Path-402 Systemic Veterinary Pathology 3(2-1)

Prof Dr AD Anjum, RCVetS-2022

Week-1: CLEANING AND DISINFECTION OF POULTRY FARMS

Cleaning - Disinfection

Reference Book
Best Practice in the Broiler House, Aviagen.

Learning outcome
On the completion of this session the student will be able to:
1. Plan and conduct cleaning and disinfection of a poultry farm.
2. Monitor cleaning and disinfection of a poultry farm.

Cleaning and disinfection are central to minimize the adverse effects of disease,
optimize bird performance and welfare, and provide assurances on food safety
issues.

Cleaning – Dry and Wet

 Establish a plan.
Cleaning and disinfection program detailing dates and times, along with the labor
and equipment needed.
Establish prior to depleting the farm.
 Control insects.
Wearing appropriate protective equipment.
Spray an insecticide as soon as the flock is removed and while the house is still
warm.
A second treatment with insecticide should be completed before fumigation.
 Remove dust.
Remove all dust and cobwebs from interior surfaces and equipment.
 Pre-spray.
Close the curtains in open-sided poultry houses first.
Wearing appropriate protective equipment, spray detergent solution throughout the
broiler house interior to dampen any remaining dust.
 Remove equipment.
Remove all equipment from the house and raise automatic feeders and drinkers.
 Remove and dispose of litter.
Litter must be removed to a distance of at least 3.2 km (2 miles).
 Clean water and feeding systems
Drain, clean and disinfect the water system.
Flush water lines with clean, fresh water prior to flock placement.
Empty, wash and disinfect all feeding equipment.
Empty bulk bins and connecting pipes and brush out. Clean out and seal all
openings.
 Wash house
Use a pressure washer with a foam detergent. Ensure the detergent is compatible
with the disinfectant to be used. Rinse with hot water.

Primary Disinfection
Important! disinfectants are ineffective in the presence of dirt and organic matter and
should not be applied to wet surfaces.
Path-402 Systemic Veterinary Pathology 3(2-1)

Prof Dr AD Anjum, RCVetS-2022

 Disinfectant spray - use a broad-spectrum disinfectant. Follow manufacturer’s

instructions at all times.
 Remember, most disinfectants are not effective against sporulated coccidial
oocysts.

Terminal Disinfection
 Fumigation: KMNO4+Formalin, Formaldehyde (liquid, prills, blocks).
o Fumigate as soon as possible after disinfection; surfaces should be damp.
o The house is warmed to a minimum of 21°C (70°F).
o A relative humidity of greater than 65 percent.
o Seal the house for 24 hours.
o Prior to permitting any re-entry, ventilate the house to reduce formalin levels to 2
ppm.
 Aerial disinfection - Fogging.

Disinfect external areas

An area of concrete or gravel (1-3 meters/3-10 feet in width) around the poultry
house.
Particular attention - under extractor fans, under feed bins and gutters.
Free from vegetation and machinery and equipment.
A level, well-drained surface.

Continuing Disinfection
Water sanitation.
Aerial disinfection - SPRAY.
Fumigation: Formaldehyde (liquid, prills, blocks).
Water pipes should be cleaned at least once per flock to remove any biofilm that may
have built up. If physical cleaning is not possible, use high levels (140 ppm) of
chlorine.

Evaluating farm cleaning, disinfection efficacy

• Bacterial and salmonella counts should be completed at least once per flock.
• It should be remembered that if cleaning and disinfection have been effective, no
Salmonella species should be isolated during sampling.

Review/Study Questions
Q. Plan cleaning and disinfection programme (enumerate steps/stages) for a commercial
broiler farm.