We are learning more and more about how contamination can enter the barn through the entrance room, and how important it is to consistently implement biosecurity protocols at the barn entry. For example, studies have shown that avian influenza virus, which is now found in higher concentrations in the environment, can survive on rubber boots for up to three days.

In this video we go through some examples to see how bacteria and viruses can be tracked into the barn using different barn entrance designs: a red line, a step-over barrier, and a bench.

Key takeaways:

• A line on the floor with no other physical barrier is easy to ignore, such that boot changes will be more easily forgotten. Additionally, the red line does not prevent dust and debris, which can contain harmful viruses and bacteria, from blowing across into the restricted area.
• A step over barrier that is flush to the ground and reasonably high will do a much better job of preventing organic matter from the controlled access zone coming into the restricted area – if it is used correctly.
• Having a full bench in place is a best practice for preventing organic material from the controlled access zone contaminating the restricted area. When designed and used correctly, this is a great way to protect your flock.

Elements for proper barrier:

• The barrier should extend from wall to wall so people can’t walk around it
• The barrier should be flush to the ground to prevent bacteria and viruses from blowing underneath it
• When using a bench, the top should be about 12 inches wide to make it difficult to step over and to provide a seat to help while switching boots
• When used correctly, dirty boots stay on the dirty side and clean boots on the clean side, while socks don’t touch the ground on either side of the barrier