The last few decades have seen the emergence and re-emergence of several infectious pathogens of importance in poultry. Large production sites have benefitted from biosecurity measures to minimize the impact of these pathogens. Efforts have focused on reducing sources of contamination through cleaning and disinfection and on separating healthy flocks from potential sources of infection. However, several epidemiological studies have highlighted the lack of consistent biosecurity plans in various poultry industries. The consequences are particularly important in high density poultry regions. The lack of compliance of biosecurity measures limits the effectiveness of many protocols. There is also a need to develop a regional perspective to biosecurity. This is why research priorities should focus on technologies facilitating the application of biosecurity measures, on strategies designed to encourage compliance of poultry personnel, and on ways to generate and share information useful for the prevention of infectious diseases in modern poultry production.