Hygiene, infection protection and daily care

Cleanliness is not just a matter of the system looking neat. Good hygiene breaks transmission routes, keeps animals healthy and also protects you against zoonoses – diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans.

§Daily cleaning

• 01Remove dung and wet bedding daily.
• 02Clean and fill water and feed bowls with fresh water and feed.
• 03Change bedding as needed, so it remains dry and clean.
• 04Clean surfaces and disinfect as needed with suitable agents.
• 05Check equipment, fencing, and gates for damage and wear

§Infection control (biosecurity)

Biosecurity is about preventing disease from entering the facility and spreading between animals. It is especially important with new animals, sick animals and outside visitors.

• 01Keep new animals in quarantine until they are health checked.
• 02Use clean footwear and possible protective clothing between different areas.
• 03Wash and disinfect hands between handling different animals.
• 04Isolate sick animals so infection doesn't spread to healthy ones.
• 05Clean tools so they don't carry infection from system to system.

§Daily observation — watch for signs of illness

Daily care is your best opportunity to detect disease early. Notice changes in behaviour, appetite, faeces, breathing, coat or plumage. An animal that withdraws from the flock, won't eat or seems lethargic should be examined more closely and possibly seen by a vet.

“You know your animals' normal behavior better than anyone. What you notice first is rarely the symptom — but the change in behavior.”