Bird Health and Disease Management

Biosecurity is a term given to the practice of protecting the entry of diseases or viruses to your farm.  It is extremely important that all growers practice biosecurity protocols on their farm to protect the flock and your investment.
 
Here are biosecurity best practices for protecting chickens:

• Ensure that you do not bring contaminants to your chickens
  • Avoid contact with other birds, poultry
  • Wash hands, change boots and clothing before doing your daily chores
  • Restrict the number of people who have access to your flock
• Prevent contact with wild birds and other animals
  • Feed and water should be protected from access by wild birds
  • Ensure rodents cannot access stored or spilled feed
• Clean between flocks
  • Bacteria and viruses can live in the pens, soil and range area the chickens lived in after they have left
    • Wash and disinfect or allow for a period of downtime (period of time between flocks that allows for the reduction in numbers of disease-causing micro-organisms within the barn or range area- minimum of 14 days is the highly recommended best management practices) before re-populating
    • If an infectious disease occurs in the previous flock , enhance the regular on-farm cleaning and disinfection procedures for the affected areas. Extend clean "downtime" as long as possible 
  • Eliminate rodents as they can harbour diseases
  • Dispose of any dead chickens promptly
  • Give new flocks fresh bedding
• Observe the flock for abnormal behaviour or appearance

 
It is extremely important that birds are observed frequently to ensure that they are healthy and growing.

Here are the key signs of a healthy chicken:

• alert and active
• once fully feathered, feathers should appear smooth and orderly. Rough feathers may occur during dust bathing, but will return to a normal appearance once the activity has ended
• eyes will appear round and clear
• nostrils should be open and clean
• wings close to the body. Birds will raise their wings to cool themselves during periods of high heat.
• dry vent area
• comb should be red
• shanks (legs) should be fleshy

 Here are some key signs that a bird may be sick:

• lack of energy, movement or appetite;
• decreased egg production;
• rough feathering
• runny eyes
• swelling around the head, neck and eyes;
• coughing, gasping for air or sneezing;
• nervous signs, tremors or lack of coordination;
• diarrhea; or
• sudden death

 If the chickens appear sick, here are the next steps:

1. First call should be to your vet. If the vet is not familiar with chickens, they can reach out to a poultry vet or the Animal Health Lab in Guelph.
2. Call the CFO Disease Hotline at 1.877.767.2973 even if you just suspect a disease
   1. You will be contacted by CFO Field Staff that will assist you
3. Restrict access to the property
4. Isolate the chickens from other livestock, chickens, wild birds and waterfowl
5. Give your vet, CFIA, and OMAFRA permission to share information with CFO for disease management

• Disease Advisories
• Local Veterinarian Support

Disease Advisories
April 21, 2023 – Town of Innisfil Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT) Biosecurity Advisory Town of Innisfil
April 11, 2023 – Norfolk County Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT) Biosecurity Advisory Norfolk County
April 4, 2023 – United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Newcastle Disease Advisory for United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry
January 27, 2023 – Brant County Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT) Biosecurity Advisory Brant County
September 27, 2022 – Ontario Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Ontario: Wave 2 (AVIS EN FRANÇAIS)
September 18, 2022 – Ontario Ontario Poultry Industry Urged to Practice Strict Biosecurity: HPAI found on Ontario poultry farm
September 17, 2022 – Oxford County Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Oxford County
July 19, 2022 – West Elgin ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory Stand Down for West Elgin
June 12, 2022 – West Elgin ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for West Elgin
June 7, 2022 – Oxford County ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory Stand Down for Oxford County
June 3, 2022 – Englehart ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory Stand Down for Englehart
May 19, 2022 – York Region Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in York Region
May 12, 2022 – Niagara Region ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory Stand Down for Niagara Region
May 6, 2022 – Waterloo Region UPDATE Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Waterloo Region
May 5, 2022 – York Region Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in York Region
May 4, 2022 – Halton Region Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Halton Region
May 4, 2022 – Wellington County Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wellington County
May 2, 2022 – Wellington County Elevated Mortality Incident in Wellington County
May 2, 2022 – Waterloo Region Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Waterloo Region
April 29, 2022 – Municipality of York Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in the Regional Municipality of York
April 29, 2022 – Englehart ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Englehart
April 26, 2022 – Huron County Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Huron County
April 25, 2022 – Wingham Elevated Mortality Incident in Wingham
April 23, 2022 – Peterborough Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in the Peterborough Area
April 22, 2022 – Municipality of York Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in the Regional Municipality of York
April 13, 2022 – Township of West Grey Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in the Township of West Grey
April 9, 2022 – Hanover High Mortality Incident in the Hanover Area
April 8, 2022 – Prince Edward County Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Prince Edward County
April 8, 2022 – Municipality of Chatham-Kent Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent
April 8, 2022 – Markham Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in the City of Markham
April 6, 2022 – Picton High Mortality Incident in the Picton Area
April 5, 2022 – Markham High Mortality Incident in the Markham Area
April 5, 2022 – Blenheim High Mortality Incident in the Blenheim Area
April 4, 2022 – South Glengarry High Mortality Incident in South Glengarry
April 1, 2022 – Township of Chippewas of Nawash Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Confirmed in the Township of Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation
March 31, 2022 – Peterborough High Mortality Incident in Poultry Flock Near Your Farm
March 28, 2022 – Waterloo / Wellington & Thamesford Voluntary Movement Controls
March 26, 2022 – Ontario Ontario Poultry Industry Moving to Heightened Biosecurity Effective Immediately
March 23, 2022 – Waterloo Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Found in Wild Bird, Waterloo Region
March 7, 2022 – Oxford County ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Oxford County
March 2, 2022 – Frontenac County ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory Stand Down for Frontenac County
March 2, 2022 – Hastings County ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory Stand Down for Hastings County
February 22, 2022 – Tottenham, Simcoe County ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory Stand Down for Tottenham, Simcoe County
February 4, 2022 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (AI) Biosecurity Advisory from the Feather Board Command Centre (FBCC) (AVIS EN FRANÇAIS)
February 3, 2022 – Tottenham, Simcoe County Newcastle Disease Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Tottenham, Simcoe County
January 26, 2022 – Hastings County ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Hasting County
January 24, 2022 – Niagara Region ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory Area Reduced for Niagara Region
January 24, 2022 – Northumberland County ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory Stand Down for Northumberland County
January 6, 2022 – Frontenac County ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Frontenac County
January 3, 2022 – Renfrew County ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory Stand Down for Renfrew County
December 14, 2021 – Niagara Region ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Niagara Region
December 6, 2021 – Northumberland County ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Northumberland County
November 12, 2021 – Arnprior, Renfrew County ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Arnprior, Renfrew County
October 18, 2021 – City of Hamilton ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory Stand Down for City of Hamilton
October 1, 2021 – Municipality of French River ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for the Municipality of French River
September 22, 2021 – United Counties of Leeds and Grenville ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory Stand Down for United Counties of Leeds and Grenville
September 9, 2021 – City of Hamilton ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Hamilton
September 1, 2021 Avian Influenza Update for Small Flock Owners and Bird Fanciers
August 12, 2021 – Frontenac County ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Frontenac County
July 30, 2021 – United Counties of Leeds and Grenville ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for United Counties of Leeds and Grenville
July 29, 2021 – Waterloo Region ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory Stand Down for Waterloo Region
June 22, 2021 – Waterloo Region ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Waterloo Region
May 21, 2021 – Kawartha Lakes ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Kawartha Lakes County
May 18, 2021 – Renfrew County ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory Stand Down for Renfrew County
May 18, 2021 – Peterborough County ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory Stand Down for Peterborough County
April 30, 2021 – Niagara Region and United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory Stand Down for Niagara Region and United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry
April 8, 2021 – Peterborough County ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Peterborough County
April 5, 2021 – Renfrew County ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Renfrew County
April 5, 2021 – Niagara Region UPDATE - ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Niagara Region
April 5, 2021 – Bruce County and Prince Edward County ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory Stand Down for Bruce County and Prince Edward County
March 18, 2021 – Cornwall, SDG ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Cornwall, United Counties of Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry
March 3, 2021 – Paisley, Bruce County ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Paisley, Bruce County
February 25, 2021 Ontario Ministry of Health - Avian Influenza - Heightened awareness for Small Flock Owners and Bird Fanciers
February 25, 2021 – Prince Edward County ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Prince Edward County
February 12, 2021 Ontario Association of Poultry Veterinarians ILT Factsheet
February 12, 2021 Ontario Association of Poultry Veterinarians ILT Poster
January 25, 2021 – Niagara Region UPDATE - ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Niagara Region
January 21, 2021 – Chelmsford, Greater Sudbury ILT Biosecurity Advisory Stand Down for Chelmsford, Greater Sudbury
January 15, 2021 – Smithville, Niagara Region UPDATE - ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Niagara Region
January 8, 2021 – Havelock, Peterborough County ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory Stand Down for Havelock, Peterborough County
January 7, 2021 Ontario Ministry of Health - Keeping your family healthy with backyard poultry, including chicks and ducklings
December 24, 2020 – Smithville, Niagara Region UPDATE - ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Niagara Region
December 18, 2020 – Smithville, Niagara Region UPDATE - ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Niagara Region
December 16, 2020 – Chelmsford, Greater Sudbury ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Chelmsford, Greater Sudbury
December 16, 2020 – Oro-Medonte Township, Simcoe County ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory Stand Down for Oro-Medonte Township, Simcoe County
December 14, 2020 – Smithville, Niagara Region ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Smithville, Niagara Region
December 2, 2020 – Havelock, Peterborough County ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Havelock, Peterborough County
December 1, 2020 – Smithville, Niagara Region ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Niagara Region
November 13, 2020 – Oro-Medonte Township, Simcoe County ILT - Biosecurity Advisory
October 26, 2020 – Norwood Township, Southeastern Peterborough County ILT - Biosecurity Advisory Stand Down
October 9, 2020 – West central part of City of Kawartha Lakes ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for City of Kawartha Lakes
September 22, 2020 – Norwood Township, Southeastern Peterborough County ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Norwood Township, Southeastern Peterborough County
August 21, 2020 – Brock Township, Durham Region ILT - Biosecurity Advisory Stand Down
July 22, 2020 – Guelph-Eramosa Township ILT - Biosecurity Advisory Stand Down
July 16, 2020 – Brock Township, Durham Region ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Brock Township, Durham Region
June 29, 2020 – City of Kawartha Lakes ILT - Biosecurity Advisory Stand Down
June 29, 2020 – Wellington County, City of Hamilton, Regional Municipality of Halton ILT - Consolidated Biosecurity Advisory Stand Down
June 25, 2020 – OMAFRA Newcastle Disease Update OMAFRA Veterinary Advisory - Newcastle Disease Update
June 18, 2020 – Guelph-Eramosa Township ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Guelph-Eramosa Township
June 2, 2020 – City of Kawartha Lakes ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for City of Kawartha Lakes
June 1, 2020 – Northumberland County ILT - Biosecurity Advisory Stand Down
May 25, 2020 – Wellington County, City of Hamilton, Regional Municipality of Halton Consolidated ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory Area
May 14, 2020 – Regional Municipality of Halton ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Regional Municipality of Halton
May 7, 2020 – City of Hamilton ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for the City of Hamilton
May 3, 2020 – Wellington County ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Wellington County
April 24, 2020 – Northumberland County ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Northumberland County
March 17, 2020 Avian Influenza Advisory for Small Flock Owners
November 12, 2019 – Norfolk County ILT - Biosecurity Advisory Stand Down
September 16, 2019 Avian Influenza Advisory for Small Flock Owners and Bird Fanciers (AVIS EN FRANÇAIS)
July 11, 2019 – Lanark County ILT - Biosecurity Advisory Stand Down
June 6, 2019 – Norfolk County ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Norfolk County
June 3, 2019 – Elgin County ILT - Biosecurity Advisory Stand Down
May 30, 2019 – Lanark County ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Lanark County
May 6, 2019 – Elgin County Update to ILT Biosecurity Advisory for Elgin County
April 24, 2019 – Elgin County ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Elgin County
March 12, 2019 Avian Influenza Advisory for Small Flock Owners and Bird Fanciers
February 20, 2019 – United Counties of Prescott and Russell ILT - Biosecurity Advisory Stand Down (AVIS EN FRANÇAIS)
January 17, 2019 – United Counties of Leeds and Grenville ILT - Biosecurity Advisory Stand Down
January 15, 2019 – United Counties of Prescott and Russell ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for United Counties of Prescott and Russell (AVIS EN FRANÇAIS)
January 7, 2019 – Perth County ILT - Biosecurity Advisory Stand Down
December 14, 2018 – United Counties of Leeds and Grenville ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for United Counties of Leeds and Grenville
December 5, 2018 – Perth County Confirmed ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Perth County
December 4, 2018 First Exclusive Livestock & Poultry Pharmacy Opens in Ontario
December 4, 2018 Small Flock Veterinary List
November 30, 2018 – Perth County ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Perth County
November 7, 2018 – West Nipissing Municipality ILT Heightened Biosecurity Stand Down lifted for West Nipissing
October 5, 2018 – West Nipissing Municipality ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for West Nipissing
September 25, 2018 Newcastle Disease Update (AVIS EN FRANÇAIS)
September 23, 2018 – Brock Township, Durham Region ILT Heightened Biosecurity Stand Down for Brock Township, Durham Region
September 19, 2018 Avian Influenza Reminder for Poultry Farmers (AVIS EN FRANÇAIS)
September 19, 2018 Avian Influenza Advisory for Small Flock Owners and Bird Fanciers (AVIS EN FRANÇAIS)
August 16, 2018 – Brock Township, Durham Region ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Brock Township, Durham Region
July 20, 2018 – Kawartha Lakes County ILT Heightened Biosecurity Stand Down for Kawartha Lakes County
July 14, 2018 – Niagara Region ILT Heightened Biosecurity Stand Down for Niagara Region
June 17, 2018 – Kawartha Lakes County ILT Heightened Biosecurity Advisory for Kawartha Lakes County
June 8, 2018 Multistate Outbreaks of Salmonella Infections Linked to Contact with Live Poultry in Backyard Flocks
April 30, 2018 – Niagara Region ILT Heightened Biosecurity Update for Niagara Region
March 16, 2018 – Niagara Region ILT Heightened Biosecurity for Niagara Region
March 7, 2018 – OMAFRA Avian Influenza Advisory for Small Flock Owners and Bird Fanciers (AVIS EN FRANÇAIS)
February 25, 2018 – Perth County ILT Heightened Biosecurity Stand Down for Perth County
January 17, 2018 – Perth County ILT Biosecurity Advisory for Perth County
January 3, 2018 – Oxford County ILT Heightened Biosecurity Stand Down for Oxford County
January 3, 2018 – Waterloo County ILT Heightened Biosecurity Stand Down for Waterloo County
November 30, 2017 – Oxford County ILT Biosecurity Advisory for Oxford County (CLICK HEREfor a map of the infected area)
November 21, 2017 – Lanark County ILT Heightened Biosecurity Stand Down for Lanark County
November 10, 2017 – United Counties Of Prescott And Russell ILT Heightened Biosecurity Stand Down for United Counties of Prescott and Russell (AVIS EN FRANÇAIS)
November 1, 2017 – Georgina Township, York County ILT Biosecurity Advisory for Georgina Township, York County lifted​
October 24, 2017 – Waterloo County Farmer Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT) Disease Advisory
October 11, 2017 – Lanark County Farmer Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT) Disease Advisory
October 6, 2017 – United Counties of Prescott and Russell Farmer Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT) Disease Advisory (AVIS EN FRANÇAIS)
September 26, 2017 – Georgina Township, York County Farmer Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT) Disease Advisory
August 2, 2017 – Frontenac County ILT Biosecurity Advisory for Frontenac County lifted​
June 27, 2017 – Frontenac County Farmer Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT) Disease Advisory
June 14, 2017 – Grey County Heightened Biosecurity Stand Down
June 2, 2017 – United Counties of Leeds Grenville Heightened Biosecurity Stand Down
May 8, 2017 – Grey County Farmer Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT) Disease Advisory
April 27, 2017 – United Counties of Leeds Grenville Farmer Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT) Disease Advisory
April 27, 2017 – Biosecurity Advisory Avian Influenza Biosecurity Advisory for People Working with Wild Birds, Wild Bird Habitats and Domestic Poultry