Biosecure car wheels

[Thomzo]

I'm going to visit a poultry farm in a couple of weeks. They've asked that I make my car wheels 'biosecure'. Can anybody tell me what this means please? Will it be enough to put the car through a car wash and then spray the wheels with Jayes fluid?

Cheers
Zoe

[ellesherwood]

hi there , biosecurity will vary. it can be down the the farms own 'standards' or it can be to defras requirements .

to meet the standards you would need to pressure wash your car . beware that some strong disinfectants can rot rubber over a prolonged period of time . take a brush and a container of water and before you enter the site mix virkon disinfectant to the requiered dilution and scrub your tires and under the wheel arches .


its a bit of an odd request to be honest with you, as normally farms that are concerned about bio hazards will normally provide a drive through mat soaked in disinfectant or scrub your wheels before they let you in . i mean it would be possible for someone to just say have done it and either not do it or not doing to the right level required by the farm . it would seem to be in their own interest for them to ensure that the highest standards are met rather than taxing their visitors with expecting them to do it .

is there a reason that their bio security is so high? if there is any possible infection risk i would ask yourself if you really need to go. if you want to be double sure then i sugest that you contact your local defra agent or trading standards will be able to provide you with the number for your local veterinary officer.

hope this is of some help


ps your local veterinary officer is not the same as a vet , he is a government official vet who will be up to date on infections risks in your area , infections risks on specific farms and also up to date guidelines for appropriate disinfectants . it is also worth checking if the farm you are visiting is trading as organic under the soil association organic status as this again will effect your decision on your choice of disinfectant

[Thomzo]

Thanks
I think I'll call the farm and ask them what they want me to do. My own chickens are in runs in the garden and never go near the car (which can't get into the garden) so I can't see that the risk is very high.

Cheers
Zoe

[ellesherwood]

probably the best bet . assuming you are going for pleasure i hope you have a great visit . all the best