Biosecurity Protocol for Farm Visit

1
Biosecurity Protocol for Farm Visit
By B. Straw DVM and P. Sears DVM
Many pathogens are excreted in manure and nasal
secretions, and can be spread between farms on
contaminated boots, coveralls and equipment.
Protective clothing Always wear freshly
laundered coveralls and over-the-shoe boots.
Place boots in the trunk or back of the vehicle
and don them at the farm. Coveralls may be donned
at the CVM
At the conclusion of the farm visit, remove boots
and coveralls and place them in a plastic bag for
transport back to the Production Medicine Area.
DO NOT WEAR BOOTS AND COVERALLS into the vehicle
after a farm visit
The floor is a contaminated surface. When the
washer cycle is complete, remove the boots and
place them on the racks. DO NOT put them on the
floor.
Any equipment used on the farm should be
thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and dried before
being replaced in the vehicle. If it cannot be
adequately sanitized on the farm, place it in a
plastic bag for transport back to the CVM.
Wash off all visible dirt from boots before
putting them in the washer for disinfection.
Students who do not understand the principles of
pathogen transmission pose an unacceptable
disease risk to farms and they will not be
permitted on farm visits. They will be allowed to
repeat the rotation after they have demonstrated
a basic understanding of the principles of
biosecurity.