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Ayebare D, Mbatidde I, Kemunto NP, Muloi DM, Ibayi EL, Nielsen SS, Ndoboli D, Roesel K, Tenhagen BA, Moodley A. Biosecurity measures and effects on health performance and antibiotic use in semi-intensive broiler farms in Uganda. One Health 2025; 20:101039. [PMID: 40331079 PMCID: PMC12051712 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2025.101039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2025] [Accepted: 04/13/2025] [Indexed: 05/08/2025] Open
Abstract
Background Effective biosecurity measures prevent the spread of pathogens, thereby reducing the need for antibiotic use on livestock farms. However, quantitative data on these practices and health outcomes in semi-intensive broiler farms in low-income settings is limited. A longitudinal study in Wakiso, Uganda, aimed to evaluate biosecurity practices, health performance, and antibiotic use in such farms. Methods The FarmUSE survey tool was used to collect data from 19 farms over two production cycles. A biosecurity risk assessment tool was used to quantify biosecurity. Blood samples (n = 342) were collected and analyzed using the ProFLOK® assay to assess antibody responses to vaccines for Newcastle disease (NCD), Infectious Bronchitis (IB), and Infectious bursal disease (IBD). Results Median biosecurity scores were 26.3 % for external measures, 55.6 % for internal measures, and an overall score of 38.5 %. Sixteen farms reported respiratory signs, and 12 had gastrointestinal issues, with median mortality rates of 2.9 % in the first cycle and 4.6 % in the second. Antibiotic use was reported by 84 % and 77 % of farms in the first and second cycles, respectively. The most used antibiotics were tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, and macrolides, with the highest usage occurring during the brooding phase. Good antibody responses were reported in only 10.5 % of flocks for NCD and 16 % for IBD, while all farms had poor responses against IB. Conclusion Recurrent clinical signs could be attributed to insufficient biosecurity and inadequate vaccination outcomes, resulting in high antibiotic usage despite low mortality rates. Improving diagnostic access and strengthening the vaccine supply chain are essential. Identifying feasible and cost-effective biosecurity practices for semi-intensive broiler farms can enhance health outcomes, reduce antibiotic use, and boost productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dreck Ayebare
- International Livestock Research Institute, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Irene Mbatidde
- International Livestock Research Institute, Kampala, Uganda
- Dahlem Research School of Biomedical Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie University, Berlin, Germany
- National Agricultural Research Organization, Mbarara, Uganda
- German Federal Institute of Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Naomi P. Kemunto
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dishon M. Muloi
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | | | - Søren Saxmose Nielsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dickson Ndoboli
- International Livestock Research Institute, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristina Roesel
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Animal breeding and husbandry in the Tropics and Subtropics, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | | | - Arshnee Moodley
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
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Amin MT, Usman M, Ishaq HM, Ali A, Tariq M, Saleem MM, Mohayud Din Hashmi SG, Saleem K, Ahmad S. Comparative evaluation of management practices among large-scale broiler farms of Punjab, Pakistan. Heliyon 2025; 11:e42381. [PMID: 39991212 PMCID: PMC11847266 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e42381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2025] [Accepted: 01/29/2025] [Indexed: 02/25/2025] Open
Abstract
Limited research is available on the management practices of commercial broiler chicken production in Pakistan. Notably, the rapid expansion of environmentally controlled broiler farms in Punjab in recent years remains underexplored, with scarce information on this growing enterprise. The current study compared the management practices at 100 commercial broiler farms in Punjab, Pakistan, among different regions. A questionnaire was filled by on farm veterinarians (n = 100; one veterinarian from each farm) regarding the general information, infrastructure, biosecurity practices, visitor history, and production analysis of the surveyed poultry farms. The results of the survey revealed that the majority of the farms had environmentally controlled housing systems with rearing capacity of 75,000 broiler chickens or more; mostly having Cobb 500 and Ross 308 broiler strains. The infrastructure of >60 % of farms was found to be good with best biosecurity practices. The most commonly observed average downtime was 2-3 weeks plus washing with chlorinated water and detergent after dry cleaning at farms. The water quality regarding TDS and pH level was found normal at the majority of the farms. Traffic status was observed with random results at different farms, while in the Multan region, biosecurity practices were strict with no visits. The dead birds' removal time of 3-5 days was more common. Dead bird disposal through the pit method was more prevalent in most of the broiler farms across the Punjab. Better FCR, adjusted FCR, and market age were observed in broilers in the Multan area while those in the areas of Sheikhupura and Kasur showed poor performance due to improper management practices. It was concluded that effective management practices on broiler farms in Punjab, Pakistan, contribute to improved performance and bird health. Future studies are needed to explore this area further and develop strategies to address challenges faced by poultry farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Tahir Amin
- Department of Poultry Production, Faculty of Animal Production and Technology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Usman
- Department of Poultry Production, Faculty of Animal Production and Technology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Hafiz Muhammad Ishaq
- Department of Livestock and Poultry Production, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Asad Ali
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Faculty of Animal Production and Technology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muzamal Tariq
- Department of Poultry Production, Faculty of Animal Production and Technology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Mian Mubashar Saleem
- College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Narowal, Pakistan
| | - Syed Ghulam Mohayud Din Hashmi
- Department of Wildlife and Ecology, Faculty of Fisheries and Wildlife, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Kinza Saleem
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Animal Production and Technology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sohail Ahmad
- Department of Poultry Production, Faculty of Animal Production and Technology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
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Delanglez F, Ampe B, Watteyn A, Van Damme LGW, Tuyttens FAM. How Do Flemish Laying Hen Farmers and Private Bird Keepers Comply with and Think about Measures to Control Avian Influenza? Vet Sci 2024; 11:475. [PMID: 39453067 PMCID: PMC11512282 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11100475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2024] [Revised: 10/01/2024] [Accepted: 10/03/2024] [Indexed: 10/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Competent authorities of many countries, including Belgium, impose control measures (preventing wild bird access to feeders and water facilities, indoor confinement of captive birds, or fencing off outdoor ranges with nets) on professional and non-professional keepers of birds to prevent the spread of avian influenza (AI). Flemish laying hen farmers (FAR, n = 33) and private keepers of captive birds (PRI, n = 263) were surveyed about their opinion on and compliance with AI measures legally imposed during the most recent high-risk period before this survey in 2021. Participants answered questions on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = the worst, 3 = neutral, and 5 = the best). FAR indicated better compliance with the AI measures than PRI, except for net confinement. FAR indicated that they and other poultry farmers complied better with AI measures than PRI. Additionally, PRI indicated that they better complied than other PRI keepers. FAR regarded the AI measures as more effective than PRI. To prevent the spread of AI more effectively, national authorities could focus on information campaigns explaining to private bird keepers the need for the various control measures that they impose. If these campaigns fail, local authorities may need stricter enforcement or alternative ways to increase compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Femke Delanglez
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
- Animal Sciences Unit, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), 9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - Bart Ampe
- Animal Sciences Unit, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), 9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - Anneleen Watteyn
- Animal Sciences Unit, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), 9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth G W Van Damme
- Animal Sciences Unit, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), 9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - Frank A M Tuyttens
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
- Animal Sciences Unit, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), 9090 Melle, Belgium
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Nagel-Alne GE, Røtterud OJ, Refsum T, Holthe J, Garner M, Skjerve E, Hauge SJ. Hygiene performance rating at farm level - an auditing scheme for evaluation of biosecurity measures' effect on prevalence of Campylobacter from selected broiler producers. Acta Vet Scand 2024; 66:38. [PMID: 39138525 PMCID: PMC11323344 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-024-00762-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preventing pathogens from entering the broiler premises is the main biosecurity measure at farm level. In conventional broiler production, chickens are kept indoors during the entire production period. Pathogens can enter the broiler-producing unit from sources such as water, equipment, personnel, insects, and rodents. The possible routes must be controlled, and corrective measures applied when necessary. The objective of this study was to (1) develop a hygiene protocol and test the scheme on 30 farms, and (2) compare the results to their Campylobacter-colonised status. A Hygiene Performance Rating protocol at farm level (HPR-F) was developed to systematically review the production to identify risk areas to biosecurity. The HPR-F consists of 13 categories with related questions. For each question, a score was given from 1 to 3, where 1 meant "acceptable", 2 was "potential for improvements", and 3 was "not acceptable". Scores for each question were multiplied with weight factors for hygienic impact and economic consequences describing whether the necessary improvement depends on a significant investment or is a cheap quick-fix and calculated into a percentage where 100% is perfect hygiene. The 30 farms in the study were selected from one county in Norway. The Campylobacter-results for each of the 30 farms in 2019-2021 were given according to rules in the Norwegian Action Plan against Campylobacter faecal sampling on-farm 3-6 days prior to slaughter. RESULTS The overall results from the HPR-F showed that the general hygiene level was high in all farms. The mean total hygiene score was 82% and varied from 70 to 92%. The category Handling dead chicken had the highest hygiene score (93%), and Ventilation had the lowest score (55%). The HPR-F results were compared to the Campylobacter-status for the 30 farms: Campylobacter-negative flocks had slightly higher total scores than Campylobacter-positive flocks (P = 0.19). Among others, the category Outdoor area (vegetation close to the premises' walls) was identified as the most stable factor in relation to be colonised with Campylobacter. CONCLUSIONS The HPR-F tested in this research trial provides a tool for veterinarians, advisors, and poultry farmers to improve biosecurity at farm level and enhance the preventive animal health initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunvor Elise Nagel-Alne
- Animalia Norwegian Meat and Poultry Research Center, P.O. Box 396 Økern, Oslo, 05413, Norway.
| | - Ole-Johan Røtterud
- Animalia Norwegian Meat and Poultry Research Center, P.O. Box 396 Økern, Oslo, 05413, Norway
| | - Thorbjørn Refsum
- Animalia Norwegian Meat and Poultry Research Center, P.O. Box 396 Økern, Oslo, 05413, Norway
| | - Janne Holthe
- Animalia Norwegian Meat and Poultry Research Center, P.O. Box 396 Økern, Oslo, 05413, Norway
| | - Miriam Garner
- Norsk Kylling, Havneveien 43, Orkanger, 7300, Norway
| | - Eystein Skjerve
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, NMBU Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, 1430, Norway
| | - Sigrun J Hauge
- Animalia Norwegian Meat and Poultry Research Center, P.O. Box 396 Økern, Oslo, 05413, Norway
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Tilli G, Laconi A, Galuppo F, Mughini-Gras L, Piccirillo A. Assessing Biosecurity Compliance in Poultry Farms: A Survey in a Densely Populated Poultry Area in North East Italy. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12111409. [PMID: 35681871 PMCID: PMC9179503 DOI: 10.3390/ani12111409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Biosecurity in poultry farms represents the first line of defense against the entry and spread of pathogens that may have animal health, food safety, and economic consequences. The aim of this study was to assess biosecurity compliance in poultry farms located in a densely populated poultry area in North East Italy. A total of 259 poultry farms (i.e., broilers, turkeys, and layers) were surveyed between 2018 and 2019 using standardized checklists, and differences in biosecurity compliance between the poultry sectors and years (only for turkey farms) were tested for significance. Among the three sectors, turkey farms showed the highest compliance. Farm hygiene, infrastructure condition, cleaning and disinfection tools, and procedures were the biosecurity measures most complied with. Some deficiencies were observed in the cleanliness of the farm hygiene lock in broiler farms, as well as the presence of the house hygiene lock in broiler and layer farms and an adequate coverage of built-up litter in turkey and broiler farms. In conclusion, this study highlighted a generally high level of biosecurity in the visited poultry farms (probably due to the stringent national regulation and the integration of the poultry industry) and identified some measures that still need to be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuditta Tilli
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Viale dell’Università 16, Legnaro, 35020 Padua, Italy; (G.T.); (A.L.)
| | - Andrea Laconi
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Viale dell’Università 16, Legnaro, 35020 Padua, Italy; (G.T.); (A.L.)
| | - Francesco Galuppo
- Unità Locale Socio-Sanitaria (ULSS) 6 Euganea, via Enrico degli Scrovegni 14, 35131 Padua, Italy;
| | - Lapo Mughini-Gras
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands;
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Alessandra Piccirillo
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Viale dell’Università 16, Legnaro, 35020 Padua, Italy; (G.T.); (A.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-049-8272793
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Alfifi A, Dalsgaard A, Christensen JP, Larsen MH, Sandberg M. The association between meat inspection codes, footpad lesions and thinning of broiler flocks in the Danish broiler production. Prev Vet Med 2020; 185:105205. [PMID: 33202294 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The foundation of the condemnation practices in Post-Mortem Inspection (PMI) of poultry should be based on up-to-date scientific evidence about the cause of infection and hence whether the lesions observed are of food safety, animal health or welfare concerns. This study aimed to investigate the association between meat inspection codes, footpad lesions, and thinning of flocks in Danish broiler production. The data set was based on the delivery of chicken flocks to one of the two larger chicken slaughterhouses in Denmark, representing 71 farms, 174 houses, and 4,068 flocks over three years from January 2016 to December 2018. Post-mortem condemnation data of slaughtered chickens recorded and stored in the Danish Quality Assurance System (KIK) database was used in the study. Five potentially causal models were developed to investigate whether there was an association between dermatitis, arthritis, systemic infection, emaciation, mortality and possible explaining factors` (footpad lesion, age at slaughter, scratches, ascites, systemic infection and thinning of the flock). These five ecological logistic regression models were analyzed with the three levels: farm, house, and flock. Data from a total number of 126,137,002 (N) slaughtered chickens recorded in KIK databases were used for modeling and analyses. The prevalence of condemned carcasses was 1.1 % (n = 1,420,812). Overall, 12 individual reasons for condemnation of carcasses were recorded. The most frequently observed reason for condemnation was skin disease (scratches and dermatitis) with a prevalence of 0.5 %. Prevalence of ascites was 0.2 %, discoloration 0.09 %, emaciation 0.09 %, hepatitis 0.09 % and arthritis 0.07 %. In the first model, dermatitis was shown to be positively associated with age at slaughter with an OR = 1.04 (CI95 %: 1.02-1.05), while arthritis was considered an intervening variable. Moreover, there was a small protective effect of thinning of the flock for first and second delivery. There was a positive association between arthritis and age at the time of slaughter with an OR = 1.13 (CI95 %: 1.12-1.15). Systemic infections were associated with scratches with an OR = 24.5 (CI95 %: 16.6-36.3) and footpad lesions with an OR = 1.007 (CI95 %: 1.006-1.008). Further modelling of emaciation and mortality was not considered because of unbalanced groups in the data probably caused by the fact that some condemnation codes were rare. We observed that the most common causal factors of condemnation in the systemic infection models were scratches and footpad lesion, therefore preventing and controlling such lesions could reduce losses. Specific management and environmental etiological factors of the main infections causing condemnation in Danish broilers should be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Alfifi
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark; Department of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, P.O Box: 400, Al-Ahasa, 31982, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Anders Dalsgaard
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark; School of Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
| | - Jens P Christensen
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | - Marianne Halberg Larsen
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | - Marianne Sandberg
- Food Safety, Veterinary Issues and Risk Analysis, Danish Agriculture and Food Council, 1609 DK, Copenhagen V, Denmark; National Food Institute, Danish Technical University, Lyngby, Denmark.
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Wales AD, Vidal AB, Davies RH, Rodgers JD. Field Interventions Against Colonization of Broilers by Campylobacter. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2018; 18:167-188. [PMID: 33337018 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.12397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Poultry accounts for a high proportion of human campylobacteriosis cases, and the problem of Campylobacter colonization of broiler flocks has proven to be intractable. Owing to their broad host range and genetic instability, Campylobacter organisms are ubiquitous and adaptable in the broiler farm environment, colonizing birds heavily and spreading rapidly after introduction into a flock. This review examines strategies to prevent or suppress such colonization, with a heavy emphasis on field investigations. Attempts to exclude Campylobacter via enhanced biosecurity and hygiene measures have met with mixed success. Reasons for this are becoming better understood as investigations focus on houses, ventilation, biosecurity practices, external operators, and compliance, among other factors. It is evident that piecemeal approaches are likely to fail. Complementary measures include feed and drinking water treatments applied in either preventive or suppressive modes using agents including organic acids and their derivatives, also litter treatments, probiotics, prebiotics, and alterations to diet. Some treatments aim to reduce the number of Campylobacter organisms entering abattoirs by suppressing intestinal colonization just before slaughter; these include acid water treatment or administration of bacteriophages or bacteriocins. Experimental vaccines historically have had little success, but some recent subunit vaccines show promise. Overall, there is wide variation in the control achieved, and consistency and harmonization of trials is needed to enable robust evaluation. There is also some potential to breed for resistance to Campylobacter. Good and consistent control of flock colonization by Campylobacter may require an as-yet undetermined combination of excellent biosecurity plus complementary measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Wales
- Dept. of Pathology and Infectious Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Univ. of Surrey, Vet School Main Building, Daphne Jackson Road, Guildford, GU2 7AL, U.K
| | - Ana B Vidal
- Veterinary Medicines Directorate, Antimicrobial Resistance Policy and Surveillance Team, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3LS, U.K
| | - Robert H Davies
- Dept. of Bacteriology and Food Safety, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA - Weybridge), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, U.K
| | - John D Rodgers
- Dept. of Bacteriology and Food Safety, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, Surrey, U.K
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Van Limbergen T, Dewulf J, Klinkenberg M, Ducatelle R, Gelaude P, Méndez J, Heinola K, Papasolomontos S, Szeleszczuk P, Maes D. Scoring biosecurity in European conventional broiler production. Poult Sci 2018; 97:74-83. [PMID: 29077940 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pex296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Good biosecurity procedures are crucial for healthy animal production. The aim of this study was to quantify the level of biosecurity on conventional broiler farms in Europe, following a standardized procedure, thereby trying to identify factors that are amenable to improvement. The current study used a risk-based weighted scoring system (biocheck.ugent ®) to assess the level of biosecurity on 399 conventional broiler farms in 5 EU member states. The scoring system consisted of 2 main categories, namely external and internal biosecurity, which had 8 and 3 subcategories, respectively. Biosecurity was quantified by converting the answers to 97 questions into a score from 0 to 100. The minimum score, "0," represents total absence of any biosecurity measure on the broiler farm, whereas the maximum score, "100," means full application of all investigated biosecurity measures. A possible correlation between biosecurity and farm characteristics was investigated by multivariate linear regression analysis. The participating broiler farms scored better for internal biosecurity (mean score of 76.6) than for external biosecurity (mean 68.4). There was variation between the mean biosecurity scores for the different member states, ranging from 59.8 to 78.0 for external biosecurity and from 63.0 to 85.6 for internal biosecurity. Within the category of external biosecurity, the subcategory related to "infrastructure and vectors" had the highest mean score (82.4), while the subcategory with the lowest score related to biosecurity procedures for "visitors and staff" (mean 51.5). Within the category of internal biosecurity, the subcategory "disease management" had the highest mean score (65.8). In the multivariate regression model a significant negative correlation was found between internal biosecurity and the number of employees and farm size. These findings indicate that there is a lot of variation for external and internal biosecurity on the participating broiler farms, suggesting that improvements are possible. Since the subcategory "visitors and staff" scored the lowest, better education of broiler farmers and their staff may help to improve overall biosecurity on broiler farms in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Van Limbergen
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - J Dewulf
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - M Klinkenberg
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - R Ducatelle
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - P Gelaude
- Animal Health Care Flanders, Industrielaan 29, 8820 Torhout
| | - J Méndez
- COREN, Santa Cruz de Arrabaldo, s/n, 32990 Ourense, Spain
| | - K Heinola
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Kampusranta 9, FI-60320 Seinäjoki, Finland
| | - S Papasolomontos
- Vitatrace Nutrition Ltd., Propylaion 18, Strovolos Industrial Estate, 2033 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - P Szeleszczuk
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Division of Avian Diseases, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), Nowoursynowska 166, 02-787 Warszawa, Poland
| | - D Maes
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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