Barn Layout

The design and location of a barn contribute greatly to reducing the potential for pathogens to enter the barn, and also the ability to contain pathogens within the barn in the case of a disease outbreak. In addition to the barn’s location, which is often difficult to change after construction has been completed, the interior design should take into account the need for changes in clothing, disinfection and washing stations. It is essential that there be clearly delineated “clean” and “dirty” areas within the barn.

In the case of non-supply managed poultry it is recognized that many of the production units themselves have been adapted for use from other types of livestock/poultry production enterprise. While perhaps not ideal, this reality only serves to increase the importance of being flexible and adapting any biosecurity options that can be addressed. The following suggestions are made with this context in mind.

The interior door of any barn is the last real opportunity to stop the spread of disease to a producer’s flock. Similarly, the exterior door is the last possibility to contain any material, virus or biological agent from being taken away to another location. Therefore, it is essential that there be an area for the farmer and visitors to utilize to minimize the probability of moving a disease agent into or out of the facility.

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

Separate Breeder Operation

• Your breeder operation should be in a separate physical space from raising areas. When possible, flocks which have significant value (breeder flocks, flocks with rare/unique genetics) should be located on different premises from that of the main flock, and measures employed to ensure there are no epidemiological linkages between them.

Barn Layout And Airborne Pathogens

• Barns should be built with prevailing wind and other poultry facilities in mind. The time of construction of facilities is a primary time to consider biosecurity factors, to safeguard your flock and to reduce the possibility of entry or exit of pathogens.

Special care should be taken to ensure that barn vents do not point towards an adjacent barn’s air intake. If the vents of adjacent barns create a situation where they share a common air space, it is not possible to create a separate restricted access zone for each of those barns. This situation creates the possibility of spreading airborne pathogens between the barns.

“Clean” And “Dirty” Areas

• Your barns should all have clearly defined, visible and maintained “clean” and “dirty” areas. If possible, this would include a well-designed “anteroom” to act as a barrier between these areas.
• Good housekeeping and sanitation are central to pest control in all facilities. All entryways and workrooms should be routinely cleaned (swept and kept dry) and disinfected.
• Your barn entry and exit points should all have hand wash stations conveniently located.
• Your footbaths/footmats with disinfectant in entry ways should be changed routinely. It is recommended that your protocol should include checking footbaths at least daily and maintenance at least weekly. If a footbath requires cleaning or recharging, that should be done immediately.

Designated Barn Clothing

• Having several pairs of exterior clothing and footwear in each barn for anyone working in the barns and visitors is recommended. Regardless of the type of clothing or footwear, it is important that the clothing and footwear not leave the biosecurity zone to which it is dedicated and that it is sanitized on a routine basis.

Sequencing Work

• Your biosecurity protocol should provide direction on the sequence of work and visits in your barn. The specific sequence will depend on the type of poultry and the details of your operation, but normally these sequences would include contact with birds from healthy-to-suspect and from youngest-to-oldest.