The aim of the standard continuous biosecurity programme is firstly to prevent pathogens from establishing themselves on site and, secondly, to prevent the spread of infection within the farm site.
With this in mind the following continuous biosecurity procedures must be implemented at all times.
Disinfectant Footdips
All personnel must use DuPont disinfectant footdips on entering the site or a house. Replenish every 4-5 days or when visibly contaminated.
Any vehicle entering the site must pass through a disinfectant wheel wash or vehicle spray. The wheel wash should be topped-up regularly to avoid dilution or contamination. Mobile equipment brought onto the site from other units must be washed and disinfected before being allowed to enter.
Dirty / unwashed hands transfer infection. All visitors to the site must be required to wash their hands before entering. All staff must wash their hands before starting work, after breaks and when changing activities.
Care must be taken to ensure that visitors appreciate the biosecurity measures you have taken to protect your site, and protective equipment should be issued to visitors where appropriate.
Continuous disinfection is important to maintain water quality during the production cycle. Drinking water can be a potent source and spread of infection. Header tanks and pipelines need to be regularly cleaned and disinfected with a non-tainting disinfectant.
Spraying a fine disinfectant mist or fog over birds can help reduce cross infection and secondary infection during outbreaks of respiratory and other diseases. It is particularly of value in preventing secondary bacterial infection (e.g. E.coli septicaemia) following a virus challenge such as Infectious Bronchitis or Turkey Rhinotracheitis.
Virkon® S can be misted in the presence of poultry at a dilution rate of 1:200 (0.5%).
A cold fogger or mister should be used, as the noise of a thermal fogger may disturb the animal’s behaviour.
Always read the Virkon® S label carefully to ensure regulatory compliance.
Rats, mice and insects can be responsible for the spread of a number of serious diseases on poultry farms including salmonella infections. Ensure that feed spillages are removed as quickly as possible and that houses are secure from insects and vermin. Implement an effective insect and rodent control program.
