Mandatory Manual for Commercial Family Poultry Farming Released in Argentina

The Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP) in Argentina has approved a manual that outlines good practices for commercial family poultry farming. This manual, which was prepared by the General Directorate of Livestock Services (DGSG) and the General Directorate of Food Safety and Biosecurity, is mandatory for all poultry establishments and aims to guarantee biosecurity, health, bird welfare, food safety, and production sustainability. The manual outlines responsibilities, procedures, and requirements for poultry farmers, including the use of personal protective equipment, cleaning and disinfection protocols, and waste management practices.

Key Takeaways:

• The manual is mandatory for all commercial family poultry farming establishments in Argentina and must be part of the documentation presented when enabling or endorsing a poultry establishment.
• The producer is responsible for completing, implementing, and maintaining the manual in optimal conditions, ensuring it is up-to-date and available to the Poultry Caretaker Operator (OCA) and for verification by the Animal Health Division (DSA).
• The manual outlines minimum requirements for infrastructure, including sheds, egg and feed storage areas, staff rest areas, and perimeter isolation measures to prevent the entry of pests and unauthorized animals.
• The manual requires the use of personal protective equipment, cleaning and disinfection protocols, and waste management practices, including composting procedures, litter and poultry manure disposal, and management of empty medication containers.
• The manual includes a response plan for adverse events such as fires, weather events, mass mortality, and reporting diseases, and requires poultry farmers to plan contingency measures, train their staff, and maintain accessible emergency numbers.
• The Animal Health Division of the DGSG will be responsible for verifying the implementation of the manual and applying corrective or sanctioning measures in case of noncompliance.

Statistics:

• The manual is designed to be a tool for poultry farmers to implement good practices and ensuring biosecurity, health, bird welfare, food safety, and production sustainability.
• The manual outlines minimum requirements for infrastructure, including sheds, egg and feed storage areas, staff rest areas, and perimeter isolation measures, to prevent the entry of pests and unauthorized animals.
• The manual requires the use of personal protective equipment, cleaning and disinfection protocols, and waste management practices, including composting procedures, litter and poultry manure disposal, and management of empty medication containers.
• The manual will be enforced 90 days after its publication in the Official Gazette, and all commercial family poultry farming establishments must adapt their practices to the document's provisions within this timeframe.

Sources:

• [Resolution No. 1,320/025 from the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP)]
• [General Directorate of Livestock Services (DGSG) and the General Directorate of Food Safety and Biosecurity]