External biosecurity (outer ring) refers to procedures and practices to reduce the transmission of pathogens from sources outside of your farm. Preventing harmful pathogens from entering starts with perimeter fencing, which provides a continuous control of external factors. On top of that, housing conditions should be of good quality. This means checking for repairs regularly, cleaning and repairing gutters and checking ventilation systems.
Additionally, it’s important to monitor every visit correctly since visitors can carry all kinds of harmful microorganisms. To maintain a high level of biosecurity, it’s best to manage entry through a single designated point. Clean boots and overalls should be supplied, and all visitors must wash their hands upon entry. Provide clear instructions for visitors and make sure they comply to the rules. To further reduce risks, deliveries should be kept outside of the farm and ordered in bulk to minimise the frequency of exposure. It is advised to install a wheel wash for those incoming vehicles.
Birds, pets and especially vermin also carry countless diseases and should be kept off the farm at all times. Routinely inspect the building for rodent infestations and act if needed. Additionally, carcasses are a breeding ground for microorganisms and can also attract vermin, which is why they should be managed properly. Remove dead stock immediately and place them in a covered bin.
Internal biosecurity (inner ring) refers to procedures and practices within the farm to prevent transmission of pathogens between buildings, units, and production flows.
Regular cleaning and disinfecting is an essential part of keeping your farm disease-free. Cleaning thoroughly will remove all the dirt and debris, after which the disinfection process will kill all the harmful microorganisms. Combining both steps is critical for effective microbiological control; one cannot live without the other.
Roam Technology offers a range of products to help maintain high biosecurity standards. A strong biosecurity protocol starts with cleaning all surfaces, stables, vehicles, and equipment regularly. We recommend Roam Eco Power, an alkaline, eco-certified foam cleaner that effectively removes dirt and microorganisms.
After cleaning, all surfaces, materials (including boots), and equipment on the farm must be thoroughly disinfected. Virox is specifically designed for fast and efficient surface disinfection in livestock environments, while Huwa-San TR-50 will ensure optimal water quality distributed throughout the entire waterline system.
Besides cleaning and disinfecting there are many other measures you can take to keep the inside of your farm clean.
Providing adequate and clean water to your animals is essential for growth, reproduction, and overall performance. To maintain a productive livestock program, it is important to continuously monitor water quality and correct flow rates.
Use one syringe per animal for antibiotics or per litter for iron injections. Never leave a syringe in a bottle and never put a used syringe back into a bottle.
Why would you spend so much time, effort, and money in cleaning and disinfecting animal housing if you put a dirty animal in it?
Wash and disinfect boots before entering a building and at the end of the day, use clean clothing, wash and disinfect hands between litters.
Determine zones in your farm. Guide people with clear instructions on what to wear and do per zone. Provide appropriate gowning and disinfection material in a lock between different zones.
Foot bath disinfection is highly important, as it prevents the spread of diseases between different zones. Make sure to regularly replace the disinfection solution. To ensure proper cleaning always place two dips in a row; the first one removes dirt and the second one disinfects footwear.
Flies easily transmit diseases from animal to animal, cause them stress, and consume feed that is provided for the animals. To minimise flies make sure to remove waste, clean thoroughly and remove carcasses and food residue.
By keeping outside risks at bay and enforcing disciplined practices inside, you build a robust biosecurity culture that protects animal health, safeguards people, and sustains your farm’s performance.