Poultry Disease Control Guidelines

Diseases are likely where larger numbers of birds are reared in confinement. Therefore, a planned programme for the prevention and control of diseases in the poultry houses is a crucial factor in profitable poultry farming. The following general principles are to be followed.

• Clean the house at least one week before housing a new batch of birds.
• Remove all old litter and equipment. Clean the ceiling, walls and floor. Thorough sweeping and washing followed by treatment with disinfectants are necessary.
• Wash, disinfect and dry the equipment before placing in the house.
• Clean the light reflectors, replace burnt out bulbs and check electric connections.
• Keep all wild birds, rats, dogs and cats out of the farm.
• Do not allow visitors into the poultry houses.
• Burn or bury all dead birds immediately. 
• Clean the waters and feeders daily with 1% ammonia solution.
• Change foot-bath at the entrance of poultry house daily.
• Adhere to strict sanitation in and around the poultry house.
• Remove wet litter immediately.
• Look for signs of ill health in the flock every time you enter the poultry house.
• Deworm the birds as and when required after peak production.
• If any disease is suspected, immediately obtain accurate diagnosis and follow recommendations of the poultry specialist consulted.

Note that not all disinfectants can be used for the same  purpose. Their effects are specific base on their chemical composition. Below are some types of disinfectants and their uses.

* Lysol: Used as a 1-2% solution. Effective general disinfectant, suitable for instrument; poultry equipments, foot-bath etc;

* Lime (CaOH powder): An inexpensive general disinfectant can be used as a white wash to walls. 2-5% solution will destroy most pathogenic organisms and their spores. Highly corrosive to skin.
* Bleaching powder: May be used as floor disinfectant in empty houses.
* Phenols (Cresol): Less toxic but costly. Usually used as a 2-4% solution for disinfecting poultry houses and equipments.

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