Animals are continually exposed to microorganisms, many of which can cause diseases. Some of these microorganisms can survive in the environment, flock after flock, because they are protected by organic materials/manure or biofilms that are in the environment. In order to prevent diseases, we have to break the chain.

Cleaning and disinfection are two very important steps of a complete biosecurity program and are important tools used in breaking the chain of infection. A good sanitation plan should always be included in any health program. Isolation of the birds and sterilizing the environment would be the ultimate objectives but are not realistic. Therefore, attainable goals should be established so an effective level of sanitation can be maintained.

The main objectives of a cleaning and disinfection program include:

• Thoroughly cleaning all animal facilities, handling or transport equipment and barn tools – there should be no exception in the areas that are included in the program. After cleaning there should be no visible organic matter left behind.
• Reduction of microorganisms to the lowest possible level through proper disinfection.
• Obtaining new birds from known, disease free sources – to ensure that they do not arrive at facilities harbouring pathogens.

The following are recommended practices relating to cleaning & disinfection that enhance biosecurity on non-supply managed poultry operations. It is recognized that, given the nature of the sector, all of these may not be possible as stated. Farmers are encouraged to try to meet the basic standards adapting these techniques and principles to their own operations. It is also recognized that it is difficult to have an all-in-all-out management system in some non-supply managed poultry operations. In this case the farmers should try to segment the facility as much as possible and still attempt to address as many of the following elements as possible:

3-Step Process

• A three-step process (litter removal, cleaning, disinfection) should be followed before new birds are placed.

The first step is to remove all birds and any litter. Removal of all organic matter is essential. Litter, feces and refuse contain high levels of contamination. High levels of soil reduce the efficacy of the cleaning and disinfecting processes. Remove any residual feed from the feeder system and the silos.

The second step is cleaning. Thorough washing with a detergent is essential to reduce time and water required for the cleaning process, to help remove the biofilm, and to help maximize the efficacy of disinfectants.

The third step is disinfection. It is really important to recognize that many disinfectants do not work effectively if steps 1 &2 do not eliminate a significant amount of the organic material present – disinfection without cleaning first is not effective. On the other hand, even though cleaning eliminates > 90% of the contaminants, what’s left will be more than enough to be harmful to your flock if disinfection does not occur. Live organisms and porous surfaces lead to higher contamination and more viruses. Using a proven disinfectant against bacteria, fungi and especially viruses is therefore essential.

Bird And Litter Removal

• It is best to discuss biosecurity with your catching company and do you know exactly what the catching company does on your farm. The removal of birds is an essential part of the cleaning & disinfection process between flocks.

Ultimately, the biosecurity of your farm is your responsibility. If you have contracted others to provide litter removal, cleaning and/or disinfection for you, it is essential that you monitor service sector procedures on your farm.

• It is best to clean when there are no birds in the facility at all. Only if there is no way to accomplish this, at a bare minimum all birds and other animals should be kept away from the area/pen that is being cleaned.

Thorough Cleaning

• Equipment and buildings should be thoroughly cleaned before they are disinfected.

The goal of cleaning is to physically remove all visible debris, dirt, soil, feces, and other organic matter. You need to use a lot of elbow grease! Sweep/blow down dust, cobwebs, and feathers from walls, nest, cages, beams, rafters, fans, and other accessible areas inside and outside the barn. Do not forget the service rooms.

Scrape off any built-up debris and pay attention to hard to reach areas. Wash all surfaces with water and detergent. The detergent or cleaning agent aids in decreasing surface tension (makes water “wetter”), splits up organic material, emulsifies oils and fats, floats dirt particles, dissolves salts, and carries dirt off the surface that you are cleaning.

The thoroughness of cleaning (use of high pressure washer), use of detergent and exposure time (low pressure application of foam/gel remains on surface longer), and use of hot vs. cold water all contribute to the efficacy of the cleaning job.

Disinfection

• Even though cleaning eliminates > 90% of the contaminants, what’s left will be more than enough to be harmful to your next flock. Live organisms and porous surfaces lead to higher contamination and more viruses. Using a proven disinfectant against bacteria, fungi and especially viruses is therefore essential.
• Disinfectants should not be selected based on price or by random selection. If possible, a cleaning & disinfection expert should be consulted in preparing your disinfection protocols and selecting a proven disinfection product. The products should be selected based on the label claims.
• While some good documentation is available when determining disinfection products and procedures, it is best to consult a disinfection expert for suggestions when developing your farm’s cleaning and disinfection protocols.
• All medicators and dispensers should be cleaned and disinfected after each use.
• All ceiling, walls, flooring, and equipment should be cleaned and disinfected between flocks.

Downtime

• It is recommended that there be a minimum of 21 days of “downtime” between flocks. This allows for sufficient time for effective cleaning and disinfection, and the downtime helps to reduce the potential for pathogens to contaminate the following flock.
• If this is not possible, a goal to have a downtime of at least 10 days would be advised. In this case it would be important to have a formal plan for compartmentalizing sufficiently for effective cleaning and disinfection.