(HARTFORD, CT) – As poultry enthusiasts and producers gear up for the spring season, Connecticut Department of Agriculture officials are reminding backyard and commercial flock owners to prioritize biosecurity and regulatory compliance when purchasing chicks and hatching eggs. Robust prevention measures and adherence to state and federal requirements help safeguard flock health and protect the broader farming industry from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and other infectious diseases.
“Spring is an exciting time to expand or start flocks, especially for backyard owners” said Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “This is also a high-risk period for disease spread. Through a collaborative biosecurity effort, we can reduce risks to birds, businesses, and the entire agricultural community.”
Flock owners can access no cost resources through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Defend the Flock Resource Center, which provides all poultry growers educational materials on best practices in biosecurity to assist in keeping flocks safe from infectious diseases, including checklists, videos, and more.
3 Biosecurity Tips for Poultry Owners
- Always wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling your flock.
- Have dedicated outerwear and boot covers or boots when working with your flock. Remember to clean and disinfect them regularly.
- Look for signs of illness and report sick birds immediately to the Connecticut State Veterinarian at 860-713-2505 or ctstate.vet@ct.gov.
Preventing HPAI: Limit Contact with Wild Waterfowl
HPAI continues to threaten domestic poultry. Contact with wild waterfowl (and environments they frequent) is a common route of transmission. Flock owners should:
- Keep birds housed or in secure, covered runs to prevent contact with wild birds, especially ducks and geese.
- Protect feed and water from contamination by wildlife; avoid open ponds or surface water shared with wild waterfowl.
- Clean and disinfect equipment, footwear, and vehicles; limit visitors and require biosecurity measures.
- Separate new or returning birds from the main flock and quarantine for observation.
Regulatory Enforcement and Permitting
To protect flock health, all live poultry being transported into Connecticut are required to have an official health certificate from the state of exportation and a permit issued by the Commissioner of Agriculture.
- Poultry Import Permits: When importing poultry or hatching eggs, ensure shipments meet state import requirements, including certification that chicks and hatching eggs originate from a pullorum-free flock as documented through the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) participation.
- Keep all purchase documentation, NPIP numbers, and health certificates with the shipment and on file. Sellers should provide buyers with proof of NPIP certification and disease status.
- Poultry swaps, fairs, and sales events may be subject to inspection and enforcement. Non-compliance can lead to movement restrictions or other actions designed to protect animal health.
For specific permit applications and rules, flock owners should visit the Connecticut Department of Agriculture website.
The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) mission is to foster a healthy economic, environmental, and social climate for agriculture by developing, promoting, and regulating agricultural businesses; protecting agricultural and aquacultural resources; enforcing laws pertaining to domestic animals; and promoting an understanding among the state's citizens of the diversity of Connecticut agriculture, its cultural heritage, and its contribution to the state's economy. For more information, visit www.CTGrown.gov.
