Leak-tight hygiene locks

provide the highest level of biosecurity

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Given the ongoing threat of swine fever, hygiene experts once again emphasize the importance of a good hygiene lock or hygiene entrance unit at every livestock farm. These locks reduce the risk of all infectious animal diseases.

Time is running out

According to Arjan Wermink, HyCare-specialist for the pig industry, time is running out. To prevent further spread of African swine fever, he recommends the use of a good hygiene lock as the only entrance to the pig barn. Wermink: “Many companies leak into the area of hygiene. I often come to farms where I only have to take off my socks and step over a bench to get in. These kinds of measures are not enough.”

One way in, One way out

HyCare advises a hygiene lock with a shower area, to secure a leak-tight separation between the company and beyond. Walls need to be sterile, so bacteria do not get a chance. Wermink: “A decent lock has one entrance and one exit, with no obscure areas.” There must be a mandatory route, and this must be identifiable. “If you manage this well, you exclude the risk to get infected through this channel,” Wermink says. “Don’t let infectious diseases enter the company and only choose only the highest level of biosecurity.”

Come on in...

Livestock farms are becoming more significant and intensive, with more and more external labor. An agricultural entrepreneur gets visitors like a veterinarian, feed advisor, or other specialists. Some farmers choose to allow as few people as possible to their livestock. Wermink: “That’s not a good sign. If you organize access to your company properly, everyone can go inside. An entrepreneur farms better with a good hygiene lock. You owe this to yourself, to your business, and your staff. Everyone must take enough time to go through a hygiene lock. Otherwise, it will at the expense of the quality.”

Prevent diseases

A good hygiene lock is an investment, but a farmer avoids many risks at once. Research has shown that all animal diseases can enter via this channel, including swine fever, PRRS, and PED. Therefore, a good lock has much value. HyCare specialist Arjan Wermink: “Proper hygiene measures are a joint responsibility. If every entrepreneur uses a decent hygiene lock, we prevent a lot of misery together.”