Biosecurity
Biosecurity at Stellar Game Birds: Protecting Our Animals, Your Products, and the Future of Farming
At Stellar Game Birds, Poultry, Waterfowl LLC, biosecurity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of how we run our farm. With a focus on the health and safety of our animals, we follow strict practices to protect our flocks, herds, and community from disease. This commitment is especially vital given the rare and heritage breeds we work tirelessly to preserve.
What is Biosecurity and Why is it Important?
iosecurity refers to the measures taken to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases in livestock and poultry. At Stellar Game Birds, our dedication to biosecurity helps ensure that every animal we raise is healthy and cared for in the safest possible environment.
The USDA and EPA define biosecurity as:
“The protection of agricultural animals from any type of infectious agent—viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic. Pathogens can be introduced through people, animals, equipment, or environmental contact. Effective biosecurity practices help mitigate these risks and maintain herd and flock health.”
How We Implement Biosecurity
With NPIP certification and various licenses to uphold, our biosecurity measures are not only proactive but also essential to maintaining compliance. Here’s how we ensure a safe and healthy environment for our animals:
Quarantine Procedures:
Any new animals introduced to the farm are quarantined for a minimum of 30 days. This allows us to monitor their health before they come into contact with our established flocks or herds.Limited Farm Access:
To reduce exposure to external pathogens, we do not allow visitors to our farm. Only inspectors and essential personnel are permitted on-site. Pickups are handled at a biosecure location at the front of our property or through our upcoming Stellar Market Farm Stand to minimize risks.Strict Cleaning Protocols:
Equipment, vehicles, and clothing are cleaned and disinfected regularly to prevent the spread of disease. Shoes and tires are two of the most common carriers of pathogens, so we take extra care to sanitize these areas after travel to feed stores, other farms, or public locations.Segregated Handling:
Animals prone to carrying certain diseases, such as chickens and waterfowl, are handled separately from more sensitive game birds. We always recommend starting with the most vulnerable species first, washing hands, and changing clothes if necessary.Enhanced Pasture and Housing Management:
Regularly rotated pastures and well-maintained housing reduce stress and disease exposure in our animals. Clean environments and proper nutrition are key to disease prevention.
Why Biosecurity Matters for Rare and Heritage Breeds
Our farm is home to several rare and heritage animal lines that are genetically pure and irreplaceable. These lines represent decades, even centuries, of careful breeding and preservation. A disease outbreak could devastate not only a single flock but also the legacy of these breeds.
By practicing biosecurity, we protect:
- Genetic Diversity: Keeping rare lines healthy ensures their survival and availability for future generations.
- Community Health: Preventing disease on our farm minimizes risks to neighboring farms and the wider agricultural community.
- Your Investment: Healthy animals mean healthier products, whether you’re purchasing live birds, eggs, or meat.
How You Can Practice Biosecurity
We encourage our customers and fellow farmers to take simple yet effective steps to protect their own animals:
- Quarantine New Arrivals: Always quarantine new animals for at least 30 days before introducing them to your existing stock.
- Wash Hands and Clothing: Cleanliness is key. Wash your hands and change clothes when moving between different animal species or farms.
- Handle Animals Strategically: Work with game birds or other sensitive species first before handling chickens or waterfowl.
- Clean Equipment and Vehicles: Regularly disinfect any tools, cages, or vehicles used for transporting animals.
Looking Ahead: Biosecurity at our farm
To enhance our biosecurity measures further, we’re developing the Stellar Market Farm Stand to serve as a centralized pickup point for all orders that need to be picked up from the farm. This new infrastructure will allow us to maintain a safe distance between visitors and our farm while still providing a convenient and welcoming customer experience. We hope to have this stand up by Spring. Pick ups currently are at the gate.
A Commitment to Health and Safety
Biosecurity doesn’t have to be intimidating. At its core, it’s about taking simple, proactive measures to protect what matters most—our animals, your products, and the future of farming. At Stellar Game Birds, Poultry, Waterfowl LLC, we’re proud to set a high standard for biosecurity, ensuring every animal we raise and every product we sell is as healthy and safe as possible.
Thank you for supporting our mission and helping us maintain a thriving, biosecure farm!
