Be sure to clean any footwear with disinfectants before and after visits. Once you’ve washed your boots off, we recommend using FootCheck for disinfecting as it minimises wastage by ensuring a precise concentration is used. Essentially it means you can do away with buckets, containers and measuring jugs.

Infection in humans predominantly results from direct contact with infected poultry which is why it’s so important to wear the correct PPE. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommend: disposable or polycotton coveralls with head coverage of CE type 5 and 6 (disposable coveralls are preferred); disposable gloves of lightweight nitrile or vinyl, or heavy duty rubber (not latex) gloves that can be disinfected after use; rubber or polyurethane boots that are waterproof and can be cleaned or disinfected after use, or disposable shoe/boot covers are also recommended; face-fitted FFP3 respirator with exhalation valve and close fitting goggles.

It’s crucial to keep the bird’s homes clean and tidy, making sure extra measures are put in place to control rats and mice, with regular cleansing and disinfecting any hard surfaces. There are many types of disinfectants available but ideally you should use a DEFRA approved disinfectant at entrances and exits. If you’re looking for extra peace of mind, phenol-based disinfectants such as Hysolv Interkokask come recommended by the British Egg Industry Council (BEIC) for use in the elite “Lion Brand” egg production code.

It’s easy to place all attention on the sheds and our personal belongings, however one key area that’s often left open to risk is vehicles. As the Government says, to ensure good biosecurity, all poultry keepers should clean and disinfect vehicles and equipment that have come into contact with poultry. Products like this hand pump sprayer make the job much quicker and easier!

It’s important to place birds’ feed and water in fully enclosed areas that are protected from wild birds, and remove any spilled feed regularly. Also, it’s recommended to put fencing around any outdoor areas where birds are allowed to roam – paying particular attention to limiting access to ponds or areas visited by wild waterfowl. And on that note, avoid keeping ducks and geese with other poultry species!