Veterinary and Sanitary Rules for the Functioning of Small Poultry Farms: An Overview of Key Requirements

Purpose. This study aims to generalize and adapt veterinary and sanitary requirements for small poultry farms in Ukraine, addressing the practical limitations faced by small-scale operations. The rising demand for natural farm products has led to a steady increase in small poultry farms, but these often lack adequate veterinary support, posing risks to animal health and product safety, especially concerning zoonotic diseases like avian infl uenza. Existing regulations, primarily designed for large industrial complexes, are frequently impractical for small farms due to limited resources. Methods. The research utilized analysis of regulatory documents, comparative analysis of requirements, and a review of scientifi c literature. Crucially, it included on-site evaluations of 12 small poultry farms in Kyiv and Cherkasy regions, assessing housing, microclimate, hygiene, and disease prevention. Results. The fi ndings highlight key veterinary and sanitary requirements and their practical implementation challenges. While basic hygiene and prevention can ensure adequate sanitary conditions, many small farms violate sanitary protection zones, access controls, and waste disposal rules. Observations revealed issues with ventilation, microclimate, and the common absence of systematic prophylactic diagnostics or immunoprophylaxis. The study also addressed concerns regarding feed quality and carcass disposal. The research provides recommendations for adapting biosecurity measures for small farms. This includes emphasizing functional isolation over strict distance rules, implementing basic personnel access controls, and using simple, cost-effective disinfection methods. It also proposes regional prophylactic protocols, including essential vaccinations, and adapted waste management solutions like biothermal composting. Conclusions. Small poultry farms struggle with comprehensive veterinary standards due to resource constraints. An adapted approach focusing on minimal, practical biosecurity measures is crucial to reduce epizootic risks, improve product quality, and ensure stable farm operations. This necessitates a shift from rigid control to institutional support, offering adapted guidelines, checklists, and regional veterinary support programs to promote sustainable small-scale poultry farming in Ukraine.