Dairy Cattle Programs, UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Extension

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Q: What is biosecurity?

A: Biosecurity is a practice designed to prevent the spread of disease onto your farm. It is accomplished by maintaining the facility in such a way that there is minimal traffic of biological organisms (viruses, bacteria, rodents, etc.) across its borders. Biosecurity is the cheapest, most effective means of disease control available. No disease prevention program will work without it.

Biosecurity has three major components:

Isolation
Traffic Control
Sanitation

Updated: 04/16/97

More information: Biosecurity for Poultry Flocks

Q: What is the difference between sanitation and disinfection?

A: Disinfection refers to the reduction of pathogens (disease-causing organisms) while sanitation refers to the quality of cleanliness, and both play a role in flock health. Disinfectants are chemical agents that can kill pathogens on contact. Reducing the load of pathogens in the environment of a flock will decrease the r isk of disease. Cleaning prior to disinfection exposes the pathogens to the disinfectant.

Updated: 04/16/97

More information: Sanitation-Disinfection Basics for Poultry Flocks

Q: How do I disinfect my premises?

A: First, clean.
1. Remove all bedding, feed, and manure.
2. Sweep out loose dirt, cobwebs, etc.
3. Scrub all surfaces with a detergent/disinfectant*.
4. Rinse all detergent and organic matter from surfaces*.
*a high-power sprayer may be helpful

Next, disinfect.
5. Apply the disinfectant.
6. Allow the disinfectant to dry completely.
7. Reapply the disinfectant and allow it to dry a second time (optional).
8. Bed the area with fresh materials and clean, disinfect, rinse, and dry all water and feeding equipment before refilling them.

Updated: 04/16/97

More information: Sanitation-Disinfection Basics for Poultry Flocks

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