Report on: Best Biosecurity Practices in the Poultry Industry in the Middle East

Dr. Majid Hamid Al-Sayegh / Australia

Introduction

Biosecurity is critical to the success and sustainability of the poultry industry in the Middle East. As the poultry industry grows, diseases such as Avian Influenza and Newcastle disease have become a major threat to production. Effective biosecurity measures are the first line of defense against these threats. This report aims to highlight the best biosecurity practices in the region and provide strategies for continuous improvement.

The Importance of Biosecurity in Poultry Farming

The Middle East faces unique challenges in poultry production, such as high population density in some areas, increased risk of disease transmission through wild bird migration, and the movement of poultry and poultry products between countries. Biosecurity is the first line of defense against these threats. Without biosecurity practices, poultry farms can face disease outbreaks that lead to huge financial losses and public health risks.

Basic principles of biosecurity and best practices

There are several basic principles that all poultry industry workers agree on regarding biosecurity. These principles must be adapted to the challenges facing the countries of the Middle East region.

First: Preventing the introduction of diseases (biological exclusion).

• Site selection: Poultry farms should be far from other poultry farms, areas where wild birds live, and areas exposed to flooding. The distance from main roads and means of transportation should also be taken into account.
• House design: Poultry houses should be designed to allow for adequate ventilation, pest control, and ease of cleaning. The materials used in construction should be resistant to disease transmission and easy to disinfect.
• Quarantine procedures: New poultry should be isolated for a certain period before entering the productive flock. Health checks and tests should be carried out to ensure that they are free of infectious diseases.

Second: Preventing the spread of diseases within the farm (biological confinement).

• Movement control: All vehicles and people entering the farm must be disinfected. A “one-way movement” system should be implemented, from the cleanest areas to the most contaminated areas.
• Disinfection procedures: Regular cleaning and disinfection of equipment, buildings and workers’ clothing should be carried out. A dedicated foot basin, hand sanitizers and mandatory changing of clothes for farm workers can help reduce contamination.
• Isolation of sick poultry: Sick poultry should be disposed of or isolated to avoid spreading the disease to the rest of the flock.

Third: Monitoring and early detection

• Routine health monitoring: It is essential to conduct regular periodic checks on the health of the flock, such as necropsy, blood samples, and serum tests. This helps in early detection of diseases.
• Keeping records: Accurate records should be maintained for all production cycles, feed management, and disease outbreaks to track patterns and identify weaknesses in biosecurity measures.

Fourth: Case studies on successful biosecurity programs in the Middle East

There are several countries in the Middle East that have implemented effective biosecurity practices, and can serve as an example for others:

• Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in biosecurity training and infrastructure in the poultry sector. Poultry farms in the Kingdom are required to implement strict biosecurity measures, including controlling the movement of people and vehicles, and using comprehensive disinfection systems. The government has also supported vaccination programs and disease surveillance systems.
• United Arab Emirates,The United Arab Emirates has developed advanced biosecurity practices in both large commercial farms and small farms. Training programs for farm staff have also been implemented, and many farms have introduced a comprehensive “entry and exit” system where birds of the same age are raised in separate houses to stop the disease cycle.
• Egypt, Egypt has taken significant steps in improving poultry health by developing biosecurity protocols in response to the avian influenza outbreak. The country has implemented a successful vaccination program, in addition to controlling farm access and transportation.

Fifth: Challenges in implementing biosecurity

Despite the successes, there are still challenges that hinder the implementation of best biosecurity practices in the region, including:

• Lack of awareness: In some areas, there is still a lack of awareness about the importance of biosecurity. Many small-scale farmers may not have the resources or knowledge to implement comprehensive biosecurity measures.
• Inadequate infrastructure: Inadequate infrastructure, such as inadequate sanitation facilities and insufficient biological barriers, can lead to gaps in disease control.
• Poultry and poultry products movement: The movement of poultry and poultry products across borders, often without adequate checks, continues to create a risk of disease transmission.

Sixth: Recommendations for improving biosecurity in the Middle East region

In order to further improve biosecurity in the region, the following strategies should be considered:

• Training and education: Continuing education and training should be provided to poultry farmers, veterinarians and poultry industry workers on the importance of biosecurity and good practices.
• Strengthening regulations: Governments should impose stricter biosecurity regulations, especially regarding the movement of poultry and poultry products, and ensure compliance with biosecurity standards.
• Regional cooperation: Cooperation between countries in the region should be strengthened to exchange knowledge, resources and best practices, which will help reduce the risk of disease transmission.
• Investing in scientific research: Research into vaccines, diagnostics and biological technologies can support the development of more effective disease control measures.

Seventh: Conclusion

Biosecurity is the cornerstone of a successful and sustainable poultry industry in the Middle East. By implementing best practices and investing in education, infrastructure and regional cooperation, the region can reduce disease risks and boost productivity. Examples of successful programs in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt show that with proper planning and commitment, challenges can be overcome and a disease-resistant poultry industry can be built.