Biosecurity Checklist for a Marek’s-Positive Flock

Here’s a practical, easy-to-follow checklist to help you manage a Marek’s-positive flock. This checklist breaks down daily, weekly, and seasonal tasks into actionable steps you can follow and check off.

Daily Biosecurity Checklist

• Fresh Water:
  • Empty all waterers and scrub with warm, soapy water.
  • Rinse thoroughly and refill with clean, fresh water.
• Collect Eggs:
  • Gather eggs at least twice daily to reduce contamination.
  • Wash hands or wear gloves when handling eggs.
• Clean High-Traffic Areas:
  • Scoop visible droppings from perches, nesting boxes, and walkways.
  • Keep the areas around feeders and waterers clean.
• Sweep Feather Dust:
  • Lightly mist feather dust with water before sweeping to prevent it from becoming airborne.
  • Dispose of dust and feathers in a sealed bag.
• Wear Protective Gear:
  • Change into coop-only footwear and clothing before entering the flock area.
  • Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling birds.
• Monitor Flock Health:
  • Check for signs of paralysis, weight loss, drooping wings, cloudy eyes, or lethargy.
  • Isolate symptomatic birds immediately.
• Quarantine Sick Birds:
  • Move any symptomatic birds to a separate area (quarantine zone).
  • Disinfect tools and equipment used in the quarantine zone after every use.

Weekly Biosecurity Checklist

• Change Coop Bedding:
  • Remove all soiled bedding from the coop and nesting boxes.
  • Replace with clean, dry bedding (e.g., pine shavings or straw).
  • Dispose of old bedding in sealed bags or compost away from the flock.
• Clean Feeders and Waterers:
  • Soak feeders and waterers in a disinfectant solution (e.g., 1:10 bleach and water).
  • Scrub, rinse, and allow them to air dry completely before refilling.
• Wipe Down Perches and Surfaces:
  • Disinfect perches, roosts, and other high-touch surfaces with a virucidal cleaner.
  • Pay attention to cracks, crevices, and corners where dust collects.
• Clean Walkways and Entrances:
  • Sweep and disinfect coop walkways and entry points to reduce the spread of dust and dander.
• Inspect Birds for Symptoms:
  • Check each bird for signs of Marek’s, including weight loss, skin nodules, or changes in behavior.
  • Weigh birds (if possible) to track gradual weight loss over time.
• Dispose of Contaminated Waste:
  • Collect and seal all feathers, droppings, and waste before disposing of them.
  • Never spread contaminated waste where healthy birds can forage.

Seasonal Biosecurity Checklist (Every 3-6 Months)

• Complete Coop Deep Clean:
  • Remove all bedding, debris, and droppings from the entire coop.
  • Scrub walls, floors, perches, nesting boxes, and other surfaces with warm, soapy water.
  • Disinfect thoroughly with a virucidal agent (e.g., bleach solution, Oxine AH).
  • Allow the coop to dry completely before adding fresh bedding.
• Disinfect Equipment:
  • Soak feeders, waterers, and tools in a disinfectant solution.
  • Scrub and rinse thoroughly before reuse.
• Inspect and Repair Coop Infrastructure:
  • Check for cracks, holes, or broken parts in the coop.
  • Seal any gaps where dust, pests, or predators could enter.
• Ventilation Maintenance:
  • Inspect and clean ventilation systems to ensure good airflow.
  • Add or adjust vents if necessary to reduce moisture and ammonia buildup.
• Rotate Free-Range Areas:
  • Move free-range birds to a new area if possible to reduce pathogen buildup in the soil.
• Pest Management:
  • Check for signs of rodents, mites, or other pests in and around the coop.
  • Set traps or use deterrents to manage pest populations.
• Reassess Biosecurity Practices:
  • Evaluate your current biosecurity measures.
  • Make updates as needed based on flock health and environmental changes.

Ongoing Best Practices

These general tips should be followed regularly to keep your flock as healthy as possible.

• Restrict Visitor Access:
  • Allow only essential people into the coop area.
  • Provide visitors with disposable boot covers or designated clean footwear.
• Quarantine New Birds:
  • Keep new flock members isolated for 30 days before introducing them to the main flock.
  • Monitor them closely for any signs of illness.
• Handle Sick Birds Last:
  • Care for healthy birds first to prevent carrying the virus between birds.
  • Wear gloves and disinfect after handling sick or symptomatic birds.
• Dispose of Waste Properly:
  • Bag and seal all waste (feathers, droppings, bedding) before disposing of it.
  • Never compost contaminated material near the flock or garden beds.
• Control Feather Dust:
  • Regularly clean areas where feather dust accumulates, such as walls, perches, and cracks.
  • Use water or disinfectant sprays to dampen dust before cleaning to reduce airborne particles.

Tips for Using This Checklist

1. Print and Post: Hang this checklist near your coop for easy reference.
2. Use Checkboxes: Create a laminated version of the checklist so you can use a dry-erase marker to check off tasks.
3. Involve Everyone: Make sure all household members or helpers are aware of the biosecurity measures.