Filtered Air-Positive Pressure Rearing of Broiler Chickens,

Abstract With the advent of high density housing in the poultry industry, the need for improved sanitary and isolation techniques increased, and this need may have been partially answered by the application of filtered air-positive pressure (FAPP) technology to the rearing of poultry. Four experiments were conducted to determine the filter medium and management techniques necessary to successfully isolate broiler chickens from Marek’s disease virus (MDHV) for an eight to nine week rearing period. It was found that broilers could be successfully reared free of MDHV using the FAPP system, with air filters of at least 85% efficiency (based on ASHRAE Standard 52–68, using atmospheric dust). It was not necessary to sterilize the feed or water to prevent the introduction of MDHV. It may be desirable, however, to use a clean transport box to protect the chicks during delivery from the hatchery to the FAPP house.