PhD, DVM, Technical Marketing Manager NA – LANXESS Biosecurity Solutions
Gisele.mouroravagnani@lanxess.com
Swine transportation is a crucial part of the pork production chain all over the US, connecting breeding farms, finishing units, and swine processing plants. However, during herd transportation, equipment and vehicles are at risk of contamination by: Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) and Porcine Reproductive Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PR RSV). When trailers used for transporting pigs are not properly cleaned and disinfected, they can act as vectors for pathogen transmission, exacerbating outbreaks and threatening herd health.
Transportation trailers are frequently contaminated by feces, secretions, and other waste from pigs. These residues can harbor a large number of pathogens that may survive on hard, non-porous surfaces for extended periods, depending on environmental conditions. Cleaning and disinfecting the trailers are essential steps to reduce pathogen load and address cross-contamination between herds.
Biosecurity in swine transport involves implementing strict cleaning and disinfection protocols that must be followed to ensure that trailers do not become contamination hotspots. Recommended practices include:
- Initial Cleaning: Remove all organic material (feces, urine, feed, bedding, etc.) from inside the trailer using high-pressure water jets and a suitable cleaner. Special attention should be paid to “hard to reach” sites, such as corners of trailers, gate hinges/latches, etc., where this material could be harbored.
- Disinfection: Once the vehicles are clean and dry, an EPA-registered disinfectant should be applied to the vehicle following manufacturer’s recommended concentration, contact time and method of application.
- Complete Drying: Drying the trailer is a critical step to prevent microorganism survival, especially under humid conditions.
When biosecurity practices are not properly followed, the risk of pathogen spread increases. For instance, improper treatment of trailers can transport pathogens from one farm to another, leading to spread in new areas. The absence of effective cleaning and disinfecting protocols can result in significant outbreaks, affecting swine health and leading to financial losses due to lower productivity and higher veterinary treatment costs.
If we look back to April 201 3, initial clinical cases of Porcine Epidemic Oiarrhea Virus (PEDV) were detected in Indiana and Iowa. The virus spread rapidly across large geographic regions; 218 cases of infection were identified in 1 6 states during the first 9 weeks of the outbreak. The virus was found in 5.2% of trailers not contaminated at arrival, suggesting that the transport process is a source of transmission if adequate hygiene measures are not implemented.
In the United States, a group of pigs are typically transported to market over several weeks, creating the opportunity for pigs remaining at the farm to become infected after the first loads are removed from the barn. The pigs remaining in the group are then subject to production losses and become a potential source of virus for other swine farms.
Previous research has demonstrated that livestock trailers are frequently contaminated after transporting pigs to a swine processing plant. While some transporters practice cleaning and disinfecting of trailers on an occasional basis, the risk of cross-contamination cannot be fully addressed if trailers are not treated between every load of market pigs. When livestock trailers return from a swine processing plant and enter growing pig sites to load market pigs, the risk of pathogen introduction is high.
Biosecurity practices in swine transport are essential aspects of reducing pathogen spread and cross-contamination. Adopting rigorous practices is crucial to ensure trailers do not act as vehicles for pathogen transmission. The industry must continue investing in technologies and protocols to reduce risks and ensure the sector’s sanitary safety.
Glutex® GQ1 Sanitizer and Disinfectant is a product for producers seeking a trusted, reliable formulation for swine transport trailers.
Glutex® GQ 1 Sanitizer and Disinfectant is EPAregistered for disinfection against the following pathogens: Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus and Porcine Reproductive Respiratory Syndrome Virus. Glutex® GQ 1 Sanitizer and Disinfectant offers disinfection or sanitization on hard, non-porous, non-food contact surfaces, farm, animal, and poultry housing facilities and equipment. For use on: trailers, transportation crates, trucks & vehicles on hard, non-porous surfaces. 1
Key benefits of Glutex® GQ1 Sanitizer and Disinfectant include:
- Glutex® GQ 1 Sanitizer and Disinfectant is suitable for use on a wide variety of surfaces including stainless steel, aluminum, painted concrete, plastic, and glazed tile. Surfaces should be precleaned prior to disinfection.
- Blend of glutaraldehyde and quaternary ammonium salt compound to provide efficacy against prelevant swine pathogens of concern. 1
- Formulated to deliver disinfection at 10 minutes, helping you prepare your trailers for the next transport. 1
Choose Glutex® GQ1 Sanitizer and Disinfectant as your disinfectant product to help reduce the spread of pathogens.
1 Please consult the Glutex® GQ 1 Sanitizer and Disinfectant product container label for a comprehensive list of organisms and directions for use. Not registered for this use in the state of California.
Literature
- Lowe; P. Gauger; K. Harmon; J. Zhang; J. Connor; P. Yeske; T. Lou/a; I. Levis; L. Dufresne ; R. Main. Role of Transportation in Spread of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea. Virus Infection, United States. Emerging Infectious Diseases, vol 20, No.5, 2014.
- Holtkamp. Biosecurity hazards in livestock transport – staged loading and other control measures to address them. 2022 Allen D. Leman Swine Conference Proceedings.
