Interactive programme to keep pathogens out
At a time when new viruses are appearing and when antibiotics are receiving a lot of criticism, the importance of achieving a high biosecurity ?cannot be overstressed. From the industry, companies reach out to offer help beyond products.
By Tihomir Seferinov, member of the Stalosan team, Vilofoss
There are different definitions of ‘biosecurity’, but the main message in each one of them is the opportunity to protect livestock farms in general and pig farms in particular against the introduction and distribution of pathogenic agents from the environment, see Figure 1.
Against a background of increasing inefficiency of conventional antimicrobial substances, as well as the enhancement of animal welfare standards, and new global threats, such as Porcine Epidemic Diarrhoea (PED) virus and African Swine Fever (ASF) virus, the pig industry should search for solutions with proven good and long-term results.
Biological security is the crossing point of all important factors involved in the management of a livestock farm – location, facilities, food regime, medical service, etc. This is a complex of measures (with a disinfection programme being part of it), which would undoubtedly prevent, to a great extent, the risk of the appearance of new diseases in the herd, but would also contribute to the reduction of existing problems and to the increase of the pig farms’ performance and profits, regardless of the manufacturing sector.
Reviewing
This is why Vilofoss, part of the DLG Group, reviewed pig farms and the industry in general to summarise the major concepts and established practices aimed at their biological security, and by observing them to ensure firm and sustainable development in the future. The company is therefore in the process of developing an interactive biosecurity programme allowing a quick and illustrative assessment of the current status performed by a highly qualified team. The programme is based on established world practices and standards, while tying in local characteristics. The programme is aimed at encompassing the constructive and organisational solutions established in the farms. It is based on three main modules:
- Facility location and layout;
- Operation routines (see Figure 1);
- Animal health management.
By means of a set of questions and inspections, its aim is to encompass all aspects of biosecurity and to identify good and bad practices, risks and to provide solutions in order to overcome them.
DisinfectionThe development of a biosecurity programme is an addition to the company’s disinfection product portfolio. Vilofoss’ Stalosan F is an effective disinfectant in livestock housing and has been on the market for years. The company also developed products such as Stalosan Cleaner (detergent), Stalosan Dex and Oxy (disinfectants) and Stalosan Water (water sanitiser), for disinfecting during cleaning to minimise the general risk of infection.
For more info: sfs@stalosan.com
[Source: Pig Progress magazine Vol 30 nr 4, 2014]
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