Introduction:
Bringing your birds to Steadfast Farms is an exciting step in your journey as a bird owner, whether you're a commercial producer or a small flock enthusiast. Steadfast Farms Poultry Processing & Slaughter LLC takes biosecurity seriously to protect our flock and yours. Before you make your way to our facility, it's crucial to prioritize your flock's health. This blog post will guide you on how to do just that.
Practicing Good Biosecurity:
Biosecurity is not just a buzzword; it's a vital practice for any bird owner. It involves taking preventive measures to protect your flock from diseases and ensuring the overall health of your birds. Here are some steps you should take:
Regular Health Checks: Make it a routine to check the health of your birds. Look for any signs of illness or unusual behavior. Early detection can save your flock from potential outbreaks.
Quarantine New Birds: If you're introducing new birds to your flock, quarantine them for a period to ensure they are not carrying any diseases that could affect your existing birds.
Cleanliness Matters: Maintain a clean and hygienic coop. Regularly clean and disinfect the living area to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
Limit Access: Restrict access to your birds to prevent contact with potential carriers of diseases, such as wild birds and rodents.
Reporting Sick Birds:
If you notice any signs of illness or unusual bird deaths in your flock, take immediate action. Reporting these cases is crucial to prevent the spread of diseases. Here are the contacts you should reach out to:
Local Veterinarian: Contact your local veterinarian for professional advice and guidance on how to handle sick birds.
Agricultural Extension Agent: Your local agricultural extension agent can provide valuable information on bird health and biosecurity practices.
USDA Veterinary Services District Office: Get in touch with the USDA Veterinary Services district office for assistance with disease prevention and control.
State Animal Health Official: Contact your State Animal Health Official to report and seek guidance on any health issues in your flock.
Reporting to Steadfast Farms:
Once your birds are ready for processing at Steadfast Farms, they will undergo a health check by our Director of Operations and a USDA inspector. It's crucial to understand that we take biosecurity seriously, and any signs of illness related to Avian Influenza will result in the rejection of your birds for processing.
Our commitment to maintaining a safe environment for all birds is unwavering.
Please report sick birds or unusual bird deaths immediately,
to one or all of the following authorities:
Connecticut Department of Agriculture at 860-713-2500 or Toll-Free at 800-861-9939.
Connecticut State Veterinarian’s Office, The Animal Health Division at (860) 713-2505.
USDA’s Toll-Free number at 1-866-536-7593.
Conclusion:
The health and well-being of your flock are paramount, both for your birds' sake and to ensure the biosecurity of Steadfast Farms. We encourage you to follow these guidelines, practice good biosecurity, and report any health concerns promptly. Together, we can safeguard our flocks and prevent the spread of devastating diseases like Avian Influenza.
Thank you for choosing Steadfast Farms Poultry Processing & Slaughter LLC as your partner in this journey.
Aaron McCool
Director of Operations
Business Consultant
Rising Tides Consultants
Steadfast Farms Poultry Processing & Slaughter LLC
860-302-8747 Steadfast Farms Business Line
