel Quarantine had contact with poultry or other birds that day
Declaration”). must not enter sheds and/or ranges populated or
ready to be populated with birds unless (a) it is an
3.1.2 Production area personnel must wear laundered
emergency and (b) they have showered from head-
clean clothes each day at the commencement of
to-toe and changed clothes and boots and wear a
their work. Personnel must ensure that they do not
hair covering.
become contaminated by contact with avian species
or pigs on their way to work. It is critical that boots 3.3.2 Routine maintenance should be conducted, where
worn in sheds are not worn or taken outside the possible, between batches prior to final disinfection
production area. They are the most likely method where a batch system is practiced.
for disease spread by personnel. 3.3.3 Tools taken into the production area must be
cleaned before entry into sheds and must be free of
dust and organic matter.

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3.4 CONTRACTORS, SUPPLIERS, OTHER 3.4.4 Any authorised visitor, including neighbours, friends,
SERVICE PERSONNEL AND VISITORS other producers or equipment suppliers, likely to
have been exposed that day to poultry, other birds
OBJECTIVE or pigs must not enter the sheds unless they have
To minimise the risk of introduction of disease or had a head-to-toe shower and changed clothes
contaminants by contractors, suppliers, service personnel and boots, or must limit their visit to the property’s
and visitors residence while wearing clean clothes.

3.4.5 All visitors should park their vehicles outside the

3.4.1 Visitors’ Log – A record must be kept of all visitors
production area unless it is essential that the vehicle
to the poultry sheds and poultry ranges including
be taken on site e.g. some maintenance contractors.
contractors and company personnel (see Appendix
Visitors entering sheds or ranges must complete
2B regarding details to be recorded and a possible
and sign the Visitors’ Log (see Appendix 2B).
format). The only exceptions are detailed below in
3.4.3. 3.5 REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIFIED
3.4.2 Conditions of entry to poultry sheds and poultry
MOVEMENTS
ranges – All visitors must agree to comply with
OBJECTIVE
the entry conditions as stipulated in Appendix 2A
To minimise the risk of introduction of disease or
(which must be displayed prominently near the
contaminants by specified movements
Visitors’ Log). All visits must be approved by the
Manager before visitors may enter sheds and ranges.
3.5.1 Pick up of poultry – Pick-up crews should work
This requirement also applies to vaccination crews.
from youngest flocks to oldest or on all young
3.4.3 Exeptions – The only people who may enter the birds or all old birds on a shift basis in accordance
sheds and poultry ranges without signing the Visitors’ with the processing company’s pick up biosecurity
Log are farm personnel covered by the Personnel procedures. Pick-up crews must not keep birds at
Quarantine Declaration (Appendix 1) and members their home.
of pick-up crews, provided that they have signed an
3.5.2 Day-old chick delivery – Trucks and dollies must
appropriate Personnel Quarantine Declaration as
be cleaned and disinfected each day and between
specified by the relevant processor and the relevant
properties not owned/operated by the same entity.
processor records details (name, date, farm) of
Drivers must sanitise their hands and boots before
those involved in pick-ups in a manner that will assist
and after each delivery to a production area.
rapid identification and tracing of contacts in the
case of a biosecurity concern. It is recommended 3.5.3 Litter delivery and collection of used litter – Trucks
that the pick-up foreman sign the visitors’ log for the carrying new or old litter must be cleaned and
entire crew. All members of pick-up crews must be disinfected between production areas.
fully aware of the appropriate biosecurity measures 3.5.4 Other deliveries (e.g. gas and feed drivers) – Drivers
applicable to pick-ups (see also Appendix 10). Not must not enter sheds and thus are not required to
all the entry conditions detailed in Appendix 2A sign the visitors’ book.
may apply to the pick-up crews.

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 LEVEL 1
Routine Biosecurity Procedures

3.5.5 There must be a system for tracing movements of 4.1.1 For a chlorinated water supply the treatment must
delivery personnel (e.g. through delivery dockets achieve a level of 1.0 – 2.0 ppm free available
and feed company records). chlorine (FAC) at the point of use.

3.6 ENTRY PROCEDURES FOR BIRD 4.1.2 When chlorinating water, there must be a minimum
SHEDS AND RANGES of 2 hours contact time between chlorine and
water prior to use.
OBJECTIVE
4.1.3 Testing must be conducted and recorded daily (see
To prevent the introduction of disease agents and
Appendix 5) and a maintenance program needs to
contaminants into bird sheds and ranges through people
be in place.
movements.
4.1.4 The effectiveness of water treatment systems,
Any person entering sheds must sanitise hands and use including alternative systems (e.g. ultraviolet),
footbaths (unless separate shed boots are being used) must be validated before use and treatment
before entering each shed. systems require a programme of maintenance and
monitoring to ensure effectiveness. Production
3.6.1 Soles of boots must be scraped before disinfecting
area records able to demonstrate the effectiveness
in the footbaths.
of water treatment must be kept. Microbiological
3.6.2 A hand sanitiser must be available at all shed validation of the efficacy of the treatment system
entrances and must be used before entering. must be carried out at least annually.

3.6.3 Facilities should be available for the cleaning and 4.1.5 Drinking water quality must be maintained at a
disinfection of equipment before entry. standard suitable for use in livestock (Appendix 4).

4.1.6 Guidelines regarding the chlorination of surface

4. OPERATIONAL STANDARDS
water are available in Appendix 3.
4.1 WATER SUPPLY (SEE ALSO 2.13)
4.2 VERMIN BAITING
OBJECTIVE (SEE ALSO 2.11 & 2.12)
To ensure that water used in poultry sheds for drinking,
cooling and cleaning, is of a standard suitable for OBJECTIVE
livestock. To minimise the potential for introduction of infectious
agents and pathogens by vermin, in particular rodents,
through their presence in the production area.
The use of a suitably treated water supply is critical to
achieving good biosecurity. In general, water with a high
level of organic matter is unsuitable for chlorination alone, 4.2.1 Bait stations must be checked weekly and fresh baits

while ultraviolet treatment is of little use for turbid water. It laid as required.

may be necessary to seek expert advice to ensure a safe 4.2.2 A record should be kept of each inspection and
water supply. Effective treatment of surface water to reduce activity noted (see Appendix 6).
contamination is essential but complex, and any water
treatment process should be monitored regularly.

13
4.3 CLEANING AND GROUND 4.4.2 A record of bird movements must be maintained to
MAINTENANCE facilitate tracing in case of an animal health or food
safety concern.
OBJECTIVE
4.5 END OF BATCH PROCEDURES
To hinder the introduction of disease agents and
contaminants into poultry sheds and enclosures and OBJECTIVE
reduce the attraction of rodents and birds to production To minimise the risk of introducing or spreading disease
areas. or contaminants by delivery and pick-up operations.

4.3.1 Feed spills must be cleaned up as soon as 4.5.1 After final pick-up the shed doors must be kept
practicable. Feed attracts birds and rodents to the closed except during litter removal. After washing
production area. and disinfecting, shed doors must be kept closed. If
4.3.2 Grass on and around the production area must be drying is a problem, ventilate using fans or place bird
kept cut – Long grass attracts rodents and favours wire screens in shed doorways. Wild birds must be
the survival of viruses and bacteria. kept out after disinfection.

4.3.3 Footbaths must be inspected daily (e.g. for excessive 4.5.2 Litter and manure must not be stockpiled in the
organic matter) and the contents replaced as production area (as defined under Definitions on
required to achieve an adequate concentration of page 7) and litter and manure must be stored in
suitable disinfectant used according to company or an appropriately designed storage area, off the
manufacturer’s recommendations. production area, with sufficient buffering zone from
the bird sheds and enclosures.
4.3.4 On free-range production sites, the following applies:
Manure deposits outside the hatch openings must 5. PROCESSOR OR FARM
be removed after each batch. SPECIFIC ADDITIONAL
Ramps to free range area must be scraped and BIOSECURITY
cleaned after each batch. REQUIREMENTS
4.3.5 The production area must be adequately drained
OBJECTIVE
to prevent accumulation and stagnation of water,
To build on the generic meat chicken biosecurity
especially in the areas around sheds and range areas.
requirements and reflect specific additional requirements
4.4 RECORD KEEPING and operational procedures.

OBJECTIVE
Any additional requirements that must be followed by a
To assist early detection of animal health issues and the
particular farm(s) should be added at Appendix 11.
response to any biosecurity breach.

4.4.1 Bird mortality must be recorded on a regular basis

to assist monitoring for any unusual animal health
problems potentially indicating a biosecurity breach.

14
 LEVEL 2
High Risk Biosecurity Procedures

OBJECTIVE
3. PERSONNEL
To increase biosecurity protection by minimising 3.1 No visitors are to enter the production area
movements to protect the property as much as possible unless absolutely essential. Company personnel will
from the increased threat of a disease being introduced discontinue routine visits except on suspicion of
from the outside in the face of a suspected outbreak of problems.
an emergency disease or a serious endemic disease. 3.2 Repairs and maintenance – No routine work; only
emergency work to be carried out.
1. ACTION PLAN FOR
SUSPECTED EMERGENCY 4. OPERATIONAL
ANIMAL DISEASE 4.1 Essential visits – Head-to-toe shower before and
1.1 Each processor must establish and document clear after visit. A complete change of clothes, footwear,
guidelines regarding the circumstances when an hair covering and breathing protection is required.
emergency animal disease alert should be raised Used clothing and all used personal protection
(e.g. an unusual increase in mortality or drop in equipment must remain on the property.
production), and who must be informed. The action
4.2 Any vehicle which must enter the property must be
plan must also clearly state that, if an alert is raised,
washed and disinfected at the wash pad before and
movement of birds must cease immediately, other
after going onto the property (e.g. feed trucks, gas).
movements on and off the production area and the
Vehicle driver cabines must also be sanitised inside
property must be limited to the absolute minimum,
(e.g. Glen 20 disinfectant).
and special precautions must be taken as outlined
below. 4.3 No birds or litter to be moved on or off properties
until disease status is clarified.

2. FACILITIES 4.4 If a major outbreak should occur, further measures

will be stipulated by the processor and/or the state’s
2.1 Gates must be kept locked.
Chief Veterinary Officer.
2.2 Shed doors must be locked at night.

2.3 Facilities for the cleaning and disinfection of 5. STANDARD OPERATING

equipment coming on and off the production area PROCEDURES (SOPs)
must be in place.
Standard Operating Procedures will be available for any
specific outbreak of an Emergency Animal Disease from
Animal Health Australia in accordance with AUSVETPLAN.

15
APPENDIX 1

PERSONNEL QUARANTINE DECLARATION

(Production Area Employee)
I, hereby agree to abide by MY EMPLOYER’S BIOSECURITY rules and standards.

I understand that the following quarantine rules/standards apply at all times:

1. No avian species are to be kept at my place of residence i.e. no poultry or birds of any type (including ostriches,
aviary birds or racing pigeons). If any exemptions to this are approved by the employer, I must shower and change
clothes before entering the production area.

2. No pigs are to be kept at my place of residence.

3. No untreated poultry manure from other properties is to be used at my place of residence.

4. No member of my household is to work in any area where contact can be made with poultry or pigs (for
example, on other properties or at hatcheries, processing plants, by-product plants, laboratories or with pick-up
crews), unless I shower and change clothes before commencing work.

5. I will not visit poultry abattoirs, pig production areas or poultry shows unless approved by my employer and
appropriate quarantine measures are taken.

Signature Date

Residential Address

16
 APPENDIX 2A

ENTRY CONDITIONS FOR VISITORS TO

POULTRY SHED AND/OR RANGE AREAS
Entry to poultry sheds and/or range areas is subject to the following conditions:

 All visitors must wear protective clothing provided.

 All visitors must wear protective boots.

 All visitors must sanitise boots in the footbath provided on entering production area/shed, or change
into a separate pair of shed boots.

 All visitors must sanitise hands before entering sheds.

Visitors who keep poultry, caged birds or pigs at home, must have had a full head-to-toe shower and
must be wearing freshly laundered clothes.

Visitors who have been in contact with any avian species or untreated poultry manure on the same
day, must have had a full head-to-toe shower and must be wearing freshly laundered clothes.

17
 VISITORS’ LOG
By signing this visitors’ log, you agree to comply with the conditions as detailed in the accompanying list of conditions
of entry. All visitors entering poultry sheds or ranges must sign this log.

Poultry contact
Date Name Company Reason for visit Time in Signature Time out Signature
in last 36 hours
APPENDIX 2B

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 APPENDIX 3

SURFACE WATER TREATMENT

Chlorine is more effective if the pH of the water is
OBJECTIVE between 6 and 7 i.e. slightly acidic.
To eliminate as much as possible infection or
contamination by means of contaminated water, The chlorine concentration at the drinker must be at
particularly through contamination by faeces from between 1 and 2 ppm (or equivalent) to ensure any
infected wild birds, e.g. ducks. contamination that might have occurred in the lines
between the holding tank and the drinker has been
effectively treated.
WATER TREATMENT CHECKLIST
Water chlorination levels from drinkers in the shed should
n Untreated drinking water should not be supplied to
be monitored daily to ensure the system is effectively
farmed birds.
treating the incoming water supply.
n The objective of water treatment is to minimise bacteria,
viruses, algae and other organisms that birds consume AS A GUIDE:
in their drinking water, and that they are exposed to n Fill the test tube with water from drinkers in the shed
through shed cooling systems. n Insert test strips (provided in the test kit) into the test tube

n Surface water provided to birds for drinking and surface n Compare the colour of the chlorine square on the test
water used for cooling must be treated. Wash-down strip with the chlorine colour squares on the standard
water should also be treated prior to use. colour chart (provided in the test kit)
n Record the concentration level of the colour on the
n All surface water that comes from sources other than
standard colour chart with that which most closely
the mains (e.g. from dams, rivers) should be treated
matches the test strip colour
on the farm before being used for poultry. Bore water
should be tested and if not satisfying the water quality n If the chlorine concentration is less that 2 ppm or greater
guidelines set out in Appendix 4 must be treated. than 5 ppm the concentration should be rechecked
in one hour. If the concentration remains outside these
CHLORINATION limits, the unit should be adjusted and the concentrations
Chlorination is an excellent way to effectively treat your checked again in 1 hour.
farm water. However, chlorination will only be effective if
Alternative chlorination monitoring systems are available
the water is already relatively free of organic matter and
from companies that supply chlorination equipment.
solids. Filtration of the water supply prior to chlorination
will nearly always be necessary. UV TREATMENT
There are a number of different chlorination systems Ultraviolet (UV) treatment is an alternative method of
available to poultry farmers. These can be obtained from treating farm water. However, UV will only be effective on
a range of specialist water treatment companies, pumping clean, filtered water (not turbid water), and should only be
companies or swimming pool suppliers. Assistance with the considered on farms where the lines from the storage tank
installation, operation and maintenance of these systems to the drinkers and the drinkers themselves are clean, in
is usually offered by the supplier, as are kits for monitoring good repair and are well maintained, such that the possibility
chlorination levels. of contamination after UV treatment is minimised. UV
treatment units and water filtering systems are available from
To effectively treat a poultry water supply, the water with specialist water treatment or pumping companies.
chlorine at a concentration of 5 ppm (or equivalent) must
be held for a minimum of 2 hours in a holding tank. This FURTHER INFORMATION
may require the use of a two-tank system, where water is For further detail on water biosecurity, see the publication
being consumed by birds from one tank, while the other ‘National Water Biosecurity Manual - Poultry Production’
tank is refilled and stored with freshly chlorinated water (DAFF, 2009).
until the required contact time of 2 hours has elapsed.

19
APPENDIX 4

WATER QUALITY GUIDELINES

Drinking Water Standards

Microbiological Analysis - Maximum Permissible Levels
Bacterial Standards (Organisms / 100ml)

Bacteria Poultry (max)

Total colony count <
_1,000
E. coli (Faecal coliforms) NIL
Coliforms <
_100

20
 APPENDIX 5

WATER SANITATION RECORD

WATER SANITATION RECORD

Test Result (e.g. PPM of
Date Time Corrective Action Name or Initals
free available chlorine)

Test method:

21
APPENDIX 6

RODENT CONTROL RECORD

RODENT CONTROL RECORD

Date Time Bait Station No. Activity Level Corrective Action Name or Initals

Note: For activity level record “N” for no signs of rodent activity and “Y” where signs of rodent activity where
observed (e.g. droppings / bait eaten).

22
 APPENDIX 7

DEAD BIRD COLLECTION

OBJECTIVE
To eliminate as much as possible infection or
contamination spreading between sheds and between
batches.

1. Birds must be collected regularly from the property.

Frequency of collection will be determined by factors
such as age of birds and climatic conditions.
Birds should be stored in a freezer if the frequency
of collection is likely to cause environmental impacts
or increased biosecurity risk.

2. If used, the freezer must have sufficient capacity to

adequately handle carcasses between collections and
must be cleaned and sanitised between batches.

3. Collection area must be as far as practical away from

the production area so that the collection vehicle
does not enter the site. For example a shed could
be provided on a concrete base with doors on both
sides, one for birds in, the other for birds out. Birds
must not be left in the public view.

4. All containers used for collecting dead birds must

be washed and disinfected before returning them to
the production area.

23
APPENDIX 8

DEAD BIRD COMPOSTING

OBJECTIVE
To eliminate as much as possible infection or
contamination spreading between sheds and between
batches due to dead bird disposal.

Composting is the aerobic microbial breakdown of organic

matter, usually incorporating a thermophilic1 phase. The
adoption of composting systems for poultry waste has
received attention due to its ability to reduce litter volume,
dispose of carcasses, stabilise nutrients and trace elements
and reduce pathogens.

1. Rodents, cats, dogs, feral animals, scavenging birds and

flies must be kept away from composting carcasses.

2. Composting areas must be away from sheds and

boundary fences.

3. Composting area must be kept neat and clean at

all times.

4. Cleaning and disinfection of equipment such as bins,

buckets and wheelbarrows must be done before
returning them to the production areas and when
moving between sheds.

5. Adequate Instructions / Guidelines for safe

composting must be used.

1. Thermophilic phase – a phase during which there is a temperature rise

in the compost sufficient to inactivate pathogenic micro-organisms

24
 APPENDIX 9

PRODUCTION AREA AUDIT CHECKLIST

National Farm Biosecurity Manual – Meat Chicken Production

Audit Checklist

Audit Date:

Auditor’s Name Auditor’s Signature

Auditee’s Name Auditee’s Signature

25
 1.0 DOCUMENTATION and TRAINING PARAGRAPH REF. YES NO N/A CORRECTIVE ACTION

1.1 Is a copy of the current National Biosecurity 1.1

Manual held on the production area and readily
available
1.2 Have staff been given instruction in the relevant 1.2
parts of the Manual
1.3 Is a record kept of all relevant training received by 1.2
employees
1.4 Is a bird mortality register being maintained 4.4.1
1.5 Is an appropriate bird movement register being 4.4.2
maintained
NOTES
APPENDIX 9 (continued)

2.0 FACILITY STANDARDS PARAGRAPH REF. YES NO N/A CORRECTIVE ACTION

2.1 Does the production area have a perimeter fence 2.1

and can access routes be closed off to prevent
2.4
vehicle entry.
2.2 Is there a sketch or map clearly defining the 2.3
production area and the property, including all
access roads and gates
2.3 Is there adequate signage to inform visitors of the 2.4
Biosecure Area and what action they should take.
2.4 Is there an off-site parking area for visitors 2.5
2.5 Are footbaths available and used at all entrances 2.6
allowing personnel access to sheds.
2.6 Are the footbaths inspected daily and replenished 4.3.3
as required.

26
27
2.7 Alternative to 2.5 and 2.6: Is a separate pair 2.6
of boots available and used for each poultry
enclosure.
2.8 Is the area around the sheds neat and tidy e.g. 2.9
mown grass.
2.9 Is hand sanitiser or washing facilities available and 2.6
used at all entrances allowing personnel access to
sheds
2.10 Are other livestock excluded from the production 2.2
area or effectively restricted to areas so that 2.14
their faeces cannot come in contact with poultry
either directly or indirectly, e.g. water draining into
poultry areas/sheds.
2.11 Are the sheds bird proof 2.8
APPENDIX 9 (continued)

2.12 Are no other pet caged or aviary birds or pigs 2.15

held on the property
NOTES

3.0 PERSONNEL STANDARDS PARAGRAPH REF. YES NO N/A CORRECTIVE ACTION

3.1 Is there a signed Personnel Quarantine 3.1.1

Declaration for each employee.
3.2 Is there a Visitors’ Log and are all visitors to sheds 3.4.1
and/or range areas required to complete their 3.4.2
details in the book.
3.3 Are the conditions of entry to the production 3.4.2
area prominently displayed near the Visitors’ Log
NOTES
 4.0 WATER TREATMENT PARAGRAPH REF. YES NO N/A CORRECTIVE ACTION

4.1 Is there a water sanitising system in place for the 2.13

production area. 4.1

4.2 If chlorination is used, is the level tested daily and 4.1.3

recorded.
4.3 If another sanitising system is used, is there a 4.1.4
system in place to ensure that the water is being
sanitised effectively.
4.4 Is the effectiveness of the sanitising confirmed 4.1.4
by microbiological testing on an annual basis if
required.
NOTES
APPENDIX 9 (continued)

VERMIN CONTROL PROGRAM AND

5.0 PARAGRAPH REF. YES NO N/A CORRECTIVE ACTION
RODENT BAITING PROGRAM
5.1 Is there an appropriate vermin control strategy 2.11
documented
5.2 Is there a rodent baiting program in place in the 2.12
production area.
5.3 Is there a plan showing the location of bait 2.12.1
stations.
5.4 Are the baits regularly checked for activity and 2.12
replaced; and is there a record of this process. 4.2
NOTES

28
29
6.0 CLEANING AND GROUND MAINTENANCE PARAGRAPH REF. YES NO N/A CORRECTIVE ACTION

6.1 Has spilt feed been cleaned up around silos 2.17

4.3.1
6.2 Is the feed system closed to prevent 2.17
contamination of feed by rodents and birds.
6.3 Is there adequate drainage of the production area 2.10
and in particular the area around the sheds. 4.3.5
6.4 For free range production only: 4.3.4
Are ramps to the outside area and the area
around the hatch openings cleaned after each
batch
NOTES
APPENDIX 9 (continued)

7.0 DEAD BIRD DISPOSAL PARAGRAPH REF. YES NO N/A CORRECTIVE ACTION

7.1 Is there an appropriate procedure in place for the 2.7

disposal of dead birds.
7.2 Is the procedure both environmentally sound and 2.7
biosecure.
NOTES
 FACILITY/COMPANY SPECIFIC PARAGRAPH REF.
8.0 YES NO N/A CORRECTIVE ACTION
REQUIREMENTS (APPENDIX 11)
8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.6
8.7
8.8
NOTES
APPENDIX 9 (continued)

30
 APPENDIX 10

PICK-UP AND TRANSPORT TO

PROCESSING PLANT
An issue that deserves a special mention is biosecurity all pick-up personnel sanitise their boots and their hands
during pick-up and transport to a processing plant. prior to entering the first shed on a farm. Any person
During that procedure, the aim of appropriate biosecurity engaged in pick-up and/or transport of poultry must sign
measures is to prevent the spread of any disease or a personnel quarantine declaration (Appendix 1 may be
microbial contamination from one farm to another. This adapted for this purpose). Processors must maintain a
can happen readily through the movement of people, record of who worked on which properties and the date
vehicles and equipment, for example transport crates, and pick-up occurred. To assist rapid tracing of movements
measures have to be taken by all those involved in this when necessary, it is recommended practice for the pick-up
operation to minimise the likelihood of such exposure. foreman to sign the visitors’ log when arriving at the farm.

In the majority of commercial arrangements, the processor The table opposite should assist in clarifying the roles and
is responsible for organising pick-up and transport, while responsibilities for contract growers, by listing the main
the task is often carried out by specialised contractor steps and procedures that need to be considered and

crews. The onus is on the processor to ensure that giving an indication of who is responsible for each step and

those involved in this operation are fully aware of the who is usually expected to undertake the necessary action.

biosecurity requirements and have appropriate standards of For arrangements that differ from the contract grower/
procedures implemented and enforced. This must include processor situation (which apply in the majority of meat
procedures to ensure that all equipment and vehicles chicken operations), the responsibilities may shift more
being moved onto the farm are cleaned every day or towards the grower, however the tasks and actions to
prior to moving from a farm with older birds to one with be undertaken remain the same, and these need to be
a younger flock. It also should include a requirement that assigned and carried out appropriately.

31
APPENDIX 10 (continued)

TASK / ACTION RESPONSIBILITY EXECUTION

Scheduling farms for daily pick-up from youngest to oldest bird Processor Pick-up Crew
population
Scheduling farms for daily pick-up so that farms or flocks with Processor Pick-up Crew
real or suspected health issues are picked up last
Cleaning of crates, modules and trailers before the start of Processor Processor
work each day
Cleaning catching barriers, all other machinery and equipment, Catching Catching Contractor
vehicles, trucks, forklifts etc. before the start of work each day Contractor
Disinfecting footwear and hands at the start and at the Pick-up Crew Each Member of Pick-up Crew
conclusion of work in each shed
All personnel involved in pick-up operation to wear clean Pick-up Crew Each Member of Pick-up Crew
clothes and boot (at beginning of each shift)

In addition to the above daily requirements, every 12

months all personnel should be screened for:
n Nil contact with poultry, pet birds or pigs in home
environment.
n Nil contact with commercial caged birds, racing pigeons,
hatcheries and non-commercial aviaries.
The practice of partial depopulation, while important to
the industry’s economic viability, is recognised as having
the potential of introducing new disease or contamination
into the remaining flock. For this reason, it is particularly
important to be meticulous about the biosecurity measures
taken at each step.

32
 APPENDIX 11

PROCESSOR OR FARM SPECIFIC ADDITIONAL

BIOSECURITY REQUIREMENTS
Any additional requirements that must be followed by a particular farm should be recorded here.

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34