Biosecurity Policy for Rescuers

Hens confined in battery cages live under extreme stress. This stress depletes their immune systems, leaving them very vulnerable to disease. Once a disease has entered a shed, it can quickly spread throughout the flock. For economic reasons, individual hens are typically given no veterinary treatment and diseases are allowed to run their course.

As the health and well-being of hens and other animals we come in contact with is of the utmost importance to us, avoiding introduction of diseases is critical. This is why we have developed a biosecurity protocol for our rescuers that exceeds those used by farms and suggested by the USDA.

Before investigations, rescuers must:

• shower, washing hair and hands thoroughly, as these are two places disease agents are commonly found
• wipe down all equipment entering the shed with antibacterial solution
• wash all clothing, coveralls, and backpacks that will be entering the hen houses
• scrub all mud off boots and overshoes and wash them in disinfectant
• ensure that both you and your clean clothes have no contact with animals or any other source of contamination before entering the facility. This excludes the coveralls and overshoes

When approaching facilities, rescuers must:

• wear two layers of clean clothing and waterproof coverings over boots to prevent picking up disease agents from surrounding areas
• remove outer layer of clothing and overshoes and place in airtight containers before entering
• another option would be to pack in clean clothes and change into them before entering the facility

When handling hens in the facility, rescuers must:

• use a new sterile syringe for each hen in need of water
• wear a clean pair of surgical rubber gloves for each new hen handled
• hold the hen in a firm and comfortable way, securing her wings to her sides to minimize stress and risk of injury

To protect off-site animals, after leaving the facility rescuers must:

• change and wash all clothes
• wipe down all equipment with anti-bacterial solution

As biosecurity training, all rescuers must:

• read the 14-page "Biosecurity for Poultry" manual published by the Mid-Atlantic Cooperative Extension Poultry Health Management Unit
• read and fully understand Compassionate Action for Animals Biosecurity Policy for Rescuers
• sign and date the statement at the bottom of this policy

By signing this document, I acknowledge that I have read and understood "Biosecurity for Poultry" and Compassionate Action for Animals' Biosecurity Policy for Rescuers. I also agree to follow this biosecurity policy. I realize that not following this policy may result in my permanent suspension from all future rescues.

Signature: __________________________________________
Printed Name: _________________________________________________
Date: ________________