There has been tremendous growth in the global poultry industry over the past few decades. In spite of the challenges that Feature - Poultry Farms the industry has been facing, poultry products (meat and eggs) still represent a major part of animal protein consumed by humans at the global level. One of the important challenges is the complex interaction amongst poultry, disease agents and the environment. Most of the poultry farms in the UAE are multiple age farms, which enhance the transmission of diseases amongst birds of different age groups. Today, there is a need for all-in and all-out broiler sheds (one age group) where cleaning and hygiene maintenance is easy and cost effective.

Another challenge is to control pests, wild birds and rodents, given that they, too, are major carriers of infectious and contagious diseases. Providing clean, safe and sanitised water supply is also crucial in assuring that flocks perform to their best. This is a very challenging phase of poultry farming where bacterial load in the water can damage the flock. According to Dr Khan, one of the biggest challenges is to keep the environment clean and clear by proper waste management. Al-Dakheel of Al-Watania Poultry Farms believes, “The major challenge in the whole region, and not only for us, is the structure of the industry, which increases the biomass in the area thus reducing the traffic-control and isolation of the farms.” As Al-Dakheel reiterates, if sanitation is a secondary consideration, no amount of drugs, antibiotics or vaccines will permanently solve disease-problems in any farm or hatchery. Poultry premises and buildings should comply with requirements for isolation and strictly observe principles of hygiene and disease prevention. A good biosecurity plan is like a chain where all the links must be in good condition, even if one link is broken, the chain won’t work!