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Biosecurity is key

The State Veterinarian in Ohio can’t say enough about poultry producers in the Buckeye State.

Dr. Tony Forshey says the biosecurity measures Ohio’s poultry producers have taken is a key reason avian influenza hasn’t been detected in the state’s $2.3 billion dollar poultry industry.

“We have the best people that understand and practice good biosecurity,” said Dr. Forshey. “I really attribute it to their abilities and knowing how important biosecurity is.”

But – he says – now is not the time to let the guard down.

“We’re probably okay now until fall, but we really have to gear up and tighten down the screws even tighter on our biosecurity so this doesn’t hit Ohio,” the State Veterinarian said.

Audio: Dr. Tony Forshey, State Veterinarian, Ohio

Tim Barman, Veterinarian for Cooper Farms says while they had good biosecurity practices in place before avian flu, those practices have gotten even better.

“We’ve been working on this for a year, even before the avian influenza came in, having designated boots, clothing and hand sanitation in the barns,” said Dr. Barman. “That means when you step into the barn, you change shoes or boots at that point, you put on coveralls or change your clothing and either you hand sanitize or you wash your hands and not only when entering the barn, but also on leaving, hands and feet are the biggest spreader of disease from people.”

Cooper Farms raises turkeys, chickens and pigs in West Central and Northwest Ohio.

Audio: Dr. Tim Barman, Veterinarian, Cooper Farms