Farm access represents the first critical control point for entry of an infectious disease organism into the farm.  Visitor access to the Controlled Access Zone presents a biosecurity risk that can be avoided. If visitors are essential, they should comply with the number of procedures under a farm’s biosecurity procedures when entering the Controlled Access Zone.

An activity log book should be kept for the premises to record visitors and daily on-farm activities relevant to the biosecurity standard operating procedures. In the event of a disease outbreak the activity log book for the premises will provide critical information to assist in containing the outbreak. The premises log book will also provide documentation verifying that biosecurity standard operating procedures are being followed. The activity log book for the premises will regularly document activities including but not limited to:

• Primary and secondary access maintenance.
• Cleaning and decontamination undertaken including barn sanitation and dust management.
• Pest control measures undertaken.
• Premises visitors including the allied trades entering controlled access area(s) and restricted area(s).
• Biosecurity training undertaken.
• Flock health diagnostic reports, treatments and mortality.
• The name of company or individual transporting manure off the farm and, where known, the receiver.

The following are recommended practices relating to visitors that enhance biosecurity on non-supply managed poultry operations:

Keep Visitors Out

• Farm access represents the first critical control point for entry of an infectious disease organism into the farm.  Visitor access to the Controlled Access Zone presents a biosecurity risk that potentially can be avoided. For that reason, the best security is to keep visitors out of the Controlled Access Zone and the barn altogether. If visitors are essential, they should comply with the entry and exit procedures required by the farm’s biosecurity procedures when entering the Controlled Access Zone.

Visitor Entry And Exit Procedures

• All visitors should comply with the entry and exit procedures required by the farm’s biosecurity procedures when entering the Controlled Access Zone. In an ideal situation visitors could potentially be asked to phone ahead so that they can be met by the farmer.

There should also be a requirement for visitors wear clothing provided by your farm. Your visitor entry and exit protocols should also include the requirement for visitors to shower in and out when entering or leaving the barn.

Visitor Log

• Ultimately It is the responsibility of the farm owner to have a record of all traffic and visitors entering the farm. Delivery invoices may be used as records; however a list may be needed quickly in the event of a disease outbreak to facilitate rapid response. For this reason it is suggested that the farm owner fill in the visitor log at least weekly with information on invoices left at the farm.

Designated Visitor Parking

• The goal is to keep vehicles out of the Controlled Access Zone unless absolutely necessary. In order to facilitate this, it would be ideal if designated visitor parking outside the Controlled Access Zone could be provided. If a vehicle or equipment is required to enter the Controlled Access Zone, procedures to be followed should include cleaning and, when necessary, disinfection.