Introducing BEAT-HPAI: Your Biosecurity Ally for improved Poultry Health
Madhusudan Timilsina DVM, MS, and Mostafa Ghanem DVM, MS, Ph.D., Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland
Why Biosecurity Matters Now More Than Ever?
The poultry industry faces an increasing threat from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), Avian Metapneumovirus (aMPV), Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT), and infectious Coryza (IC) besides others. These diseases have devastating consequences for flock health, farm productivity, and economic sustainability. With the heightened risks posed by migratory birds and other environmental factors, biosecurity is your farm’s first line of defense. Proactive and validated biosecurity measures can make the difference between safeguarding your flock and experiencing devastating losses.
What Is BEAT-HPAI?
The Biosecurity Enhancement and Assessment Tool for HPAI (BEAT-HPAI) is an innovative web-based tool designed specifically for poultry growers. Developed by the Ghanem Lab at the University of Maryland, this user-friendly tool empowers poultry producers to evaluate and strengthen their biosecurity practices effectively. By aligning with the 14 National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) Biosecurity Principles, BEAT-HPAI ensures compliance with industry standards while highlighting critical areas for improvement.
How BEAT-HPAI Works?
Using BEAT-HPAI is simple and efficient:
-
Access the Tool: Visit the University of Maryland Extension website to find the BEAT-HPAI tool.
-
Understand the Process: Read the quick start guide to familiarize yourself with the tool’s functionality.
-
Assess Your Farm: Complete a set of 42 straightforward questions to evaluate your biosecurity measures.
-
Receive Your Report: Generate a downloadable "Biosecurity Compliance Report," which provides a comprehensive overview of your farm’s compliance status.
The tool categorizes compliance levels into three easy-to-interpret color codes:
-
Green: Excellent compliance – you’re well-prepared.
-
Yellow: Needs improvement – areas to address.
-
Red: Critical gaps – immediate action required.
Key Features of BEAT-HPAI
- Privacy Protection: Your answers, scores, and farm details remain confidential.
- Expert Guidance: Developed by leading poultry health experts, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
- User-Friendly Design: Accessible, intuitive, and quick to use, making biosecurity assessment a seamless part of your routine.
Why Use BEAT-HPAI?
Adopting BEAT-HPAI offers poultry growers a range of benefits:
-
Enhanced Biosecurity: Identify and address vulnerabilities to prevent disease outbreaks.
-
Audit Preparedness: Get ready for biannual biosecurity audits, a key requirement for indemnity claims during outbreaks.
-
Improved Flock Health: Strengthen overall flock well-being, leading to higher productivity and profitability.
Accessibility
The BEAT-HPAI tool is hosted on the University of Maryland Extension webpage. A beta version is available at https://go.umd.edu/HPAI. Take advantage of this resource today to enhance your farm’s biosecurity resilience.
Backed by Research and Collaboration
BEAT-HPAI is funded by the USDA-NIFA Smith-Lever Special Needs grant, supporting collaborative efforts by the University of Maryland Poultry Extension Team, including distinguished experts like Dr. Nathaniel Tablante, Dr. Mostafa Ghanem, and others.
Take Action Now
Don’t wait for an outbreak to highlight vulnerabilities in your biosecurity plan. BEAT-HPAI is here to help you safeguard your flock, protect your livelihood, and ensure a sustainable future for your farm. Visit the tool today and take the first step toward a more secure tomorrow.
Acknowledgment
This work is supported by the Smith Lever Special Needs Competitive Grant, project grant number 2022-41210-38062, from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the University of Maryland, College Park. This grant supports the collaborative efforts of the University of Maryland (UMD) Poultry Extension Team, consisting of distinguished experts: Dr. Nathaniel Tablante, Dr. Mostafa Ghanem, Dr. Jon Moyle, Ms. Jenny Rhodes, and Ms. Maegan Perdue.