The term game bird is used here to include mainly galliformes such as Ring-necked Pheasants, a variety of partridge and quail species that are used for food and hunting. There are a number of specific biosecurity challenges associated with the management practices used in raising game birds. Many of these birds are raised for the first part of their life in indoor hatching and brooding facilities similar to commercial chickens or turkeys. However in the latter part of the growing period they are moved to outdoor pens to enhance their ability to fly and maintain their “wild” nature. During the initial period standard biosecurity practices used in commercial poultry facilities would apply, but the when they are raised outdoors opens a number of challenges, in particular contact with wild birds. Outdoor flights are generally covered with netting but this does not prevent direct wild bird contact or contact with feces of wild birds. Breaches in the netting may allow escapees or predator access.
Pheasants require a fair amount of space and extensive cover. Cannibalism is common and with the cover provided any bird that might die in the pen is difficult to locate. Diseases like botulism may occur and rodent and scavenger control becomes particularly important. As many of these birds are released into the wild from hunt clubs, it is important that they do not carry infectious agents that might infect wild populations. Diseases like mycoplasmosis for example, would pose a serious concern it established in wild turkey populations.
There are no vaccines licensed for use in game birds even though they are susceptible to a variety of infectious diseases that affect commercial chickens and turkeys including diseases like Newcastle disease (ND), Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT), avian mycoplasmosis and others.
The fact sheets on this site that are pertinent to game bird production include all of the principles of biosecurity and all of those in the management section. The 6 anatomy fact sheets are applicable to all types of birds.