Checklist for Using a 

Line of Separation

If you see signs of illness, take action right away! Phone Number

Veterinarian 

Cooperative Extension Office 

State Veterinarian/Animal or Poultry Diagnostic Lab 

USDA 866.536.7593

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Poultry diseases are caused by tiny viruses, bacteria, and other microscopic particles. They 

can be everywhere, so it’s important to avoid moving or spreading them on your clothes, shoes, 

or equipment. The best way to do this is to have clear separation between your poultry area 

(where your birds are kept) and the rest of the world. A line of separation is a functional line 

separating the poultry house or enclosure (and the poultry inside) from exposure to potential 

disease sources. Whether you’re part of a large commercial enterprise or keep birds as a 

hobby, using a line of separation will protect your birds’ health.

If you see or suspect anything unusual, call your flock supervisor, veterinarian, or cooperative 

extension office right away. Use this form to record phone numbers for contacts in your area. 

The earlier you act, the easier it is to contain the disease to a single flock.

Report Sick Birds

Check the list on the back for tips 

to help keep your flocks healthy. √
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Program Aid No. 2235-6 | Issued July 2019

Checklist:Tips for Using a 

Line of Separation

This checklist is a general guide to practicing good biosecurity, but if you have a site-specific 

biosecurity plan, please follow it. Commercial growers should be sure their site-specific plans 

follow the National Poultry Improvement Plan biosecurity principles.

√

Define your line of separation. Include your 

entire poultry house/enclosure and any outdoor 

access areas. Have only one entry to better 

control who and what crosses the line. If 

possible, mark the line with colored tape.

If your poultry flock has outdoor access

that isn’t enclosed, a line of separation 

is still encouraged.

In your biosecurity plan, draw the 

boundaries for your poultry areas and 

clearly outline what caretakers, visitors, 

or suppliers must do when crossing it. 

This includes how to move birds, personal 

items, food, vehicles, equipment, and supplies. 

Give training on the procedures.

At your entry point, include a place to 

change out of footwear and outer clothing 

before entering. On the inside, have a place 

to put on site-specific footwear and outer 

clothing after crossing the line of separation. 

For more information about how to keep your flocks healthy, follow Defend the Flock on 

Facebook and Twitter and visit www.aphis.usda.gov/animalhealth/defendtheflock.

Post signs at the entry point reminding everyone 

of the steps they need to take to cross the line 

of separation.

Provide site-specific coveralls, footwear, and 

cleaning/disinfecting supplies.

Have a sink with running water and soap or hand 

sanitizer at the entry point. Post signs reminding 

people to clean their hands. 

Keep an entry logbook. List who or what crosses 

into your poultry area (people, poultry, food, vehicles, 

equipment) and when those items enter and exit.