Equipment and Vehicles

Introduction

Your farm’s enhanced biosecurity plan will include a “Equipment and Vehicles” section that addresses issues include provisions for procedures for cleaning, disinfection, or restriction of sharing of equipment where applicable.
Before writing this section of your plan, it may be useful to watch the introductory video in the Equipment and Vehicles for general background.

When writing the Equipment and Vehicles section of your plan you may find it useful to read examples extracted from other plans. Click on the items below to view some potential language (written as blue text in boxes) to draw from as you develop your own plan, specific for your own farm. Example text is only a starting point and may not be appropriate for your farm or meet your state’s requirements.

This module will guide you through:

Select a thumbnail to view video >

Reusable Equipment Requirements during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan Activation:

Use of reusable egg flats and racks will be restricted. Premises receiving approval will be allowed the use of reusable flats and racks if the following conditions are met:

- The premises does not receive any nest run eggs from other premises.
- The premises does not ship nest run eggs to other premises (farm or processor processing eggs for other non-associated premises).
- All reusable equipment must be able to be disinfected and not have any wood present.
- All conditions of the product movement permit must be met.

Your premises may be allowed, if there is no risk associated with the use of the equipment, to utilize crates, and transport cages provided they are C&D, verified as being C&D, and returned to the origin premise in a vehicle that has been dedicated to haul equipment only.
Plastic egg flats must be washed and sanitized after each use and will not leave the premises unless granted an exemption.
There must be a documented procedure outlining the chain of custody to ensure reusable equipment is returned to the farm of origin.
Use of disposable egg flats are preferred and use of reusable egg flats may be banned by the IMT during an outbreak. If disposable equipment is used please describe your disposal procedures in the disposable equipment section, if reusable equipment is used please address proper procedure for C&D and chain of custody.

Check if the premises be using any of the following REUSABLE EQUIPMENT during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

Reusable Egg Flats

Egg Racks

Other Reusable Equipment

No Reusable Equipment

If other, please list what other REUSABLE EQUIPMENT the premises will use during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

The only reusable equipment used by this company will be Reusable Egg Flats, Reusable Plastic Pallets and Reusable Bird Transport Crates (or cages or other animal transport modules) which are necessary to transport live birds.

If using REUSABLE EGG FLATS during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation, are they washed and sanitized after each use and returned to farm of origin?

Yes

Not Applicable

If “No”, explain the premises plan for mitigating the risk of disease spread during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

Not applicable.

Provide the procedures (SOP) for the C&D of REUSABLE EGG FLATS used during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

The reusable egg racks will be C&D’d by the egg processor prior to returning them to the farm. The SOP used by the egg processor will be approved by CDFA as part of their California SFS plan. A copy of that plat will be available at the processing plant.
In order to help ensure that only reusable egg flats coming from our facility are returned to our facility, the processing facility has designated different color plastic reusable egg flats for each producer/supplier. Our company’s color is fire-engine red. We will allow only red plastic egg flats to be returned to the facility.
The date on the wash tags and documentation accompanying the racks will not exceed 24 hours.

If using EGG RACKS during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation, are they free of any wood, washed and sanitized after each use, and returned to farm of origin?

Yes

Not Applicable

If “No”, explain the premises plan for mitigating the risk of disease spread during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

Not Applicable

Provide the procedures (SOP) for the C&D of EGG RACKS during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

Not Applicable. Reusable Egg Racks / Cartons: will not be permitted. For retail applications only egg containers made of disposable materials (i.e. cardboard, fiber, waxed cardboard) will be used.

Will the premises utilize PLASTIC PALLETS during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation?

Yes

If no, explain what will be used during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

Not Applicable

Provide the procedure (SOP) for the C&D of PLASTIC PALLETS during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

The reusable pallets will be C&D’d by the egg processor prior to returning to the farm. The SOP used by the egg processor will be approved by CDFA as part of their California SFS plan. A copy of that plan will be available at the processing plant.
In order to help ensure that only reusable pallets coming from our facility are returned to our facility, the processing facility has designated different color plastic reusable pallets for each producer/supplier. Our company’s color is fire engine red. We will allow only red plastic reusable pallets to be returned to the facility.
The date on the wash tags and documentation accompanying the pallets will not exceed 24 hours.

Provide the procedures (SOP) for the C&D of any OTHER REUSABLE EQUIPMENT listed above during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

The only reusable equipment used by this company will be Reusable Egg Flats, Reusable Plastic Pallets and Reusable Bird Transport Crates, cages or other animal modules are necessary to transport live birds. The biosecurity procedures for Egg Flats, Reusable Plastic Pallets are described above. This includes use of a designated color (red) for plastic reusable flats and pallets and documentation will accompany flats, pallets and crates and will not exceed 24 hours from the time they are Cleaned and Disinfected.

Provide the procedures (SOP) to maintain the CHAIN OF CUSTODY of any and all reusable equipment to ensure the equipment is returned to the farm of origin during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

The only reusable equipment used by this company will be Reusable Egg Flats, Reusable Plastic Pallets and Reusable Bird Transport Crates, cages or other animal modules are necessary to transport live birds. The procedures to maintain chain of custody of Egg Flats, Reusable Plastic Pallets is described above. This includes use of a designated color (red) for plastic reusable flats and pallets and documentation will accompany flats, pallets and crates and will not exceed 24 hours from the time they are Cleaned and Disinfected.

Disposable Equipment Requirements during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan Activation:

Use of disposable egg flats are preferred and use of reusable egg flats may be banned by IMT during an outbreak.
Deliveries of disposable equipment must take place in accordance with approved biosecurity protocols.
Disposable equipment must be stored in a clean location and may not be shared with any other premises.
Once disposable equipment contacts poultry or poultry products, it cannot be re-used or placed back into inventory.
Fiber egg flats must be destroyed after first use.
Wood pallets are a disposable equipment and may not be reused during activation of the Enhanced Biosecurity Plan.

Will the premises be using disposable equipment during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation?

Yes

If “Yes”, list all disposable equipment (egg packaging materials, sampling supplies, or PPE) your premises will utilize during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

Disposable equipment is listed in the Disposal Plan Section. The items include disposable PPE, sampling supplies, pallet plastic wrap, disinfection chemicals, disposal bags.

Describe how the disposable equipment will be DELIVERED during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

Disposable equipment is listed in the Disposal Plan Section.
Deliveries of disposable equipment will be made to the non-essential delivery area of the premises.
Once the disposable equipment has come into contact with poultry or poultry products, it will not be re-used or placed back into inventory.
Disposable equipment will remain on the premises and will not be shared with any other premises.

Describe how and where the disposable equipment will be STORED during enhance biosecurity plan activation:

Disposable equipment will be stored in the storage warehouse (see biosecurity map) until needed and distributed to appropriate area.

If using FIBER EGG FLATS, are they destroyed after the first use?

Yes

Not Applicable

If “No”, explain what happens to them and the plan for mitigating disease spread during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

Not Applicable

Describe how the disposable equipment will be DISPOSED of during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

Disposal of Disposable equipment is described in the Disposal Plan Section.

Used disposable PPE will be discarded into lined, lidded plastic trash bins located at perimeter access points/internal LOS access points.
Disposable equipment and sampling supplies will be discarded into lined, lidded plastic trash bins located away from animal housing areas.
All waste materials will be double-bagged and sealed prior to placement in the garbage dumpster.
The trash dumpster is located outside the perimeter. (See biosecurity map)
Disposal containers will not leave the premises.

The premises has the ability to store disposed items for a minimum of 72 hours in the case of movement delays and can store high-risk materials (not including dead animals) for an indefinite number of days and dead animals (daily mortality) will be composted on site.

Sharing of Equipment and Supplies Requirements:

The sharing of equipment and supplies located within the premises perimeter with other premises will be prohibited in most circumstances. However, the IMT may consider sharing some equipment with strict C&D procedures and a risk mitigation plan in place.
Movement of equipment will require a Product Movement Permit and an activated and verified Enhanced Biosecurity Plan.
Bulk supply orders may be allowed and distributed under certain conditions. The shipment must be delivered to each premises.
Affected premises, contact premises, or suspect premises will be prohibited from participation in multiple premises orders.
Deliveries will be made to the premises designated non-essential delivery area.

Will the premises be sharing equipment?

Yes

If “Yes”, list all equipment shared with other premises during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

Not Applicable

List all premises sharing equipment and supplies with this premises; indicate what equipment or supply is shared during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

Premises Name	Premises Type	NPIN	Address	Phone Number

Provide the C&D procedures (SOP) for all equipment that is shared between premises during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

Not Applicable

Essential Pickups and Delivery Requirements during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

Upon the activation of the Enhanced Biosecurity Plan, your premises will:

Only allow essential pick-ups/deliveries through the PBA Access Point after thorough C&D.
Clearly post signage indicating driver must contact Biosecurity Manager or Designee for approval of entrance.
The Biosecurity Manager or Designee must:
Perform or observe C&D of the vehicle upon entrance and exit.
Instruct the hauler on hauler and visitor biosecurity protocols.

Provide your procedures (SOP) for essential deliveries and pickups during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

Essential pick-ups and deliveries for this farm are:

Feed Deliveries in
Ship eggs to the processing facility
Receive replacements from Pullet Ranch
Spent Hens to Renderer
Manure Pickup

In order to achieve movement objectives above, this company will take the following steps to address biosecurity concerns for transportation into and out of the control zone: There is no processing equipment on site, all eggs are shipped out daily for processing, all trucks carrying eggs will be C&Ded before entering and upon leaving. Disposable egg packing material will be employed and daily mortality will be composted on site. The premises has the ability to compost on site indefinitely. The composting site is outside of the premises perimeter, is owned by the company and it is separated from the surrounding area by barbed wire fencing.

Hauler: General

Haulers who enter the perimeter on foot will be in compliance with all biosecurity protocols established for visitors described above in “Visitors” section.
Vehicles coming onto the premises by haulers that are being used to deliver shipment or performing critical tasks (service vehicles, inspector’s vehicles, veterinary trucks, and delivery trucks) will be cleaned and disinfected before entry.
Haulers bringing shipments onto the premises that do not leave the cab of their cleaned and disinfected vehicles will not be required to change into farm-specific PPE.
Haulers for both incoming and outgoing loads will stop at either the front office or in the designated employee/visitor parking area outside of the perimeter to ensure they possess a valid Product Movement Permit for the products they are transporting.
Pick-ups and deliveries within a Control Area will be allowed only with vehicles that have been cleaned and disinfected.
Employee and visitor vehicles that have NOT been cleaned and disinfected will not enter the operation and will be parked in the designated employee/visitor parking area.

Haulers of essential deliveries and pickups will be directed as follows:

Feed delivery haulers who will travel to the front gate the C&D station for C&D before entry.
Pullet haulers who will travel to the front gate the C&D station for C&D before entry.
Egg haulers who will travel to the front gate the C&D station for C&D before entry.
Spent hen haulers who will to the front gate the C&D station for C&D before entry.
Mortality haulers who will travel to the mortality bin on the outside of the perimeter where they will pick up mortalities that have been dumped over the fence into the bin.

Does your premises have signage posted directing haulers to contact management upon arrival during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation?

Yes

If “No”, explain how haulers will alert management to their arrival at the premises during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

Not applicable. Signage is posted directing haulers during working hours the front desk who will notify the manager on duty. An emergency number is also provided which allows haulers to contact the premises manager on duty during nights, weekends and holidays.

Upon activation of the Enhanced Biosecurity Plan, movement goals for essential pickups and deliveries must be adjusted to avoid transfer of disease among facilities. Please complete the following table.

List the ESSENTIAL DELIVERY ITEMS from highest priority to lowest priority below:

Priority Rank	Material (i.e. Feed, eggs, reusable equipment/pallets,Live birds, etc.)	Sender name, address, and contact information
1
2
3
4
5

List the ESSENTIAL PICK-UP ITEMS from highest priority to lowest priority below:

Priority Rank	Material (i.e. Feed, eggs, reusable equipment/pallets,Live birds, etc.)	Sender name, address, and contact information
1
2
3
4
5

Non-Essential Delivery Requirements during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

Designate a non-essential pick-up and delivery area that is located outside of the PBA.
Clearly post signage designating the location for non-essential pick-up and delivery.
Clearly post signage indicating driver must contact Biosecurity Manager or Designee upon delivery with appropriate phone numbers.
All deliveries to the non-essential delivery area should be C&D before being moved into the perimeter buffer area when applicable.

Describe the location of the non-essential delivery area used during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

Does the non-essential delivery area have signage to direct haulers to the correct location during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

Yes

If “No”, explain how haulers will know where to take the non-essential items during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

Not applicable. Non-essential deliveries are received outside the north (main) entrance to the ranch. Signage is posted directing haulers during working hours the front desk who will notify the manager on duty. An emergency number is also provided which allows haulers to contact the premises manager on duty during nights, weekends and holidays. Haulers of non-essential deliveries are instructed to wait in the designated parking area where they will be meet by a company employee.

Provide the procedure (SOP) for the C&D of the non-essential delivery items before they are moved into the PBA during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

Not applicable. Non-essential deliveries such as office supplies, replacement PPE, etc. are not manufactured in areas where animals exist and will not be C&Ded.

Vehicle and Equipment C&D Requirements during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

Upon the activation of the Enhanced Biosecurity Plan, your premises will:

Ensure that all vehicles and equipment entering and leaving the premises or crossing the PBA will go through cleaning and disinfection (C&D) to include cargo exterior, wheel wells, undercarriage and tires.
Vehicles with obvious contamination will be denied entry.
Ensure that farm management and/or the Biosecurity Manager or Designee verifies that adequate C&D has been performed by premises personnel, adequate PPE and PPE changes have been used, and all log in procedures have been followed prior to allowing access onto the premises.

What is the type of vehicle C&D station located at the PBA Access Point during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation?

Manual

Automated

Shared Offsite

Describe the LOCATION of all vehicle C&D stations used during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation. Include the type of vehicle wash station at each location:

There is an operational, clearly marked and equipped C&D station located at the main entrance to the farm. The station is labeled on the premises map. This is the only C&D station which the facility will use during activation of the farm’s enhanced biosecurity plan.

Provide your premises procedure (SOP) for the SETUP of all vehicle C&D Stations during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

Location and Construction Specifications: The C&D station will be placed directly outside each of the Vehicle Access Points (currently only one site at the main gate), in a leveled pull-out. It will consist of a wash pad with a water valve, hose, pressure washer/proportioner, and spray nozzle. The wash pad will be constructed to withstand the weight of the vehicles, with an area twice the size of the largest anticipated vehicle. The following standards will be met:

The wash pad of the vehicle C&D station will consist of a well-drained gravel surface sloping away from the farm buildings.
The station will be free of manure, and other contaminants.
Wastewater from the C&D station will be minimal, so no special containment systems will be necessary.
Wastewater will not be allowed to drain into “clean” uncontaminated areas.
Signage identifying the Vehicle C&D station and directions for the vehicle drivers will be posted near the wash station

Describe all vehicle C&D WASH PAD SURFACE types used during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

The wash pad for the C&D station is made of gravel and slopes AWAY from animal housing, feed receiving or storage areas, waterways, and on-farm traffic areas. If this proves inadequate the operation may use berms to manage effluent from the C&D area to ensure susceptible animals are not exposed. This is not anticipated. Effluent from the C&D Station is managed following all state and local regulations This operation will use Virocid according to the manufacturer’s label directions, or another EPA approved disinfectant as instructed by IMT.

List all EQUIPMENT kept and maintained at the vehicle C&D station during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation. (PPE, brushes, hoses, buckets, power washer, proportioner valve, pump sprayer disinfectant)

Management will ensure the available and can last seven (7) days, are stored out of the elements and are refilled when low. Management will maintain a supply inventory log and a written plan for restocking supplies, including names addresses and other contact information for suppliers and the means by which supplies will be delivered to the company or hauler/driver in a timely manner.

PPE that remains at the C&D station:
heavy rubber gloves
rubber boots
goggles
reusable rain suits.
Plastic garbage bags for disposal of any used, disposable PPE
Pressure washer with integral proportioner for disinfectant.
Disinfectant (with the kit to check concentration)
Water
Buckets
Long handled brushes

Provide the procedure (SOP) for checking the concentration of the disinfectant used during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

An employee will check the concentration of the disinfectant before every vehicle C&D application using the manufacturer’s test kit which it is provided. Direction on the kit will be followed.

Provide the procedure (SOP) for checking the concentration of the disinfectant used during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

Yes

If “No”, explain how management will ensure the disinfectant is maintained at the appropriate concentration during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

Not applicable.

Describe the location of the vehicle C&D maintenance log during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

The C&D maintenance log will be kept in a water proof container at the single C&D station. When a sheet is filled it will be transferred to the front office for long term record storage. If because of supply chain issues and high demand test kits become unavailable the fall back option will be to mix the disinfectant daily in the correct portions. If because of supply chain issues and high demand the usual disinfected becomes unavailable the farm will switch to using sodium hypochlorite pool cleaner and use pool testing kits.

Provide the procedure (SOP) for vehicle and equipment C&D during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

Preparation for Vehicle Arrival:

The premises uses proportioner sprayer according to the manufacturer directions. One gallon of disinfectant will cover approximately 100-150 square feet.
Employees will wear appropriate protective clothing when mixing up a solution.
Check the concentration of the disinfectant before every vehicle C&D application using the manufacturer’s test kit which it is provided.
We discard any mixed solution not used within 24 hours or per manufacturers guidance.

Inspecting and Cleaning Vehicle Wheel Wells/Tires/Undercarriage:

Wash pad preparation: Sweep/scrape the wash pad surface to remove mud/manure before the vehicle enters
Record vehicle entry details on log sheet: Origin of the vehicle, driver name, contact number vehicle identification, previous and next stop (name and location)
Dry clean the vehicle undercarriage: Use brooms, shovels, manure forks, brushes or scrapers to remove all visible organic material from vehicle exteriors
Wash & Rinse:
Using the water hose and attached proportioner, thoroughly spray the lower vehicle surfaces, focusing on the tires, wheel wells, undercarriage, mud flaps, splash guards, and steps.
If necessary, use scrubbing and scraping to remove oils, grease or exudates.
Areas and items with organic materials adhered may need pre-soaking.
Allow vehicle to sit 5-10 minutes to drip off residual water.

Vehicles Exiting Operation:

Repeat the above vehicle C&D procedure at the exit.

Are there DEDICATED PERSONNEL for the vehicle C&D stations during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation?

Yes

Not Applicable

If there are not dedicated personnel, Provide the procedure (SOP) detailing how personnel will move to/from the C&D station to animal area(s) without spreading contamination (i.e. use and cleaning of PPE and cleaning and hygiene of personnel) during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

Employees will wear appropriate protective clothing which is specific for the C&D station. This includes heavy rubber gloves, rubber boots, goggles, reusable rubber/plastic/vinyl rain suits.
After completion of the vehicle C&D, employees will use the pressure washer with disinfectant to C&D the station-specific PPE while they are wearing it.

The pressure washed and disinfected station-specific PPE will be left at the C&D station where is hung to dry. This includes the station-specific, rubber gloves, rubber boots, goggles, and reusable rubber/plastic/vinyl rain suits.

Before going to any other areas on the farm, in particular animal areas, employees will proceed to the changing area where they will change into freshly laundered cloth coveralls, wash their hands and use the footwear disinfection station to C&D their usual rubber boots.

Shared Wash Station Requirements during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

Upon the activation of the Enhanced Biosecurity Plan:

Conditions for approving a shared wash station will remain the same. However, in some circumstances the IMT may require changes.
All premises participating in a shared wash station could be treated as single premises.

Will your premises participate in a SHARED WASH STATION?

Yes

If “No”, then add “Not Applicable” below.

If “Yes”, then complete all sections for the shared vehicle C&D station.

Provide the Enhanced Biosecurity Plan procedures (SOP) to ensure contamination will not spread to participating members of the shared wash station during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

Not Applicable

List all premises participating in a shared wash station:

Premises Name	Premises Type	NPIN	Address	Phone Number

Traffic Patterns Requirements:

Traffic patterns for vehicles entering the premises or entering the PBA should be established to minimize cross contamination.

Describe the traffic flow to ensure separation of clean and dirty vehicles during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

All vehicles entering and leaving the premises or crossing the Perimeter will go through C&D to include cargo exterior, wheel wells, and tires; otherwise entry is prohibited.
The traffic flow of all vehicles is displayed in the premises enhanced biosecurity map.
These traffic patterns were selected to minimize cross contamination during an outbreak
Single farm delivery feed trucks enter the premises once every nine days. Before crossing the access point gate they are fully disinfected using the C&D station. From the access point gate they drive forward to the end of the property where silos are located. To exit the farm they use the same route on reverse. Tires are disinfected again while crossing the access point gate.
Manure is removed twice a year. A single collection point is located next to the western side of the property. Vehicles gain access to the area through the entry gate and C&D station

Provide the premises procedure (SOP) detailing how roads and pathways inside the premises perimeter will be decontaminated after high-risk vehicles (manure/render hauling) leave your premises during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

In the unlikely event that a road and pathways inside the premises perimeter becomes contaminated with material spilled from a high-risk vehicle (manure, mortality trucks) the excess material will be scraped up with the facility-specific Bob Cat front end loader and delivered to the compost pile. The front-end loader will be Cleaned and Disinfected at the main gate C&D station. A solution of sodium hypochlorite bleach will be sprayed over the spill area.

Information Transfer Requirements during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan Activation:

Upon the activation of the Enhanced Biosecurity Plan, your premises will:

Use electronic transfer of information via email, camera images, etc. for the documentation of all movements whenever possible.
Implement a biosecure method of transfer if hard-copy paperwork transfer is required.
Retain all Enhanced Biosecurity Plan related paperwork for a minimum of three years.

Provide the premises enhanced biosecurity procedures (SOP) for paperwork and information transfer during Enhanced Biosecurity Plan activation:

Due to the biosecurity risks associated with paperwork transfer, electronic transfer of information via email, camera images, etc. will be used for the documentation of all movements whenever possible. When hard copy paperwork is unavoidable, it will be delivered directly to the front office.