Good Animal Husbandry Practices for Ducks  
 
 
 
 
 PHILIPPINE NATIONAL  
STANDARD  PNS/ BAFS  
ICS  
 
BUREAU OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES STANDARDS  
BPI Compound Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City 1101 Philippines  
Phone (632) 928 -8741 to 64 ; loc. 3301 -3319  
E-mail: info.dabafs @gmail.com  
Website: www.baf s.da.gov.p h 
 
Draft copy only  PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                           PNS/B AFS ______________  
Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) for Ducks   
Working Draft  
For public consultation  
 
 2 1 Scope  
This code sets out the general principles of good practice and minimum requirements for 
the production, handling, transportation and storage of ducks and its products within the 
farm, in the commercial or backyard rearing/farming of broiler and layer ducks for food 
use. Industry specific requirements for the different types of ducks and different types of 
production system may be developed provided that it sati sfies the minimum 
requirements set out in this Code.  
  
2 References  
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this 
document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, 
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments applies).  
 
ASEAN Biosecurity Management Manual for Commercial Poultry Farming  
 
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Guide to Good Farming Practices for Animal 
Production Food Safety. 2010. Rome.  
 
Philippine National Standard (PNS) Code of Hygienic Practice for Table Eggs.  
 
 
3 Objective  
The purpose of this Code is to ensure that the farming practices of the establishment 
provide greater confidence in consumers’ expectations that the final products are safe 
and fit for human consumption, while improving farmers’ viability, ensuring health safety 
and comfort to both the farm workers and ducks, and sustaining the least damage to the 
environment.  
 
4 Definition of terms  
For the purpose of this Code, the defi nitions specified in the documents of the Codex 
Alimentarius shall apply. Other relevant definitions are as follows:  
 
4.1  
abnormal behavior  
any changes developed as a response to poor or wrong management practice causing 
stress to the ducks  
 
4.2  
author ized  
that which has been permitted by the competent authority  PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                           PNS/B AFS ______________  
Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) for Ducks   
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 3  
4.3  
backyard farm  
any farm or household raising at least one head of animal or bird and does not qualify as 
a commercial farm  
 
4.4  
commercial farm  
any farm which, for poultry ducks, satisfies  at least one of the following conditions: a) 500 
layers or 1,000 broilers, or b) 100 layers and 100 broilers if raised in combination  
 
commercial duck farm  
farm having at least 100 ducks regardless of age. (PSA)  
 
4.5  
competent authority  
an entity/agency who has the knowledge, expertise and authority as designated by law   
      
4.6  
culled animals  
undesirable animals eliminated from the herd or flock; these include non -performers, old, 
and injured ducks.  
 
4.7  
farm owner  
operator   
legal or juridical  ent ity who is responsible for the management and general operation of 
the  farm; the term maybe used interchangeably   
   
4.8  
farm worker  
personnel  
personnel responsible for the rearing of ducks / persons engaged by the business on a 
full time,  part -time or casual basis  
   
4.9  
foot wear  
outer coverings for the feet, such as shoes or boots that protect the wearer and can be 
disinfected to prevent the spread of infection  
   PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                           PNS/B AFS ______________  
Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) for Ducks   
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 4 4.10   
good health status  
free from illness, injury or pain  
 
4.11   
potable drinking w ater  
drinking water that is free from diseases producing organisms and chemical substances 
deleterious to health  
 
4.12   
protected clothing  
clothing especially designed, fabricated, or treated to protect personnel against 
contamination and dangerous working  conditions  
 
4.13   
qualified laboratories  
laboratories that are registered with the competent authority  
 
4.14   
ration   
daily feed/diet of the ducks   
   
4.15   
rearing   
the act of raising of ducks.  The term is used interchangeably with farming throughout  the 
text   
      
4.16   
vehicle   
any means of transporting ducks, including but not limited to trucks, tractors, trailers, 
trains, ferries, ships and aircrafts   
 
5         Minimum requirements   
5.1       Species of ducks  
The following duck species shall  be considered:  
a. Mallard ( Anas platyrhynchos ) – is the largest and the most abundant duck in the 
world. They can be larger than normal or much smaller, darker or lighter, all white 
or all black. Male has a curled feathers on the back. Pekin ducks are the mo st 
common domestic duck.  PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                           PNS/B AFS ______________  
Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) for Ducks   
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For public consultation  
 
 5 b. Muscovy ( Cairina moschata ) – are wild tropical duck species native to Mexico as 
well as Central and South Americas. The most obvious character of Muscovy is the 
red facial skin. There are two subspecies of this species: a. Cairina moschata 
sylvestris (wild subspecies), commonly known as pato real (Spanish) or royal 
duck and Cairina moschata domestica (domestic subspecies) commonly known as 
pato criollo (Spanish) or creolo duck.  
5.2 Farm Components  
5.2.1 Farm Location/ Site Selection  
The farm should:  
 
i. Be within the approved land use plan of the local government and should be 
compliant with national regulations , e.g. DENR, etc., and other regulatory bodies.  
 
ii. Have a continuous  supply of adequate power, potable drinking water and good 
access road.  
 
iii. Not be prone to flooding. Perimeter canals that drain to a closed lagoon may be 
constructed to prevent runoff from contaminating bodies of water  and/or adjacent 
farms.  
 
iv. Not be near slaughterhouse facilities and other facilities such as dressing  plants and 
processing plants.  
 
v. Not be on a site that could be a possible source of physical, chemical and 
microbiological hazards.  
 
vi. Existing farms that are not in compliance with numbers i to vi should have full 
control of the risks and ensure that ther e are mitigation measures in place.  
 
vii. Be accessible to major facilities of production (i.e. feed mill, water system).  
 
5.2.2 Site history  
If there is available data/information from relevant government agencies or 
organizations on the prior land use,  then it shou ld be used  to establish that the site is not 
a poss ible source of ph ysical, chemical and microbiological hazards. However, when 
these  data are not available and  unce rtainty exists as to the suitability of the land for 
agricultural use,  it is recommended to have the soil ana lyzed for heavy metal 
contamination, etc. 
 
5.2.3  Farm layout  
The farm should:  PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                           PNS/B AFS ______________  
Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) for Ducks   
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 6  
i. Have a suitable area set aside for storage of feed, carcass disposal, waste 
management, workers area including toilets and washrooms.  
 
ii. Have a design th at incorporates ventilation and ease of cleaning.  
 
iii. Have buildings and perimeter fences constructed to prevent contact between farm 
animals  and potential disease carriers such as  wild animals and stray animals like 
game fowls and pets.  
 
iv. Electrical conduits  should be properly installed and covered to prevent possible 
electrocution.  
 
v. Layout and emergency procedures shall be placed in the most conspicuous place.  
 
5.2.4 Animal housing  
5.2.4.1  Indoor management (Housing and equipment)  
 
i. precautions must be tak en to secure the site and buildings at all times in order to 
protect the health and welfare of the ducks.  
 
ii.  ducks sheds must be designed, constructed and maintained to:  
 Provide insulation, ventilation, heating, lighting, sanitation and hygiene 
requirem ents;  
 Allow ready access for handling and inspection of the ducks;  
 Have sufficient height, width and space and entrance size to allow for catching 
methods that minimize stress on the ducks; and  
 Allow the distribution of ducks in the shed to be controlled t o keep ducklings 
within the heated area and prevent crowding of older ducks.  
 
iii.  all surfaces in the duck sheds and enclosures must be designed, constructed and 
maintained to:  
 Minimize the risk of injury and disease to the ducks; and  
 facilitate cleanin g and disinfection of the shed surfaces.  
 
iv. all equipment used for rearing the ducks must be inspected as necessary to  ensure 
correct operational functions, and if required appropriate remedial action must be 
undertaken.  
 
v.  the duck sheds must be subj ect to control plan of predators (e.g. wild birds, rodents)  
 
vi. all ducks sheds must be sited to minimize risks of natural and environmental 
hazards, such as storm water drainage, extreme winds, and to allow for appropriate PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                           PNS/B AFS ______________  
Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) for Ducks   
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 7 management of dust.  
 
vii. controlled env ironment housing must have systems that warn of power failure 
and/or significant temperature variance.  
 
i.2.4.2  Outdoor management  (Shelter for ducks raised outdoors)  
 
i. all ducks must have access to shelter from adverse weather that is likely to cause 
heat stres s, and to reduce the risk of predation.  
 
ii. shed openings provided for ducks to access an outside area must be wide enough to 
enable them to freely move to and from the outdoors at all times without the risk of 
smothering or injury.  
 
iii. where access to outside areas is provided it must be managed to prevent the 
development around the housing of muddy, dusty or contaminated conditions to an 
extent that could be harmful to the ducks’ health.  
 
iv. precautions must be taken to protect ducks from pests, inclu ding predators.  
 
5.2.4.3 Open water facilities  
 
i.  all open water facilities must be:  
 
 fit for the purpose;  
 constructed from a material that is not likely to harm the birds, for example, by 
breaking or forming rough or sharp edges;  
 designed and managed so as  not to cause harm to the birds;  
 presented in a good state of repair;  
 designed to minimize water spillage; and  
 managed to minimize water spillage.  
 
ii. open water facilities must be designed and managed to ensure all ducks can freely 
and fully submerge their h eads in the water, and take water up by the bill, when 
standing around the outside of the facility.  
 
iii. ducks must have access to open water facilities that allow full body access as early 
as possible and, in any case, from no later than 21 days of age.  
 
iv. From  day old, the open water facilities must allow water to cover the head fully and 
be taken up by the bill so the duck can shake water over its body without difficulty 
and, in any case, have:  
 
 a water channel width of at least 4.5cm, and  
 a water depth of at least 4.5cm.  PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                           PNS/B AFS ______________  
Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) for Ducks   
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 8  
v. where necessary, for facilities that allow full body access, ramps can be placed 
within the facility to help young birds exit the water. Where used, such ramps must:  
 
 only be provided where the birds have difficulty exiting the water facility . This is 
likely to depend on the flock, and must therefore not be provided routinely.  
 Be removed at no later than 28 days of age.  
 Only be placed at the narrow end/s of the facility.  
 
vi. open water facilities that permit full body access must:  
 
 Ensure that an y ball cocks are covered, to prevent birds becoming stuck under 
them.  
 Ensure that any ball cocks are mounted at the side of the facility only.  
 With the exception of any ball cock, allow the birds to use the whole area of the 
facility unhindered.  
 Be designe d and managed to enable the birds to enter and exit the water freely 
and easily.  
 
vii. the height of open water facilities that permit full body access must not hinder the 
ability of birds to freely and easily enter the water.  
 
viii. when ducks are provided with open  water facilities that permit full body access, bell 
drinkers and/or nipple drinkers must also be provided to supply a separate source 
of drinking water.  
 
ix. open water facilities that allow birds full body access must be emptied and cleaned 
regularly.  
 
5.2.5 Storage facilities  
i. The farm should have facilities for proper storage.  
 
ii. The storage facilities should be kept clean at all time.  
 
iii. The storage facilities should have adequate ventilation, adequate protection from 
moisture and should be vermin proof.  
 
iv. If applicable, First in First out (FIFO) should be practiced.  
 
5.2.6 Holding pen for culled ducks  
i. Sufficient pens  and floor space  shou ld be provided to prevent overcrowding and 
permit necessa ry segregation of ducks.  
 PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                           PNS/B AFS ______________  
Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) for Ducks   
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For public consultation  
 
 9 ii. The ho lding pen shou ld be  cons tructed in such a way that it will adequately protect 
the ducks  from ad verse weather cond itions and will provide sufficient ventilation. 
 
iii. The holding pen shou ld have proper facilities for ducks to feed and drink. 
 
5.3 Feed, Veterinary inputs, and Drinking water  
5.3.1 Feeds and Veterinary inputs  
i. The farm operator should provide the ducks with adequate, safe and clean feed and 
that would allow them to meet their optimum nutrition level.  
 
ii. The farm operator should provide a daily feeding schedule or routine.  
 
iii. Owners or mana gers of ducks should acquire feed from suppliers who follow 
recognized good manufacturing practices and/or good hygiene practices and that 
meet quality and standards set by the country regulations or government 
directives, e.g. Animal Feeds, Veterinary Dru gs, and Biologics Control Division 
(AFVDBCD) of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).  
 
iv. Where on -farm manufacture of feeds is practiced, procedures designed to minimize 
contamination and prevent the inclusion of undesirable feed components should be 
followe d Farm operators should only use ingredients from authorized and 
traceable suppliers.  Records of purchases should be kept. Where necessary, an 
expert assistance should be sought.  
 
v. The feed mixing equipment should be kept clean at all times and have regula r 
preventive maintenance schedule.  
 
vi. The feed chain (transport, storage, and feeding) should be managed in such a way 
as to protect feed from contamination (biological, chemical, and physical hazards) 
and minimize deterioration.  
 
vii. Feeds and veterinary inputs  should be used in accordance with label instructions, 
paying special attention to the withdrawal period of each specific drug being 
administered before the ducks and/or eggs are sent to market.  
 
viii. Feeds and veterinary inputs should be kept in a designated a rea under good 
ventilation.  
 
ix. The farm should record and keep documents, these include but is not limited to the 
following:  
 supplier or source of feed concentrate and its registration number;  PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                           PNS/B AFS ______________  
Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) for Ducks   
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 10  type of feed and supplements;  
 quantity;  
 declaration of ingredient s; 
 document of feed analysis;  
 date of delivery; and  
 date of manufacturing and batch number  
 
5.3.2 List of banned chemicals and veterinary products  
i. The farm should have a list of veterinary products registered/approved by the 
competent authority available f or viewing.  
 
ii. The farm should have a list of chemicals that are regulated and banned by the 
competent authority available for viewing.  
 
iii. Feeds should not contain banned ingredients, chemicals and veterinary drugs , 
including those disallowed by the authoritie s of importing countries.  
 
5.3.3 Drinking water quality and treatment of water  
i. Potable drinking water should be used.  
 
ii. Ensure that only drinking water of known and acceptable biological and 
mineralogical quality (i.e. fit for ducks consumption) is used for  watering stock.  
 
iii. Non -potable drinking water should be treated to comply with standards.  
 
iv. The water sanitizing system is checked regularly and at least once for every batch of 
ducks.  
 
v. Water treatment systems are checked daily and the appropriate parameters  are 
recorded. Record sheet is retained with batch records at end of batch.  
 
vi. Treated water may be used for drinking water for ducks cooling systems and shed 
wash downs.  
 
vii. Pathogen levels should be checked regularly ( E.coli  and faecal coliforms as 
indicators  of efficacy of sanitation).  
 
viii. ASEAN Biosecurity Management Manual for Commercial Poultry Farming may be 
used when it is applicable.  
 PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                           PNS/B AFS ______________  
Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) for Ducks   
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 11 5.4 Farm Management  
5.4.1 Farm Manual  
i. The farm should have a policy statement that covers commitment and emergency 
procedur es. 
 
ii. A farm management system should be documented and available for inspection.  
 
iii. The farm should have an organizational chart.  
 
5.4.2 Farm operators and workers/ Farm personnel     
i. The farm owner should conform to existing animal farming legislation. Thi s covers 
the management of environment issues, farm location, animal welfare requirements, 
disease control, production of wholesome food and occupational hazard associated 
with animal farming.  
 
ii. The farm owner should observe the International Labor Organiza tion (ILO) 
Conventions and Recommendations on Child Labour.  
 
iii. The farm owner should ensure that all farm operators and farm workers are in good 
health and undergo annual routine health check up.  
 
iv. The farm owner should always promote a safe and healthy wor king condition in the 
farm. The farm workers should be equipped with suitable protective gears and tools 
while working in the farm. Accident and emergency management procedures should 
be available with clear instructions for all workers. First aid kits and  fire 
extinguishers should be easily available and accessible at all times.  
 
v. The farm worker should be insured against accidents in the conduct of his/her farm 
work.  
 
vi. The farm owner should report to relevant authorities any occurrence of accident in 
the fa rm which may result to serious physical injuries of workers.  
 
vii. The farm owner should encourage the promotion of gender equality in the work 
place.  
 
viii. The farm operator/worker should be responsible for the welfare of the ducks by 
giving adequate provisions so that they are able to perform at their optimum levels.  
 
ix. Appropriate working uniform/attire and footwear should be provided to farm PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                           PNS/B AFS ______________  
Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) for Ducks   
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 12 operators or visitors who need to be at the production area.  
 
5.4.3 Competency  
i. Workers should be trained for the tasks that they are required to do. In addition 
workers should be trained in the following procedures: farm sanitation, personal 
hygiene, animal handling and welfare, breeding program, medicine dispensing and 
quarantine.  
 
ii. Workers should be competent in the tasks tha t they are required to do and the 
competency should be reviewed on a regular basis.  
 
iii. The farm should have sufficient workers/personnel/staff to perform the required 
work load including the services of a farm supervisor and veterinarian.  
 
5.4.4 Hygiene and  Sanitation  
It is recommended that commercial poultry farms should refer to the ASEAN 
Biosecurity Management Manual for Commercial Poultry Farming for other hygiene and 
sanitation requirements.  
 
5.4.4.1 Personal Hygiene  
i. Workers should wear appropriate prot ective clothing, if necessary with masks, and 
foot wear at all times that can be sanitised.  
 
ii. Workers’ movement in the farm should be controlled to avoid cross contamination 
between different age groups of ducks. Workers should enter clean areas first then 
move to dirty areas. Workers should not move from dirty areas to clean areas.  
 
iii. Workers should ensure that no unnecessary accessories and personal effects that 
may pose hazards may be brought in the production area.  
 
iv. Downtime/quarantine should be observed before entering the production area for 
workers coming from outside the farm.  
 
5.4.4.2 General Farm Hygiene  
i. The farm should have a cleaning and disinfection procedure in place. Farm premises 
should be kept clean and free of potential conditions conducive t o breeding of pests, 
ducks parasites and disease outbreak.  This is to avoid negative effects on the 
landscape, environment and ducks welfare.  
 
ii. Organic materials should be regularly removed from all livestock contact PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                           PNS/B AFS ______________  
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 13 surfaces (i.e. floors, pen partitions).   Where bedding is used, it should be regularly 
changed and/or topped up.  
 
iii. The farm should have a proper and functional drainage system.  
 
iv. Only approved chemicals by competent authorities in the country should be used for 
cleaning and sanitation.  
 
v. The farm should have appropriate equipment and tools for effective and functional 
hygiene and sanitation operation.  
 
5.4.4.3 Waste management and Environment Management  
i. The farm operator should take necessary measures to ensure that activities related 
to livestock farming do not contribute to the degradation of the environment (i.e. 
land, water, air) and cause destruction to bio -diversity.  
 
ii. Litter, solid (including biohazard waste) and liquid waste should be managed and 
disposed according to the country’s regulatio ns. 
 
iii. The farm operator should maintain and display clear instructions on procedure for 
disposal of farm solid wastes and farm chemical wastes (e.g. expired 
pesticide/herbicide and containers, paint, etc.).  
 
iv. Dead ducks should be buried properly or disposed in a manner that complies with 
country regulations, e.g. mortality pits.  
 
v. Compost stations should be positioned away from the activities of the farm, 
waterways and also be protected from rain to avoid leaching.  
 
vi. Toilet septic tanks should be maintained so that potential overflows will be avoided.  
 
vii. Effluent ponds should be located away from farming operations and should not 
overflow.  
 
viii. Waste water from farms shall be treated before discharging into public water 
resources.  
 
ix. Any waste water treatment process sh ould be properly functional.  
 
x. Measures should be in place to keep out noise that could potentially affect growth PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                           PNS/B AFS ______________  
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 14 and productive performance of ducks, specifically around poultry brooder house  
 
xi. The farm should regularly monitor the air quality and maintain it at acceptable 
levels.  
 
xii. The farm should take appropriate measures to minimize excessive odor coming 
from the farm and that which may be associated with waste decomposition.  
 
5.4.4.4 Pest Control  
i. Farm premises should be maintained in a good condition to prevent possible vermin 
infestation.   
 
ii. The farm should have pest control programs to reduce or eliminate pests including 
rodents and insects.  
 
iii. Only approved chemicals and baits should be used in pest control programs.  
 
5.5 Ducks  Health Management  
5.5.1 Introduction of new stock  
i. Acquire ducks only from sources with known good health status, certified by a 
qualified veterinarian and/or competent authority.  
 
ii. Keep newly arrived ducks separate from resident stock for an appropriate period, to 
prevent possible disease transmission.  
 
iii. Each batch of ducks purchased or hatched should have batch identification for 
traceability purposes.  
 
5.5.2 Surveillance and control of diseases  
i. There should be a written  ducks health program in place, including a vaccination 
and dew orming program, if required, that is updated regularly and supervised by a 
licensed veterinarian, in accordance with the requirements of the competent 
authorities.  
 
ii. The vaccination program should be adopted against the diseases as required by 
competent aut horities and it should be in a written form. Only vaccines approved by 
a competent authority in the country should be used.  
 
iii. The health status of ducks should be monitored and recorded regularly, and PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                           PNS/B AFS ______________  
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 15 veterinary assessment of the establishment should be car ried out annually by a 
licensed veterinarian and/or by a competent authority.  
 
iv. Separate diseased from healthy ducks such that transmission of infection does not 
occur, and where necessary, cull diseased ducks humanely.  
 
v. Identified isolation area/pen for “ suspected diseased birds” should be provided.  
 
vi. The use of drugs, medicines, vaccines, and medicated feeds for disease control 
should be in accordance with the instructions of a licensed veterinarian following 
country regulations.  
 
vii. Drugs or medicines should  only be used for prophylactic and treatment reasons.  
 
viii. Keep all treated ducks on the farm and ensure that these ducks and/or their 
products are not used for human consumption until the drug withdrawal period is 
completed and certified fit for human consump tion by licensed veterinarians.  
 
5.5.3 Bio-security measures  
i. The farm should have a written protocol of bio -security measures. Proper warning 
signage should be provided.  
 
ii. Bio-security procedures should be well implemented to prevent introduction of 
diseas e into the farm and/or to control its spread within the farm.  
 
Example:  
For ducks that are in coops/poultry houses/buildings, the cages should be 
netted to prevent entry of migratory birds. In the cases of free -range ducks, 
control measures that include p utting them in cages while there are cases 
of avian influenza outbreak to prevent them co -mingling with migratory 
species.  
 
iii. The implementation of bio -security measures should be continuously monitored to 
assess the effectiveness of the program.  
 
iv. The farm should have the appropriate and functional lay -out and infrastructure to 
ensure effective implementation of the bio -security measures. This should include 
facilities:  
 For changing, washing and shower; and  
 For disinfection at entry/exit point of the farm an d the building.  
 
v. It is recommended that commercial poultry farms should refer to the ASEAN 
Biosecurity Management Manual for Commercial Poultry Farming for other PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                           PNS/B AFS ______________  
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 16 biosecurity requirements.  
 
5.5.4 Laboratory testing  
i. Routine testing should be carried out i n qualified laboratories for surveillance 
and/or monitoring of notifiable diseases.  
 
ii. In case of reportable disease outbreak, testing should be conducted in an 
approved/accredited laboratory and should continue until it can be shown that the 
disease has bee n controlled.  
 
5.5.5 Protocols when disease is suspected  
i. If there is an outbreak or suspicion of epidemic disease, the farm should follow the 
requirements of the laws and regulations on ducks epidemic disease control of the 
country and OIE guidelines.  
 
ii. Eme rgency biosecurity procedures should be followed (refer to ASEAN biosecurity 
management manual for commercial poultry farming and biosecurity protocols for 
poultry).  
 
iii. The farm operator should report immediately or within 24 hours to relevant 
authorities an y incidence of abnormal behavioral changes, health conditions and 
mortalities in the farm or any characteristic of a disease outbreak (e.g. Highly 
Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), New Castle’s Disease).  
 
5.5.6 Prevention and Treatment  
i. The use of medicine s and biologics should be under the supervision of a licensed 
veterinarian or competent authority. Medicines and biologics used should be 
registered with the competent authority.  
 
ii. The farm should maintain updated records of medicine purchase and 
administra tion that should be readily available for inspection.  
 
iii. Drugs, medicines, and vaccines should be stored and identified properly; proper 
disposal of these items should be followed to prevent contamination to the 
environment.  
 
iv. The farm operator should keep an d maintain complete records of farm operations, 
management routines, and animal health records like disease monitoring and 
medication. These records should be easily retrievable.  
 
v. Records include, but are not limited to, the following:  
 Vaccination program ; PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                           PNS/B AFS ______________  
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 17  Deworming;  
 Disease condition;  
 Diagnosis;  
 Intervention or treatment done;  
 Control measures;  
 Post -mortem findings;  
 Surveillance; and  
 Disposal.  
 
vi. The farm should maintain updated records of medicine purchase and 
administration that should be readily availabl e for inspection.  
 
vii. The procurement records should have:  
 Date of purchase;  
 Name of the product (generic compound);  
 Quantity purchased;  
 Batch number;  
 Expiry date; and  
 Name of supplier.  
 
viii. Administration records should consist of the following:  
 Type of drugs or  medication used;  
 Batch number;  
 Quantity of medicine used;  
 Date administered;  
 Route of administration;  
 Identification of ducks/group treated;  
 Number of ducks treated;  
 Date of completion of treatment;  
 Withdrawal period; and  
 Name of the person who administe red the medicine.  
 
5.5.7 Animal welfare  
i. Care shall be taken to preserve the welfare of ducks. In case of injury, sickness or 
deformity, ducks shall be appropriately treated to avoid suffering.  
 
ii. All ducks should have access to and are sufficiently provided with feed, water and 
space (refer to OIE guidelines on Animal Welfare).  
 
iii. The farm operators and personnel should not cause cruelty to ducks, which 
includes but is not limited to:  
 
 Maltreatment of ducks under his/her care and attention.  PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                           PNS/B AFS ______________  
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Working Draft  
For public consultation  
 
 18  Neglect of ducks, su ch that it experiences pain, suffering or distress.  
 Failure to provide adequate resources to maintain the live weight of the ducks 
within the normal physiological range for the species type, age and sex.  
 Removal of any part of the anatomy without adequate anesthesia, whenever 
applicable.  
 Putting to sleep (euthanasia, e.g. cervical dislocation), confine, handle or 
transport any ducks in a manner causing deliberate pain, suffering or distress.  
 Keeping a ducks alive, especially that which is pronounced physica lly or 
physiologically incapacitated, unless it is under the direct care of a licensed and 
registered veterinarian.  
 
iv. The farm operator and personnel should not neglect ducks according to the 
following criteria;  
 
 Freedom from hunger and thirst and malnutrit ion. Feed withdrawal of ducks 
should not be more than eight (8) hours before slaughter;  
 Freedom from physical discomfort and pain;  
 Freedom from injury and disease;  
 With due consideration to the differences in the production system (confined 
and free -range) , ducks should be given enough freedom to conform to essential 
behaviour patterns, (i.e. specific growing stage of poultry); and  
 Freedom from fear and distress.  
 
v. Handling and restraining of ducks  
 
 Ducks, including ducklings in boxes, must be moved and hand led at all times in a 
manner that minimizes the risk of falls, pain and distress and avoids injury.  
 Ducks, inclusing day old ducklings, must not be carried by one or both wings, or 
by the neck without supporting the body weight.  
 Stress induced by handling must be minimized by appropriate design of facilities, 
use of suitable tools and equipment and training of personnel.  
 
5.6 Transportation and Storage  
i. The transport of ducks from point of origin to final destination should follow a 
planned route and be in a  manner that does not cause stress throughout the journey 
and does not predispose them to injury and disease.  
 
ii. Transport should follow the regulations of the competent authority.  
 
iii. Appropriate space allowance and ventilation should be provided during 
trans portation.  
 PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                           PNS/B AFS ______________  
Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) for Ducks   
Working Draft  
For public consultation  
 
 19 iv. Only clean and disinfected vehicles should be used to transport ducks . 
 
v. Vehicles used to transport ducks  should be exclusively used for ducks  transport 
only.  
 
vi. Vehicles used for the transport of animals should be according to the following 
spec ifications:  
 Allow easy loading and unloading;  
 Has communication equipment and first aid kit;  
 Ensure safety of the ducks and personnel during transport;  
 Clean and sanitized;  
 Equipped with floors that provide secure footing;  
 Have proper provision for collect ing manure; and  
 Have a decal/label “live animal on board” at the sides and front/back.  
 Registered with the competent authority.  
 
vii. Transportation should be carried out at the coldest time of the day in order to avoid 
heat stress to ducks.  
 
viii. The transport of ducks  from point of origin to final destination should be through 
the most direct and appropriate route that should be completed without 
unnecessary delay.  
 
ix. The transporter should be fully responsible for the care and welfare of the ducks  as 
well as ensure the cleanliness of the vehicle during the entire process of 
transporting. Disposal of the waste should be done in  an environment friendly 
manner.  
 
x. Day old chicks should be packed in appropriate packaging or restraining containers 
as required by the country  regulations.  
 
xi. Where appropriate, ducks  should be segregated according to species, size, sex, and 
age or according to customer requirements.  
 
xii. Short duration feeding regimes aimed at reducing shedding of harmful bacteria 
during slaughtering should be applie d for ducks  destined for slaughter.  Ducks  
destined for slaughter should be rested upon arrival at the slaughterhouse.  
 
xiii. Ducks  being transported should be in a good state of health.  
 
xiv. A transport or movement permit should be obtained prior to shipping PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                           PNS/B AFS ______________  
Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) for Ducks   
Working Draft  
For public consultation  
 
 20 ducks  as required by the country regulations with animal health certificate signed 
by a licensed veterinarian.  
 
xv. In cases wherein the establishment seeks the services of a second (2nd) party to 
ship the live ducks , the shipper should be properly informed of the 
recommendations stated in i to xiii.  
 
5.7 Record -keeping  
i. When a problem arises, be it a disease, a chemical hazard issue or a physical safety 
matter, record keeping is central to any effort to trace the source of the problem and 
eliminate it. The OIE Guide to Good Farming Practices for Animal Production 
recommends the ability to trace animals at least one step forward and at least one 
step backward from the cur rent holding.  Hence, as far as is practicable, farmers 
should keep records of:  
     
 Animal identifi cation;  
 Animal source, especially import animals;  
 Feed  
 Animal Health (Treatment and Vaccination);  
 Animal movement  
 Laboratory;  
 Sanitation and Hygiene;  
 Pest control;  
 Personnel Health and Training;  
 Waste management;  
 Production;  
 Procurement;  
 Storage;  
 Visito r; 
 Transportation;  
 Traceability (e.g. animal/lot/batch ID, customer record, etc.).  
 
ii. Records should be kept for a minimum of 3 years or a time specified by Government 
directives.  
 
5.8 Egg management  
5.8.1 Egg collection, handling, storage and transport of e ggs 
Eggs should be collected, handled, stored and transported in compliance with the 
requirements stated in section 5.3 of Philippine National Standard (PNS) Code of PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                           PNS/B AFS ______________  
Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) for Ducks   
Working Draft  
For public consultation  
 
 21 Hygienic Practice for Table Eggs.  
 
5.8.2 Egg for balut production  
 
i. Eggs should:  
 be thick -shelled and crack -free;  
 not be older than 5 days from the time these are laid by ducks;  
 be fertile.  
 
ii. eggs should be placed in an iron vat or cauldron with appropriate temperature to 
maintain the embryo.  
 
iii. candling should be done on the 11th and 17th day aft er eggs are placed in iron vat or 
cauldron. Separate eggs with dead embryos (penoy) and those that are ready to be 
sold as balut.  
 
5.9  Review and Evaluation of Practices  
Practices should be checked for compliance and evaluation for effectiveness and do -
ability on a regular basis. In cases where provisions are no longer applicable, they may 
be amended.  PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                           PNS/B AFS ______________  
Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) for Ducks   
Working Draft  
For public consultation  
 
 22 References  
 
PNS /BAFPS 60:2008 Code of Good Animal Husbandry Practice . 2008. Bureau of 
Agriculture and Fisheries Standards. Department of Agriculture. Manila , Philippines.  
 
Food Safety Module – Good Animal Husbandry Practices for Layers and Broilers in ASEAN 
Countries . 2015. ASEAN Secretariat. Jakarta, Indonesia.  
 
ASEAN Good Animal Husbandry Practice (GAHP) – Animal Welfare and Environmental 
Sustainability Mod ule. 2015. ASEAN Secretariat. Jakarta, Indonesia.  
 
Glossary of Terms . Philippine Statistics Authority. 
http://agstat.psa.gov.ph/?ids=glossaryviewer . Visited June 6, 2016.  
 
DA – AMAD 8, Investment Guide Series – Duck Production  
 
http://www.animalspot.net/mu scovy -duck.html#