Building Terminal Biosecurity

Oct 13, 2023

BUILDING TERMINAL BIOSECURITY PROGRAMME

DISEASE PREVENTION IN SIX SIMPLE STAGES

1. REMOVAL OF EQUIPMENT AND DRY CLEANING

The removal of all gross organic matter is essential because debris contains high levels of contamination and is a major source of infection.

2. PRE-CLEANING SURFACES & EQUIPMENT

3. MOVABLE EQUIPMENT & TOOLS

Equipment removed from buildings can carry heavy pathogenic contamination if not thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. This can lead to carry over of infection from one building to another, or could reintroduce infectious organisms back into the building or contaminate food produce being packed.

Pre-cleaning of moveable equipment & tools

Disinfection of moveable equipment & tools

4. WATER DELIVERY & IRRIGATION SYSTEMS DISINFECTION

All water systems can contain some infectious contaminants, especially header tanks where dust and dirt can accumulate.

To combat infectious micro-organisms and break down biofilms and algae that may cause blockages in the water delivery and irrigation system pipes, use Virkon™ H at a dilution of 1:100 (1%) when carrying out the terminal biosecurity program. Add the appropriate amount of Virkon™ H powder to the header tank, then run the solution through the pipes until it fills the entire water delivery / irrigation system. After 4 hours, drain the entire system and then flush through thoroughly with clean water.

At the terminal disinfection stage, biofilm build-up within irrigation lines is a known issue of concern, we recommend a longer contact time to address this challenge.

5. DISINFECTION OF PRE-CLEANED SURFACES

The level of infectious micro-organisms present after precleaning could still be high enough to offer a disease challenge to personnel. The use of a broad spectrum disinfectant active against viruses, bacteria, yeasts, moulds is essential to help break the chain of infection.

6. COLD MISTING & THERMAL FOGGING DISINFECTION

When the depopulated greenhouse or farm building has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, all moveable equipment and tools should be returned. To disinfect inaccessible areas that might have been overlooked, the building should either be aerial misted or thermally fogged.

Cold misting

Use Virkon™ H at a dilution rate of 1:100 (1%) and spray into the apex of the depopulated building using a very fine mist from a suitably pre-set pressure washer or mechanical misting machine.

Thermal fogging

Use Virkon™ H at a dilution rate of 1:25 (4%, dissolved in 90:10 water: Virkon™ Fog Enhancer) and apply using a thermal fogging machine.

Fogging with Virkon™ H is safer and more effective than traditional methods with aldehydes for personnel, as the building can be entered soon after, once mist has fully dispersed, keeping downtime to a minimum.