This is due to the artificial lighting schedules that control laying and feed uptake. Large trucks may be seen coming in and out of the poultry farm, either picking up eggs, picking up broiler chickens for slaughter or delivering chicken feed. These trucks may be big, loud and occasionally hold up traffic. These trucks are a necessary part of the production process. Poultry Health Farmers take a lot of effort to prevent diseases from getting into their chicken flocks.
Chickens are extremely susceptible to diseases.
Casual visitors are usually not allowed into broiler or layer facilities because visitors can carry diseases that are harmful to chickens. One such disease, called Avian Influenza , can be transported on fabric and vehicle tires. Humans can carry this disease into chicken houses on their clothing or shoes. This disease can easily infect the entire flock. Normally flocks infected with avian influenza are destroyed costing the farmer many thousands of dollars in lost production.