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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

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