Biosecurity Procedures and Tools for Disease Prevention and Response

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Current biosecurity procedures to prevent or respond to transmission of porcine pathogens have not been based on science, and the efficacy of these protocols is unknown. The purpose of this project is to identify the biosecurity procedures that are needed to prevent and respond to transmission of porcine pathogens. We expect that this initiative will have wide impact on policy design as governments and livestock producers revise their disease control procedures for both enzootic and exotic diseases. The research will immediately begin to address needs of the agricultural industry to maintain a healthy and safe food supply for our nation.

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APPROACH: Methods: Numbers of samples/animals needed and controls: Sample size will vary with project. For decontamination trials, at least 16 pens or 12 trailers will be used for each experimental treatment. Surfaces to be sampled within each pen include flooring, feeders, walls, gates, waterers, pigs etc. Flooring, walls, and ceilings of trailers will be sampled. A group size of 16 pens is equivalent to that used on typical swine farms. A group size of 12 trailers is the maximum feasible number of trailers to be washed in a single day. For testing decontamination methods sample sizes will be sufficient to allow us to detect a statistically significant difference (P<0.05) in endpoints among groups. Each experiment will have positive and negative controls (1) To identify effective decontamination protocols to prevent mechanical transmission of pathogens by fomites . Classes of disinfectants, detergents, and other decontamination procedures (ie flaming) will be tested during routine farm procedures such as room, equipment, trailer sanitation to determine the most efficacious, cost-effective, farm-specific disinfectant and disinfection procedures. Cultural examination will be performed to determine if disinfection occurred. Disinfection will be classified as isolation of < 1000 viable bacterium/cm2 of surface tested (Bohm, 1998). Mean or median bacterial counts before and after treatments will be compared using a GLM repeated measures analysis followed by post-tests when indicated. (2) To develop a database of resources to be used in an animal health emergency. A secure searchable database of resources available in case of an animal health emergency will be developed. Data will be provided by community members. One authorized emergency management person for each county will validate the data. The database will be available 24/7 for use by emergency responders in an animal emergency. (3) To develop a searchable database of available disinfectants for use in the animal health industry. Label claims from disinfectants will be used to develop a searchable database available to the general public. The database will be accessed via the internet and disinfectants will be searchable by name, manufacturer, class, and label claims.