By Laura Greiner, Iowa State University
Fall and winter are typically the times of year we see swine viruses such as swine influenza, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), and porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) move across the U.S. Scott Dee and fellow researchers demonstrated in 2002 that fomites surrounded with snow and water could carry PRRS virus over 30 miles. Further research by others after the arrival of PED virus into the U.S. demonstrated the virus could travel in a similar fashion as PRRS virus.
Although it’s important to focus our biosecurity efforts on the farms, now is a good time of year to review important feed mill biosecurity in these five key areas, too.
1. Rodent and bird control
Bait stations should be monitored weekly around the outside of the feed mill. Stations should be kept away from areas where the bait could come in contact with feed ingredients to avoid accidental ingestion. As well, any receiving pits should be covered when not in use to prevent migrating birds and rodents from gathering around the pits and potentially defecating into receiving areas.
2. Snow control
Care should be taken with incoming trucks when snow is present. Snow buildup on the wheel wells has the potential to carry viruses. As ingredient trucks are delivering ingredients to the mill, keep areas of the pit covered or use a small grate that only fits between the tires to prevent ice and snow falling into the receiving pits.
3. Truck traffic
Trucks should maintain separate routes of incoming and outgoing to prevent crossover. Furthermore, employees should park away from the truck route. Periodically disinfecting truck tires and reducing truck traffic on heavily traveled roads with market hogs should be encouraged during periods of snow and wet roads.
4. Foot traffic
Any visitors should only be allowed in certain areas of the mill away from the mixing area. In addition, ingredient delivery staff should not crossover with the feed mill staff. All visitors should wear foot covers if they need to get out of their vehicles. In addition, feed deliveries at farms should also be closely monitored to ensure that footwear is not worn at multiple farms and that the foot pedals and mats are disinfected and dried regularly.
5. Health pyramid
Feed should be delivered from the healthiest herds down the pyramid. If at all possible, trucks should be dedicated to certain tiers of the health pyramid and not be allowed to move up or down the health tiers. If trucks do move through the tiers, a disinfection protocol should be put into place before they are allowed to move back up the health pyramid.
Following these five biosecurity guidelines can help reduce the risk of disease transmission with the delivery of feed.
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