I always think than one of the weakest areas when considering biosecurity are loading bays.
If we think in sow farms, weaners or finishers as well as culled sows must be move out routinely, but also in many farms, replacements have to be moved in.
“The biggest the farm is, the more transfer of animals are necessary weekly
and the higher the biosecurity risk is”
Source: www.hipra.com
When it comes to biosecurity in sow farms, should be always 2 loading bays if replacements are needed:
1. One for clean animals (replacements)
2. Another for animals moved to market or other locations
Keys for a secure loading bay, by Enric Marco
A good loading bay should:
- Clearly define what’s the farm limit; it means up to what point a lorry driver can step on.
- Avoid the possibility of external person to go into the clean area as well as the opposite.
- Avoid also liquids and animals to go backwards.
- And last but not least, a good loading bay should be cleaned and disinfected after being used, every time, which means the construction material has to allow so. A good loading bay should allow lo load animals in a dirty truck (as very often they are) without representing a risk of infection for the farm.
If you want to know more about the importance of the biosecurity and the main measures to reduce the PRRS risk infection, please watch this video:
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Marcovetgrup S.L. – Spain
