Submitted By: Ashley Bigge, Ph.D., Penn State Extension Poultry Educator
The success of a commercial poultry farm relies in part on an efficient supply chain. Deliveries and transport vehicles are common, but they can become a biosecurity risk without good planning. Consider your farm’s layout, how vehicles move, how close they get to the farm, and how deliveries are accepted.
For simple deliveries, such as mail and smaller boxes of supplies, consider installing a mailbox or delivery shed at the end of the lane close to the road. This creates a larger buffer zone between the delivery driver and the animals, and also reduces the number of people entering the farm each day.
If the driver must enter the farm, such as for feed delivery or equipment transport, ensure they follow good biosecurity practices for visitors. Provide disinfectant spray for vehicle tires and wheel wells, and require its use before entering the farm. Do not allow dirty trucks to enter. Disinfectants do not work on dirty surfaces. If the driver needs to exit the vehicle, provide boot covers and disinfectant spray for their footwear. Do not allow visitors into poultry spaces unless absolutely necessary.
Signage is important. It should be noticeable, no matter how tall the vehicle is, and easy to read. Use bright colors and large lettering. Include contact information in case the driver has questions or needs further instructions to reach the delivery location. In winter, make sure to clear snow away from signs so they can still be seen.
Managing deliveries like this is a small but effective way to increase biosecurity and reduce the risk of pathogens reaching bird spaces. If you have further questions about this topic, or are a Pennsylvania farmer who needs help writing a biosecurity plan, contact your local Penn State Extension county office and ask for a member of our poultry team.
