Depopulation/Repopulation Protocols

Science points -
	Negative stock is commercially available
	The pathogen does not exist naturally in the environment or locally common wild animals
	The pathogen can be eliminated from the contaminated building easily/quickly by routine cleaning
Standard downtimes
		This depends on the diseases to be eliminated. For instance with Brachyspira hyodysenteriae (Swine Dysentery) it should be a minimum of 8 weeks
		For routine restock 6 weeks would be the suggested minimum
Depopulation
		Depopulation means total removal of all pigs and their products from the farm for the downtime period
Depopulation procedures
1		Rodent control should start and be vigorous. Place water near baits to encourage intake
2		Pig Flow – calculate the required pig flow model to allow the farm to legally maximise its output. Aim where possible to achieve all-in/all-out in all parts of the farm, in particular the finishing area. Consider all possibilities including batch farrowing to achieve all-in/all-out
3		Obviously as animals are sold, buildings become empty and they are to be cleaned and repaired as they become empty
4		Run down all stocks of medicines, feed and disposables
5		It will probably be necessary to arrange stockperson schedules to ensure that ‘dirty’ stockpeople do not enter ‘cleaned buildings’
Cleaning protocols
1		Ensure Pressure Washing is carried out adequately
2		But also note in addition:
3		Pay particular attention to the removal of all faecal material. The building should be brushed down thoroughly and then dry cleaned using a knife and scrape to remove all visible faeces. The small amounts should be removed with a dustpan and brush. This has to be very thorough and on your hands and knees
4		Remove dust by vacuuming where possible
5		Areas of particular note – pigs have long tongues
		Under and around gate posts and gates
		Corners at the back of pens
		Around fittings i.e. farrowing crates
		Under drinkers and troughs
		Where cracks and holes exit in the concrete
6		Repair all large cracks and holes in concrete by
		Cleaning out where possible
		Pouring in a suitable disinfectant
		Once dry repair by screeding over with concrete
7		All wooden partitions and removable objects should be soaked in disinfectant for a period of 3 to 5 days using metal baths. Place outside in sunlight to dry
8		Drain and clean the slurry channels and pits. Remove all available faeces. Sometimes this is impractical but it is essential to clean to 30 cm below the removable slats
9		Ideally lime wash all surfaces especially up to 2 metres in height and spray with a disinfectant using a knap sack sprayer into the ceiling and loft areas.
10		Ensure that the water supplies are adequately disinfected
11		Repair all equipment to the necessary standards

Water	Ensure adequate flow is obtainable from all drinkers. This may necessitate replacement of all pipelines. Ensure water pressure adequate around the system
Air	Ensure all ventilation system are thoroughly cleaned. All fans must be checked that they perform as required. Repaint all the blades. Check fan speeds with a tachometer and volt meter
Floor	All floors must be none abrasive. All sharp points are to be removed or covered. Note worn doorways, concrete under water points and around feeders, in particular wet feeding systems. All holes and cracks are to be repaired. Worn rough slats to be repaired or replaced
Feed	Ensure all feeders work as required. All old food needs to be thoroughly removed and sharp edges smoothed. Any holes repaired and if feeder’s leak and cannot be repaired they must be thrown away. Feed is the major cost and any waste should be avoided
Vermin	Bird proof all buildings where possible – future Salmonella controls
Cleaning protocols when farm empty
	Ensure unit perimeter secure
	Finish cleaning the last building
	Dispose of all medicines, needles and syringes. This should include all medicines
	Remove all disposables from the farm, including all feed. Empty all feed hoppers and feed bins. Ideally all feed should have been eaten
Surfaces	Ensure all surfaces are cleaned. This must include the fridge, chemical store, feed stores, changing rooms and staff room
Midden area	Spread all the midden materials and lagoons and slurry store
	The soil within the proximity of the midden area has faeces still remaining from the old unit. Skin off this area to a depth of 80 cm. Spray the soil with a suitable disinfectant and then rescree over the 80 cm of soil
Straw and other bedding	Old straw remaining from the old unit should be moved and disposed off as this can harbour mice/rats from the old unit
Dogs and cats	Discuss dog and cat protocols. Treatment may be required depending on the diseases to be eradicated
Tractors	Ensure all tractors and equipment, in particular muck spreading and bob cats, are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected
	Burn all straw and used bedding
	Dispose of all brushes, shovels and scrapes
	Dispose of all overalls, boots and protective clothing
	Purchase clothing for the new clean unit
Farm clean protocols
1	Pressure wash all buildings
2	Lime wash all buildings
3	Fumigate all buildings
4	Seal all buildings as each building becomes clean
5	Dispose of all clothing, boots and purchase new when whole farm finished
Once whole farm fumigated
1	Restore water supplies and check all drinkers work. Note when water supplies cleaned deposits can block the drinkers
2	Ensure rodent controls are maintained particularly at the perimeter of the farm
New stock introduction and biosecurity protocols
1	The new stock require isolation procedures
2	Note biosecurity requirements these obviously vary depending on the health of the incoming stock.

Timetable for depopulation and repopulation – 1 week batch

Timetable for depopulation and repopulation – 3 week batch

To pathogen elimination