PROTECT YOURSELF FROM CATCHING CHICKEN DISEASES

WHO defines zoonoses as diseases and infections that are naturally transmitted between vertebrate animals and humans. A zoonotic agent may be a bacterium, a virus, a fungus or other communicable disease agent. At least 61% of all human pathogens are zoonotic, and have represented 75% of all emerging pathogens during the past decade. 

Now that you know you can catch disease from your birds – how do you prevent illness in the first place? Really, there are a few very simple things you can do and we have divided the preventative information into two parts:

1. Poultry

1. Human

Poultry

• The flock needs to be kept in a relatively clean environment. Areas where the chickens roam should be hosed to keep poop from accumulating.

• Frequent removal of damp litter and poop – especially important in the warmer months to prevent bacterial growth.

• Twice yearly washing down of the inside of the coop, perches, nest-boxes etc. and hosing down of high traffic areas. A solution of equal parts vinegar and water does an effective job.

• Clean eggs as necessary after collectionand keep in the fridge. If eggs are dirty they should always be cleaned with water that is hotter than the egg, or use special wipes made for egg cleaning. Filthy eggs should be tossed out.

• Compost your manure properly if you use it on the garden. Flies are attracted to dung heaps, so turn it regularly to help the breakdown of materials.

• If you have used the manure on the garden veggies, don’t eat them until they are washed, bacilli can live for a very long time.

• Good nutrition is very important. Use vitamin/electrolyte powder in drinkers as needed. Let them outside as frequently as you can so they can get their vitamins from the sun and grass.

• Effective rodent control – just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean you don’t have them! Rodents can carry a number of diseases, so be on the lookout for the telltale signs of infestation.

• Don’t forget your birds health chech. Parasites such as lice and mites can weaken their immune status leaving them open for infection.

• Try to buy your birds from reputable people, preferably ZAVS birds are tested for a variety of diseases including salmonella.

Human

• Good handwashing – always! If you can’t wash your hands directly after handling your hens, use an antibacterial hand rub. I keep one in the barn and use it frequently.

• Don’t eat/drink in or around the coop.

• Try to keep a set of chicken clothes separate from your wardrobe. Use them for cleaning the coop and your livestock chores.

• Children under five should be carefully watched. Toddlers have a habit of putting things in their mouths.

• If you butcher your birds make sure you do it cleanly. The carcass should not be contaminated by intestinal residue.

• Cook meats thoroughly and refrigerate leftovers in a timely manner. Do not eat meat that has been sitting around at room temperature for longer than a couple of hours.

Note:

The major culprit remains industrialized farming, processing and sales- there are many steps in the process that can lead to illness, especially if ‘short cuts’ are taken.
If you suspect your flock suffers from any of these infections, a veterinarian can take a swab and send it for analysis. If positive, infections can be treated with antibiotics.

We hope this has enlightened you and reassured you that your flock is not going to make you sick provided you adhere strictly to these sensible precautionary steps. We want you to enjoy your flock and keep you and yourselves healthy.