‍

Key Takeaways (TL;DR)

• Spring increases wildlife, insects, mud, and farm traffic
• These seasonal changes raise disease risk for poultry
• Early spring is the ideal time to refresh biosecurity protocols
• Small lapses can impact entire complexes

‍

‍

Increased Animal Activity

As the seasons start warming up, wild animals become more active. The warmer weather brings with it more plants, a vital food source for many animals. It also brings longer daylight hours and marks the breeding season for varmints. Wild birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects alike are all more prevalent as winter weather subsides.

‍

‍Wild birds

Wild bird numbers may bring obvious poultry biosecurity and disease risks (most notably HPAI). Some common birds to keep an eye out for are listed below as they are often very abundant in early spring when wild bird migrations begin.

• American robins
• Red-winged blackbirds
• Canada geese

Reptiles and Amphibians

Warmer weather also means more mud, puddles, and other standing water near farms. These can be reservoirs for viruses and bacteria, but also reptiles and amphibians. Be on the lookout for increased numbers of Salmonella carrying, cold-blooded critters as the warmer weather makes them more active.

• American bullfrogs
• Salamanders
• Snakes
• Box turtles

Insects 

Especially in areas near lakes, rivers, and streams, insect activity begins to rise as springtime comes. Insects can be pests on their own, but they also bring diseases along with them. As winter turns to spring, it’s a good time to make sure you’re stocked up on things like flytraps and other anti-insect devices to prevent poultry disease in springtime.

• Housefly
• Mosquitoes

Mammals

Feed spills outside a barn can be challenging any time of the year, but especially as the weather begins to warm and there’s no chance of snow covering and freezing the spilled feed. Nearby mammals are more likely to take an interest in feed bins and feed spills as the springtime approaches. Be on the lookout for signs of mammal activity as they are often a spring biosecurity risk that can introduce disease to your flock. 

• Raccoons
• Skunks
• Mice
• Rats

‍Increased Farm Visitors

‍

During the cold winter weather, snow, and ice storms, some visitors may choose to delay or reschedule farm visits for a more accommodating time of the year. After all, when there are multiple inches of snow on the ground, the priority is often making sure birds are getting feed, water, and heat. Farm visitors are often happily rescheduled when the weather is extremely cold.

‍

However, this can mean that springtime also means a significant increase in farm visitors. Whether that’s maintenance crews, educational visitors, auditors, or other individuals who are not routinely at the facility. While no one ever intentionally brings disease to a farm, the risk is always there.

‍

During this time of influx of people at your facility, make sure to maintain all biosecurity practices. These steps for poultry biosecurity in spring will help keep disease out while visitors are more frequent.

• Visitors are aware of downtime requirements
• Visitors are signing in
• Visitors are wearing the proper PPE
• Etc.

‍

‍Backyard Birds

Routine biosecurity often becomes second nature to farm employees, but it’s easy to forget that not everyone you might interact with outside of the poultry operation is well versed in its importance.

Springtime often marks the “season of baby chicks” at local farm goods stores. It can be easy to forget those cute little fluffballs are not vaccinated. Birds from multiple hatcheries, breeds, and ages are mixed together and for sale all over the US. These baby chicks can also bring a renewed interest in owning backyard birds to your community.

As this year’s “baby chick season” comes near, begin thinking about how your company might mitigate these risks to prevent poultry disease in spring. How will a “quick run to the farm store” change in light of the chicks for sale? Does everyone have designated farm boots if their neighbor at home buys baby chicks? These types of questions are best answered before a biosecurity risk becomes a biosecurity nightmare.

‍

Final Thoughts and General Biosecurity Reminders  

Spring is a season of growth, but also increased biological risk. A single biosecurity lapse can impact an entire complex, integrator, or region.

• Eliminate attractants: Clean up feed spills immediately and secure feed bins.
• Manage water: Remove standing water and monitor drainage around houses.
• Control pests: Refresh rodent bait stations and stock insect control supplies.
• Monitor wildlife: Watch for signs of wild birds, mammals, and reptiles near barns.
• Maintain visitor protocols: Enforce downtime, PPE, and visitor logs without exception.
• Address backyard poultry risks: Ensure employees have designated farm footwear and clear guidance regarding contact with non-commercial birds.
• Re-train staff: A short seasonal refresher can prevent costly lapses.

By maintaining biosecurity protocols and addressing seasonal vulnerabilities, commercial poultry operations can reduce risk and protect flock health.

‍

‍

‍

FAQ

Q: Why does spring increase disease risk in poultry operations?

A: During springtime, there is typically an increase in wildlife, insects, mud, and farm traffic. 

‍

Q: Do migrating wild birds increase biosecurity risk?

A: Migrating birds bring with them diseases that can be spread to commercial poultry farms. 

‍

Q: Why is standing water a concern for poultry farms?

A: Standing water can be a reservoir for both viral and bacterial diseases.

‍