Biosecurity preparedness
By Jake Anderson
The need to have a robust biosecurity program in place is as important now as it ever has been. Infectious disease risk is ever present and a biosecurity program that has been implemented, is in place, and being followed can limit the risk of exposure. Remaining proactive in your approach to biosecurity each and every day will minimize the risk to the health of your animals and your business.
Here is a quick checklist regarding biosecurity principals and areas of concern. MWI Animal Health offers products that can help with all of your biosecurity needs.
Visitors
- Biosecurity begins at the perimeter of the facility or farm.
- Document and record all visitor’s information.
- Ensure all visitors know and understand your biosecurity program and agree to follow it.
- Everyone follows the protocols every time – no exceptions.
- Know last contact date with other poultry.
- Don’t get complacent with your biosecurity program.
Vehicles
- Maintain clean and disinfected vehicles inside and out.
- Keep vehicle interiors free from debris and non-work-related items.
- Use aerosol disinfectants and disinfecting wipes to disinfect the interior of vehicles.
- Keep the interior of the vehicle free of insects and other potential vectors.
- Disinfect tires in-between farm locations – both automated and manual equipment are available.
- Allow adequate contact time for disinfectants to work before entering a bio-secure location.
- Know your disinfectant; once mixed how long does it remain effective?
- Is your disinfectant labeled for the organism(s) you’re trying to eliminate?
- Maintain an adequate supply of PPE in the vehicle for yourself as well as any visitors – coveralls, booties, gloves, and hair nets.
On farm
- Document all visitors to the location.
- Maintain the perimeter of the farm. Keep all grass and weeds mowed. Equipment onsite should be limited to farm operations.
- Have an IPM program in place for insect and rodent control. Frequently monitor and audit these programs.
- Limit other animal species on the farm – birds, vermin etc.
- Clean and disinfect all vehicles and equipment entering the farm prior to entry.
- Ensure all entry points into farm buildings have a disinfectant present in the form of a foot bath/pan or disinfectant mat.
- Validate disinfectant concentrations and refresh the disinfectant accordingly.
- Maintain a clean entry/work room. Keep it free from debris and other forms of contamination. Clean and disinfect regularly.
- Maintain and respect all lines of separation, i.e, clean and dirty areas.
- Conduct annual biosecurity audits for each location.
