According to De Bruijn the poultry industry ought to guard itself against diseases. “There is no link to company size or hygiene. Pathogens are widely spread and it can be considered to be an illusion we will once completely get rid of them. When a chicken will be in contact with pathogens, there is a chance of infection and possibly death. However, we can guard ourselves to diseases. Vaccinating free-range hens is a possibility for diseases such as Pasteurella multocida and coryza, although this should be done several years in a row. Unfortunately it is not an option for every disease.”
Besides vaccination, a few measures can be taken in order to stimulate a healthy immune system. “Eventually it is about the balance between immune system and infection levels. If a bird is flooded with pathogens from its environment, this has a vast impact on its immune system. Take care of the overall health of the animals. Pay attention to treating red mite, which can be an enormous stressor when a bird suffers continuous itching and is
kept awake by it.”
Wild birds may be carriers of pathogens, just like other species present at and around poultry farms. Adjustments of the open-air runs may prevent wild birds from entering. The difficulty is that, once infection has taken place, a reservoir is created in the house’s environment. There is a chance the disease will return round after round. You can try to break the circle by vaccinating and try to eliminate the disease when it occurs on lower levels.”
In literature a soil crop cover is mentioned as a successful way to prevent worm infections from spreading. Yet, for a commercial house keeping the soil green may turn out to be challenging in reality. De Bruijn underlines the importance of consulting a veterinarian when a poultry farmer is dealing with losses or poor performance. “Use diagnostics to identify the root cause and to estimate the prospects for future flocks. This will help you to keep health issues at the farm under control, and it will lead to a timely solution.“
Marleen Teuling