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Objective
To highlight how a simple system that uses plastic and adhesive tape to prevent the entry of unfiltered air into a barn can also serve as a safe method to prevent inappropriate non-biosecure personnel movement.
Description of the tip
Insuring a clear understanding of the different biosecurity areas within a farm is important for the prevention of disease entry as a result of inappropriate movements between “dirty” and “clean” areas. In many cases, individual farms have outlined entry procedures for the areas where personnel typically enter the facility (e.g. “Shower In” or “Danish” entry designs). However, there are often uncontrolled entry points that are intended for emergency use only whose use is difficult to monitor.
Picture 1: Unprotected door communicating the interior and exterior farm zones
These emergency exit doors typically communicate directly with the exterior area of the farm. Movement through these doors may pose a high risk for disease entry as a result of their proximity to areas which may be contaminated with organic material (e.g. fecal material). At the same time, these exit doors are essential for emergency entry or evacuation. As a result, a system to prevent the convenient use of these entry points while maintaining their complete accessibility for emergency purposes is needed.
The use of clear plastic door coverings held in place by adhesive tape has typically been used as a simple and inexpensive way to prevent the unwanted entry of air into the production facilities. The additional biosecurity benefit of preventing and exposing the inappropriate movement of personnel was quickly recognized while at the same time making the door completely accessible in the case of an emergency.
Picture 2: Example of sealed door system that prevent unwanted air transfer and the convenient yet inappropriate movement of personnel between the “clean” (inside) and the “dirty” (outside) zones of the facility.