AAEP BIOSECURITY GUIDELINES


contact occurs. Restrict individuals from tying equids to fencing outside the arenas or stabling areas, since fencing can be contaminated by secretions of an infected equid. Indoor arenas and indoor stabling can potentially increase the risk of aerosol spread. Indoor arenas may be closed, and individuals required to utilize outdoor arenas if aerosol pathogen spread is suspected.


v. During an infectious disease outbreak, only the owner or designated personnel should handle equids on the premises. Limit the sharing of personnel between barns or trainers. Supply additional hand washing stations and signage during the outbreak to enable equid handlers to perform proper hand sanitation after handling each equid.


vi. Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the premises at the beginning of an infectious disease outbreak can significantly reduce the potential for disease agent spread. Start with the removal of all manure, soiled bedding and uneaten feed, then remove residual organic matter by washing all surfaces with soap and water before the application of a disinfectant. To limit vehicle traffic on and off the premises, consider ordering bulk disinfectant supplies for delivery to a designated bio- secure area on the grounds.


vii. Sunlight inactivates/kills many pathogens. After cleaning and disinfecting buckets, tack, and equipment allow them to dry in the sunlight if possible. After cleaning and disinfection for some pathogens, like Salmonella, it may be necessary to obtain test swabs of the environment to determine elimination of the organism.


viii. Request that individuals clean and disinfect their equipment, trailer and vehicle before leaving the grounds.


ix. The plan should include feed store contact information to re-arrange for feed and bedding delivery. Delivery protocols to clean and disinfect trucks upon entry and exit may be warranted. Vendor personnel may also request to use disposable coveralls and disposable footwear covers when delivering supplies (i.e., grain, hay, supplements, bedding). Management should assess the potential feed and bedding needs on the premises and consider necessary arrangements for a single delivery to a designated area. To minimize disease spread on the grounds, designate personnel to be responsible for the delivery of the feed to the barns. Deliveries should be first to low risk/healthy equids, then exposed equids and lastly to clinical equids.


x. All shared facilities/equipment (e.g. detention barn stalls, receiving barn stalls, starting gate, equine ambulance) should be cleaned and disinfected after each use.


xi. Horse trailers and vans should be routinely cleaned and disinfected after each use, but especially after being used to transport ill or potentially ill animals.


e. Communication i. Clear and concise signage and messaging to all on the grounds is essential. During an infectious disease outbreak, there is limited time to develop adequate signage, so developing critical messaging before an outbreak and having clear attention-getting signs available for use in an


14  Copyright AAEP – Revised 2017


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