Effective biosecurity on pig farms is critical. It is the frontline defence against the introduction of pathogens/disease into the farm and then reduces/limits the spread of diseases where they have entered the herd.
Implementing good biosecurity and farm practices can greatly reduce problems with diseases and improve overall herd health, productivity and profitability.
It demands that every staff member understands the benefits of good healthcare management procedures and follows sensible protocols to maintain or improve the biosecurity standards on the farm.
Taking effective precautions is essential, especially when specific diseases are known to exist in the farm’s surrounding area.
Pig herd performance
Research from Teagasc (PathSurv project) showed that mycoplasma hyopneumonia reduced average daily gain by 86g in finishers from weaning to sale, while PRRS was shown to reduce ADG by 31g over the same growth period.
Although this study did not evaluate FCE, which likely represents an even greater cost, these findings highlight the significant economic impact to the farm where these problems existed.
The Interpig figures for 2024 (see Table 1) show similar sale weights of pigs at slaughter for Ireland and Denmark.
Interestingly, the Danes get their pigs to the factory after 134 days in the weaner and finisher sections, compared to 144 days in Ireland. Is this extra 10 days the cost of poorer health management and could it be reduced in Ireland by better biosecurity measures?
Biosecurity can be broken into two main components: external and internal biosecurity.
External biosecurity
This is where measures are taken to reduce the risk of pathogens or disease being introduced on to a farm.
Site: the farm site must be fully secured, with clear, prominent signage at the entrance, warning that access is strictly conditional on adherence to rigorous biosecurity protocols. A robust perimeter fence is essential to safeguard the herd from stray animals and unauthorised human entry. Wherever possible, all feed deliveries, removal of deadstock and slurry collection should be conducted outside the perimeter fence. Additionally, loading pigs for sale should occur at, or as near as possible to, the perimeter fence to minimise any risk of disease introduction from transport vehicles or drivers. These measures are critical in dramatically reducing the threat of new diseases entering the farm through these sources. Visitors: visitors to pig farms – whether veterinarians, contractors, sales agents, or casual guests – pose a significant biosecurity risk, as potential carriers of pathogens that can introduce or spread disease within the herd. Even seemingly low-risk visits can lead to contamination via footwear, clothing, equipment, or vehicles. To mitigate this risk, strict protocols must be enforced for all visitors. This includes mandatory prior notification of visits, requiring visitors to disinfect boots and hands before entering pig areas, and providing farm-specific protective clothing.A robust perimeter fence is essential to safeguard the herd from stray animals and unauthorised human entry. Wherever possible, all feed deliveries, removal of deadstock and slurry collection should be conducted outside the perimeter fence
Access should be limited to essential personnel only, with clearly defined routes that avoid contact with animals whenever possible. Vehicles entering the farm must be cleaned and disinfected, especially tyres and wheel arches.
By controlling and monitoring all external contacts rigorously, farms can significantly reduce the risk of disease introduction and protect the health and productivity of their herds.
Internal biosecurity
This is where measures aim to reduce the spread of pathogens once they are already present on the farm.
Buildings: pig housing must be managed to minimise disease risk. Building design should support strict all-in/all-out pig flow for each production stage, allowing full depopulation and thorough cleaning between groups. Apply hygiene protocols rigorously. All rooms and pens must be pressure-washed with high-quality detergent to remove organic matter, followed by drying, disinfection, and a final drying phase if wet disinfectants are used – key steps to break infection cycles. Keep walkways and passages clean to avoid spreading pathogens via boots or equipment. Staff should follow a clean-to-dirty routine, starting with the youngest pigs and progressing to older stock. This movement pattern reduces disease spread across age groups. Some farms use physical segregation to avoid bringing pathogens back to younger animals.Staff: owners and managers must lead by example by strictly following all farm biosecurity protocols and setting a clear standard for the rest of the team. Staff behaviour plays a critical role in either strengthening or undermining on-farm biosecurity. Remember
Below are some of the more pertinent areas to focus upon:
Staff must have no contact with pigs or pig slurry outside work, including pet pigs or those on other farms.Provide employees with dedicated on-site work clothing and boots. Ensure clean, warm shower facilities with soap, shampoo, and towels to prevent pathogen introduction.Maintain a clean, warm canteen. Staff must wash hands before entry and leave boots outside. Food should remain in the canteen, and all waste must be safely disposed of, preventing pig access.Place handwashing stations at key points around the farm. Encourage disposable glove use, especially in high-risk areas.Depending on farm size and layout, consider assigning staff to specific units (eg farrowing, weaning, finishing) to reduce cross-contamination. If this isn’t practical, using separate boots and clothing for each area may be a useful alternative.While the above points are not an exhaustive list of biosecurity measures for your farm it is essential that you thoroughly evaluate your current practices. This includes close consultation with your private veterinary practitioner and identify areas where critical improvements can be implemented. Even simple, targeted changes can significantly reduce pathogen transmission and drive substantial long-term gains in herd health and performance.
Effective biosecurity on pig farms is critical. It is the frontline defence against the introduction of pathogens/disease into the farm and then reduces/limits the spread of diseases where they have entered the herd.
Implementing good biosecurity and farm practices can greatly reduce problems with diseases and improve overall herd health, productivity and profitability.
It demands that every staff member understands the benefits of good healthcare management procedures and follows sensible protocols to maintain or improve the biosecurity standards on the farm.
Taking effective precautions is essential, especially when specific diseases are known to exist in the farm’s surrounding area.
Pig herd performance
Research from Teagasc (PathSurv project) showed that mycoplasma hyopneumonia reduced average daily gain by 86g in finishers from weaning to sale, while PRRS was shown to reduce ADG by 31g over the same growth period.
Although this study did not evaluate FCE, which likely represents an even greater cost, these findings highlight the significant economic impact to the farm where these problems existed.
The Interpig figures for 2024 (see Table 1) show similar sale weights of pigs at slaughter for Ireland and Denmark.
Interestingly, the Danes get their pigs to the factory after 134 days in the weaner and finisher sections, compared to 144 days in Ireland. Is this extra 10 days the cost of poorer health management and could it be reduced in Ireland by better biosecurity measures?
Biosecurity can be broken into two main components: external and internal biosecurity.
External biosecurity
This is where measures are taken to reduce the risk of pathogens or disease being introduced on to a farm.
Site: the farm site must be fully secured, with clear, prominent signage at the entrance, warning that access is strictly conditional on adherence to rigorous biosecurity protocols. A robust perimeter fence is essential to safeguard the herd from stray animals and unauthorised human entry. Wherever possible, all feed deliveries, removal of deadstock and slurry collection should be conducted outside the perimeter fence. Additionally, loading pigs for sale should occur at, or as near as possible to, the perimeter fence to minimise any risk of disease introduction from transport vehicles or drivers. These measures are critical in dramatically reducing the threat of new diseases entering the farm through these sources. Visitors: visitors to pig farms – whether veterinarians, contractors, sales agents, or casual guests – pose a significant biosecurity risk, as potential carriers of pathogens that can introduce or spread disease within the herd. Even seemingly low-risk visits can lead to contamination via footwear, clothing, equipment, or vehicles. To mitigate this risk, strict protocols must be enforced for all visitors. This includes mandatory prior notification of visits, requiring visitors to disinfect boots and hands before entering pig areas, and providing farm-specific protective clothing.A robust perimeter fence is essential to safeguard the herd from stray animals and unauthorised human entry. Wherever possible, all feed deliveries, removal of deadstock and slurry collection should be conducted outside the perimeter fence
Access should be limited to essential personnel only, with clearly defined routes that avoid contact with animals whenever possible. Vehicles entering the farm must be cleaned and disinfected, especially tyres and wheel arches.
By controlling and monitoring all external contacts rigorously, farms can significantly reduce the risk of disease introduction and protect the health and productivity of their herds.
Internal biosecurity
This is where measures aim to reduce the spread of pathogens once they are already present on the farm.
Buildings: pig housing must be managed to minimise disease risk. Building design should support strict all-in/all-out pig flow for each production stage, allowing full depopulation and thorough cleaning between groups. Apply hygiene protocols rigorously. All rooms and pens must be pressure-washed with high-quality detergent to remove organic matter, followed by drying, disinfection, and a final drying phase if wet disinfectants are used – key steps to break infection cycles. Keep walkways and passages clean to avoid spreading pathogens via boots or equipment. Staff should follow a clean-to-dirty routine, starting with the youngest pigs and progressing to older stock. This movement pattern reduces disease spread across age groups. Some farms use physical segregation to avoid bringing pathogens back to younger animals.Staff: owners and managers must lead by example by strictly following all farm biosecurity protocols and setting a clear standard for the rest of the team. Staff behaviour plays a critical role in either strengthening or undermining on-farm biosecurity. Remember
Below are some of the more pertinent areas to focus upon:
Staff must have no contact with pigs or pig slurry outside work, including pet pigs or those on other farms.Provide employees with dedicated on-site work clothing and boots. Ensure clean, warm shower facilities with soap, shampoo, and towels to prevent pathogen introduction.Maintain a clean, warm canteen. Staff must wash hands before entry and leave boots outside. Food should remain in the canteen, and all waste must be safely disposed of, preventing pig access.Place handwashing stations at key points around the farm. Encourage disposable glove use, especially in high-risk areas.Depending on farm size and layout, consider assigning staff to specific units (eg farrowing, weaning, finishing) to reduce cross-contamination. If this isn’t practical, using separate boots and clothing for each area may be a useful alternative.While the above points are not an exhaustive list of biosecurity measures for your farm it is essential that you thoroughly evaluate your current practices. This includes close consultation with your private veterinary practitioner and identify areas where critical improvements can be implemented. Even simple, targeted changes can significantly reduce pathogen transmission and drive substantial long-term gains in herd health and performance.
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