Biosecurity Guidelines

NOTE: This information has been converted to one text file from the various CDFA PFD Files, is much smaller to view and download. Feel free to print it for reference. These were NOT written by us - they were all available from the CDFA.

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General Biosecurity Guidelines
Importance of Hand Washing
Disinfectants
Biosecurity Footbaths


Biosecurity Guidelines to Prevent the Spread of Exotic Newcastle Disease
Information for Bird Owners


Exotic Newcastle Disease is caused by a virus that is easily spread by movement of birds, people, and contaminated materials. The virus is present in manure and other excretions from infected birds. It easily contaminates hands, clothing, shoes, cages, and equipment. “Biosecurity measures” are steps taken to reduce the chances of spreading disease.

Basic Steps

  • Avoid contact with birds. Infected birds may not look sick!
  • Do not share birds, equipment, or feed with other bird owners.
  • Keep your birds confined and separated from free-roaming chickens.
  • Thoroughly clean and disinfect any item that may have been contaminated before taking it onto your bird premises.
  • Take precautions when entering your property after visiting places where disease may exist (such as bird swap meets, flea markets, bird marts, bird shows, aviaries, feed stores, pet shops, neighbors, etc.)
  • Wash your hands with soap and water for 10-20 seconds. (See Hand Washing Below).
  • Thoroughly clean and disinfect your footwear, especially the soles.
  • Shower, blow your nose, clean your ears, put on clean clothes and launder those you were wearing as soon as possible.
  • Minimize the number of visitors and keep them away from your birds. If visitors have had any recent contact with birds, or have birds of their own, they should follow the above precautions or not go near your birds.
  • Control rodents.

    Additional Precautions

  • Place disinfectant footbaths (See Below) at the entrances to your property and at the entrance to buildings containing birds.
  • Dedicate a set (or sets) of easily cleaned footwear and clothing for bird activities. Use the dedicated footwear and clothes when entering the premises (or when leaving on bird activities). Do not allow “off-site” clothes to contaminate your premises.
  • Provide boots and coveralls for visitors.
  • If using a vehicle for bird activities, consider using plastic to cover its floorboards/seats and removing or disinfecting it after use.

    Disinfectants and Footbaths (See Below)

  • Prepare disinfectants regularly and change them when they are dirty. (See Below).
  • Thoroughly clean objects before applying disinfectants.
  • Apply disinfectants using brushes, sponges, spray units or footbaths. Allow adequate contact time (according to manufacturer).
  • Use disinfectants effective against Newcastle Disease virus. Follow the manufacturers’ directions and take all precautions. Examples of disinfectant include:
  • Virkon S® mixed at 1.3 oz. powder per gallon of water.
  • Nolvasan® (chlorhexidine diacetate 2%) mixed at 3 fluid oz. per gallon of water.
  • Household bleach (sodium hypochlorite 6%) mixed at ¾ cup per gallon of water.
  • Dispose of soiled disinfectant responsibly.

    For more information visit our Web page at www.cdfa.ca.gov or call 1-800-491-1899.
    Disclaimer: Trade names used in this publication do not constitute a guarantee, warranty or endorsement by the Department of the products. The Department bears no responsibility for liability resulting from the use of the described products. These procedures are not guaranteed to prevent this highly contagious virus from affecting your birds. However, they will reduce the risks.




    Why is hand washing important? ***

    The spread of infection requires:
    1) a reservoir a reservoir of microorganisms;
    2) a host a host or a site for infection; and
    3) a mode of transmission of transmission between the reservoir and host.
    Humans, animals, and inanimate surfaces can serve as reservoirs; animals and humans can serve as hosts, and the hands of humans handling the animals often serve as a mode of transmission. Stopping the spread of infection can be achieved by taking a few minutes each day to properly wash your hands.


    When to Wash **


  • Before carrying out invasive procedures
  • Before and after treating wounds
  • Before handling any patient, neonates or immunocompromised patients
  • After coming in contact with equipment or fluids that are likely to be contaminated with microorganisms (i.e., mucous membranes, blood or body fluids, secretions, or excretions).
  • After caring for an infected patient
  • Between caring for patients that are at a high-risk particularly of infection.

    Glossary of Hand Washing Terms Glossary of Hand Washing Terms *

    Transient Flora Transient Flora: Organisms which have recently contaminated the skin. These organisms are found on the skin surface and can survive for only a limited amount of time. These organisms can be readily transmitted unless they are removed. Removal is achieved primarily by the mechanical action of hand washing.

    Resident Flora Resident Flora: : Organisms which can be isolated from the skin of most people and are considered to be permanent residents. These organisms survive and multiply on the skin and can inhabit deep epidermal layers. Removal of resident flora requires an antimicrobial agent.

    Plain Soap: Plain Soap: A detergent-based cleanser used to physically remove dirt and contaminating organisms. It works by suspending microorganisms, thus allowing them to be mechanically removed by friction and the flushing action of water. The primary target of plain soap is transient organisms.

    Antimicrobial Soap: Antimicrobial Soap: A soap containing ingredients that kill organisms on the skin. Antimicrobial soaps work against resident as well as transient flora.

    * Adapted from APIC guidelines for infection control practice: Guideline for use of topical antimicrobial agents. Larson, E. RN, Ph.D., FAAN. American Journal of Infection Control. pp 256-257, (1988).

    ** Adapted from Guidelines for Hand Washing and Hospital Environment Control. Center for Disease Control. (1985).

    *** Adapted from Overview of Hand Washing by Personnel in Animal Laboratory Facilities. LeBlanc, D., MA. Contemporary Topics. pp 12-14, (1993).

    For more information, contact: For more information, contact:
    CA Department of Food & Agriculture CA Department of Food & Agriculture
    Animal Health Branch Animal Health Branch
    1220 N Street, Room A-107 1220 N Street, Room A-107
    Sacramento, CA 95814 Sacramento, CA 95814
    (916) 654-1447 (916) 654-1447
    http://www.cdfa.ca.gov http://www.cdfa.ca.gov



    Selection and Use of Surface Disinfectants

  • Potassium Peroxymonosulfate
  • Virkon S®

    Instructions for use:
    Use a 1% solution ( 1.3 oz. / gallon water)

    Advantages:
    Bactericidal, virucidal, fungicidal. Solution stable for 7 days. This is a U.S. Enviromental Protection Agency Registered Farm disinfectant with label claims against FMD virus.

    Disadvantages:
    Powder is irritating to eyes, mucous membranes and respiratory tract. Do not ingest. Do not immerse metal for longer than 10 minutes.

  • Chlorhexidine diacetate
  • Nolvasan®-S

    Instructions for use:
    1) Disinfection of veterinary and farm premises; some formulations appropriate for hand washing (Nolvasan® Skin and Wound Cleanser or Surgical Scrub).
    2) For inanimate objects: dilute 3 ounces/gallon of water; for farm and veterinary premises dilute 1 ounce/gallon of water.

    Advantages:
    Bactericidal, virucidal.

    Disadvantages:
    Not effective against spore-forming bacteria; do not contaminate water or food with disinfectant; harmful if swallowed; irritating to eye and mucous membranes.

  • Sodium hypochlorite (household bleach)
  • (6% of sodium hypochlorite)

    Instructions for use:
    1) Clean before disinfecting hard surfaces.
    2) Allow a mixture of 3/4 cup bleach/gallon of water (higher concentrations should be used when high levels of organic matter are present) to contact surface for 10 minutes, then rinse with water.
    3) Once mixed with water, bleach breaks down quickly - replace disinfecting solutions daily.
    4) Mix in well ventilated area and wear gloves.

    Advantages:
    Bactericidal, virucidal.

    Disadvantages:
    Wear gloves when applying; skin, eye, nose and throat irritant when concentrate inhaled; ingestion can cause esophageal injury, stomach irritation, prolonged nausea, and vomiting. Household bleach forms toxic gas when mixed with ammonia or vinegar - Do not mix with other cleaners.

  • Quaternary ammonium chloride
  • Spectrasol®

    Instructions for use:
    1) Use on hard, nonporous surfaces at a dilution of 1 ounce Spectrasol®/gallon of water.

    Advantages:
    Bactericidal, virucidal, fungicidal. One-step cleaning and disinfectant; hard water or organic soil (5% load) does not affect efficacy of disinfectant.

    Disadvantages:
    Can cause eye and skin damage; wear goggles and gloves when handling.

  • Alcohol (ethanol and isopropyl 70-95%)

    Instructions for use:
    Disinfect hard surfaces by direct application.

    Advantages:
    Bactericidal, tuberculocidal, fungicidal.

    Disadvantages:
    No action against spores or nonenveloped viruses; no detergency; flammable (store in closed container away from sources of ignition); eye irritation and damage; irritating if vapor inhaled; prolonged skin contact will cause irritation.

  • Quaternary ammoniums with bis-n-tributyltin oxide
  • Roccal-D Plus

    Instructions for use:
    1) Use to clean and disinfect hard surfaces on farms, veterinary clinics, animal facilities, and vehicles. Useful for boot baths.
    2) Apply diluted Roccal® mixture (½ounce/gallon water) by immersion or flushing solution over surfaces, allow to stand 10 minutes prior to rinsing. To clean heavily soiled areas, use up to 1½ ounce Roccal®/gallon water.
    3) Boot baths use 1 ounce Roccal®/gallon water. Change daily and anytime bath is visibly soiled.

    Advantages:
    Bactericidal, fungicidal; one-step soapless disinfectant detergent; effective in the presence of organic soil; non-corrosive to many surfaces; safe to use in immediate vicinity of animals.

    Disadvantages:
    Concentrate is corrosive to tissues; causes eye damage and skin irritation; do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing; harmful/fatal if swallowed.

    Selection of Surface Disinfectants

    Selection of an appropriate surface disinfectant is governed by several factors including the type of surface to be disinfected, temperature, weather conditions, effectiveness against specific disease causing organisms, and time required for thedisinfectant to inactivate the agent. The efficacy of most disinfectants is impaired by the presence of organic material and thorough cleaning prior to their application is critical. Consult your veterinarian, federal or state animal health official,or a technical representative of the company manufacturing the disinfectant for specific recommendations.

    Precautions

    When using surface disinfectants, always:

    1) Follow label directions regarding use and safety precautions.
    2) Take proper precautions to protect the environment and ensure that no one is injured.
    3) Devices and coverings for protecting the hands, skin, nose, mouth, and eyes should be worn when indicated by the product label.

    Disclaimer: Trade names are used in this publication solely to provide specific information. Mention of trade names does not constitute a guarantee or warranty of the product by CDFA or an endorsement by the Department of the product over other products. CDFA bears no responsibility for liability resulting from the use of the described products.

    Glossary of Biosecurity Terminology

    Disinfectant: a substance that destroys harmful microorganisms. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a disinfectant destroys 100% of the vegetative (actually growing) bacteria of a certain species under specified conditions. However, disinfectant does not include efficacy against fungi, viruses, Mycobacterium tuberculosis or bacterial spores (unless specifically tested against those organisms with EPA approved methods).

    Sanitizer: reduces vegetative cells, but not the spores of, bacteria to a safe level as may be judged by public health requirements (by reduction of 99.9% of vegetative bacteria).

    Virucide: kills or inactivates viruses. For EPA label claims, EPA accepted protocols must be used in testing specific viruses.

    Sporicide: kills all microorganisms including bacterial endospores, a very resistant form of certain microorganisms, which develop as a means of survival under adverse conditions.

    Fungicide: kills or inactivates fungi. For EPA label claims, EPA accepted protocols must be used in testing specific fungi.

    Bactericide: kills or inactivates bacteria. For EPA label claims, EPA accepted protocols must be used in testing specific bacteria.

    Detergent: Cleansing agents that assist in the removal of soils by emulsifying grease and suspending dirt particles.

    Disinfectant detergent: Combination product for one-step cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing.

    Tuberculocidal: kills Mycobacterium tuberculosis, an acid fast bacteria which is generally more difficult to kill than most bacteria. Making label claims for tuberculocidal activity requires testing under specific EPA protocols.

    Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): Informational sheet describing properties, usages, and safety concerns of a material or product.

    California Department of Food and Agriculture
    Animal Health and Food Safety Services
    Animal Health Branch

    For more information, contact:
    CA Department of Food & Agriculture
    Animal Health Branch
    1220 N Street, Room A-107
    Sacramento, CA 95814
    (916) 654-1447
    Fax (916) 653-2215
    http://www.cdfa.ca.gov



    Biosecurity Footbaths for Exotic Newcastle Disease
    Information for Bird Owners

    Footbaths are used as part of a biosecurity plan. They show that you take disease prevention seriously, and they reduce the spread of disease. Place footbaths at the entrances to your premises and at entrances to buildings containing birds. Ensure that everybody uses them.

    Use disinfectants effective against Newcastle disease virus and mix according to the manufacturers’ labels. Follow the manufacturers’ directions and take all precautions. Prepare fresh disinfectants regularly and change them when they are dirty. Dispose of soiled disinfectant responsibly.

    To make a footbath:
  • Fill a suitable container with water and disinfectant.
  • Provide hand brushes with every footbath.

    To use a footbath:
  • Thoroughly clean footwear before using the footbath - disinfectants do not work if footwear is dirty! Use a brush, water, detergent and blunt object to remove dirt, soil and fecal material - remove ALL debris.
  • Place footwear into the footbath and scrub using a soft hand brush. Wash the whole boot thoroughly with disinfectant solution, particularly the sole.
  • Leave the disinfectant on the footwear.

    Examples of disinfectants include:
  • Virkon S® mixed at 1.3 oz. powder per gallon of water.
  • Nolvasan® (chlorhexidine diacetate 2%) mixed at 3 fluid oz. per gallon of water.
  • Household bleach (sodium hypochlorite 6%) mixed at ¾ cup per gallon of water.

    Disclaimer: Trade names used in this publication do not constitute a guarantee, warranty or endorsement by the Department of the products. The Department bears no responsibility for liability resulting from the use of the described products. These procedures are not guaranteed to prevent this highly contagious virus from affecting your birds. However, they will reduce the risks.

    For more information visit our Web page at www.cdfa.ca.gov or call 1-800-491-1899.

  • General Biosecurity Guidelines
    Importance of Hand Washing
    Disinfectants
    Biosecurity Footbaths


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