Biosecurity duck farming according to international standards

When choosing food for their families, consumers are increasingly concerned about the origin and quality of the products. The traditional poultry farming sector is no exception to this trend. To meet the growing demands of the market, the industry is shifting towards biosecurity in farming for duck meat, according to international standards.

Biosecure duck meat farming is a production system based on the principle of ‘prevention is better than cure,’ requiring strict compliance with regulations on hygiene, animal health, and food safety. Therefore, this demands that farmers have a deep understanding and adhere to more strict regulations.

Let’s explore the details with Vietstock in this article! 

Why is biosecurity important in duck meat farming? 

Specifically, ensuring biosecurity in duck farming means maintaining a clean, disease-free environment, achieved through three main components: biosecure facilities (the primary factor), additional preventive measures, and daily management practices.

First, a biosecure facility is the most crucial factor. Farmers need to keep it clean and dry to ensure the ducks remain healthy and free from disease. For example, regular cleaning and disinfection of the facility are necessary steps to protect the flock.

Next, additional preventive measures include actions that effectively prevent diseases, such as vaccinating the ducks, quarantining newly imported ducks, or installing barriers to prevent pathogens from entering.

Finally, daily management practices are equally important. This involves farmers monitoring the health of the ducks, checking food and water supplies, and maintaining a clean environment. These efforts help keep the facility clean and prevent the spread of disease effectively.

To raise healthy ducks and achieve high productivity, maintaining biosecure facilities and implementing preventive measures are essential. However, many farmers tend to overlook these measures, leading to outbreaks and affecting farming productivity.

In reality, ensuring biosecurity is not difficult. Farmers only need to pay attention to some basic and advanced measures to protect their ducks better.

International biosecurity standards in duck farming 

International biosecurity standards in duck farming can be divided into several categories to help ensure an effective and safe farming process. Below are the general and specific standards that farmers need to understand.

General standards 

First, the basic principles of biosecurity include regulations on preventing disease transmission among ducks. These principles help farmers understand what needs to be done to protect their flocks. Regulations on facility hygiene, disinfection, and vaccinations must be fully implemented.

Next is the role of government agencies – regulatory bodies will inspect and monitor the farming process to ensure farmers comply with biosecurity regulations. These agencies also provide information and specific guidelines to help farmers easily access and implement international standards in farming.

Specific standards

1. Facility design standards: Facilities must be well-ventilated, clean, and have good drainage systems to prevent mold and limit disease outbreaks in the flock.
2. Hygiene and disinfection standards: Facility cleaning and disinfection, as well as cleaning of farming tools, must be performed regularly. Farmers should use disinfectants according to instructions, ensuring safety for both the ducks and the farmers.
3. Personnel and vehicle management standards: Anyone entering the facility must follow strict hygiene regulations, such as changing footwear, wearing protective clothing, and disinfecting before entry. Vehicles used for transportation must also be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to avoid bringing pathogens into the facility.
4. Feed and water standards: Feed and water must be of good quality and free from contamination. Farmers should choose reputable suppliers and regularly check to ensure that food and water sources meet the required standards.

Comparing international standards 

There are various international standards that farmers can refer to, such as ISO, HACCP, and GlobalGAP. Below are some differences among these standards:

• ISO focuses on establishing quality management systems in the production and farming processes, ensuring procedures are followed correctly. 
• HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) is a system aimed at identifying and controlling food safety hazards, and minimizing risks related to disease and hygiene during farming. 
• GlobalGAP focuses on international standards for food safety, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare, ensuring that the duck farming process is not only safe but also sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Each standard has its strengths, and depending on the needs and scale of farming, farmers can choose the most appropriate standard.

Applying biosecurity in duck farming practice 

Applying biosecurity in farming practice involves implementing hygiene measures for the facility. It includes controlling all factors related to the farming process, from feed and water, and personnel entering the facility, to risk management in case of disease outbreaks.

Each duck farm should establish a specific biosecurity farming protocol suitable for their actual conditions. Farmers can start with basic steps such as creating a safe farming environment, restricting free access to outsiders, ensuring clean water, and fully vaccinating the ducks. These measures help farmers protect their ducks and provide peace of mind, knowing their farming practices meet international standards.

For example, when applying biosecurity, duck facilities should be designed to be well-ventilated and easy to clean, preventing mold and bacterial buildup. In addition, using barriers and having a good drainage system is crucial. Every small detail in facility design contributes to reducing the risk of disease outbreaks.

The advantage of applying biosecurity is that it can enhance the ducks’ health, prevent disease, and improve product quality, thereby gaining customer trust. If an incident like a disease outbreak occurs, biosecurity measures help minimize damage and protect the remaining ducks.

While vaccines play an important role in preventing diseases, their effectiveness is not 100%. Therefore, biosecurity is the only and optimal solution in farming to prevent the introduction and spread of all types of pathogens, even those without vaccines.

However, the downside of this is that the initial cost may increase as farmers need to invest in hygiene measures, disinfection equipment, and regular vaccinations. But in the long run, this is a wise investment that ensures farming productivity and quality, while protecting farmers from greater risks like widespread disease outbreaks.

Vietstock 2024 – Promoting sustainable farming development, towards biosecurity farming 

Vietstock 2024, taking place concurrently with Aquaculture Vietnam 2024, will take place from October 9 to 11 at the Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City.

Innovative solutions for livestock businesses 

Vietstock 2024 brings together the entire value chain of the livestock and aquaculture industry. Businesses and farmers will have the opportunity to access modern technologies and optimal solutions from more than 400 leading companies from over 50 countries worldwide.

Additionally, with the participation of more than 13,000 experts and business owners from across Vietnam and worldwide, this event will be a great opportunity to network, share knowledge, and find creative ideas to elevate business operations.

Updating the latest trends in the livestock industry 

The exhibition will bring the latest knowledge and trends in the livestock and aquaculture industries, supported by the Department of Livestock Production (MARD) and over 50 industry associations. Technical seminars and conferences, led by top experts, will provide essential information on the industry’s pressing issues.

To further promote the sustainability of the livestock and aquaculture industries, the exhibition will host the Biosecurity Asia Forum, with a focus on ‘Building A Strong Biosecurity Culture’.

The conference will introduce comprehensive biosecurity farming measures that are scientifically based, practical, and economically viable, helping farmers proactively protect their livestock and aquaculture.

Find the right partners for your business

Vietstock 2024 provides the ideal opportunity for businesses to seek and establish relationships with suitable partners within the value chain. The ‘Match & Meet’ program is designed to create a professional space where businesses can meet, evaluate, and collaborate with potential partners directly.

Exploring solutions from sustainable businesses 

With the theme ‘Livestock Transformation for Better Production, Nutrition, Environment and Life’, Vietstock 2024 has become a must-attend event for businesses aiming for sustainable development in the livestock and aquaculture industries.

The highlight exhibitors with strong commitments to sustainable development are AGI AG GROWTH INTERNATIONAL APAC LTD. and AUSTRALIAN RENDERERS ASSOCIATION INC. These two businesses have continuously improved their production processes, aiming for sustainable development in all their business activities.

At AGI, the company is committed to integrating sustainability into all business aspects. Every AGI operation is guided by the goal of eliminating food loss and hunger, and ensuring global food security. By continuously improving storage, handling, and processing solutions, AGI is building a more efficient and sustainable food supply chain. AGI’s sustainability strategy focuses on four areas: People’s Well-being, Responsible Conduct, Sustainable Manufacturing, and Compelling Solutions. Meet AGI at BOOTH A.B20 at Vietstock 2024. 

Meanwhile, the AUSTRALIAN RENDERERS ASSOCIATION INC. is a pioneer in creating a circular economy. By turning animal material that would otherwise end up in landfills into valuable products such as fats, oils, and proteins, the company not only significantly reduces waste, and implements resource efficiency, but also contributes to global food security. Meet AUSTRALIAN RENDERERS ASSOCIATION INC. at BOOTH B.D37 at Vietstock 2024.

Register now:  https://ers-vn.informa-info.com/vsv24

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CONTACT US:

• Exhibiting: Ms. Sophie Nguyen – [email protected]
• Group Delegation Support: Ms. Phuong – [email protected]
• Marcom Support: Ms. Anita Pham – [email protected]