In poultry production, maintaining strong biosecurity protocols in hatcheries is essential. Even with limited resources, applying core biosecurity principles can help reduce the presence and spread of microorganisms.
Hatcheries are particularly vulnerable to contamination from bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Eggs arriving from farms are a primary source of contamination, in addition to incubator conditions that are warm and moist which promote the growth of microbes. A regular cleaning and disinfection schedule is key to maintaining a sanitary environment.
In hatcheries, three fundamental components form the basis of any biosecurity program: segregation and movement control, cleaning, and disinfection.
Segregation and Movement Control
Segregation is the first line of defense. Controlling the movement of people, vehicles, animals, and materials helps reduce cross-contamination.
Best practices to minimize movement include:
- Installing fencing and secure access gates
- Restricting access to essential personnel only
- Minimizing or eliminating visitors and unregulated deliveries
Pets should never be allowed inside, and a pest control program should be in place to deter rodents and insects. Internal movement of tools, eggs, and chicks should also follow defined routes and hygiene protocols.
Cleaning
While often underestimated, cleaning plays a vital role in reducing organic matter, which helps prepare the surface for disinfection. An example of a cleaning process includes:
- Dry Cleaning: Remove chick fluff, eggshells, and dust from all surfaces, starting from the top and working downward to prevent recontamination.
- Wet Cleaning: Use warm water, detergents, and high-pressure washing to eliminate finer residues, grease, and fats. Always work top to bottom, back to front.
- Rinsing: After recommended contact time, rinse surfaces thoroughly with clean water to remove residues.
Disinfection
Disinfectant application can be impacted by organic matter, so pre-cleaning is critical and necessary. Once a surface is pre-cleaned, disinfectants are employed to reduce pathogen load on hard, non-porous surfaces. Always follow manufacturer instructions regarding dilution, contact time, and application method.
Common Pathogen Entry Points
Hatcheries face microbial risks from both vertical transmission (from breeder flocks) and horizontal transmission (within the facility). Common pathogens include Salmonella, Mycoplasma, E. coli, Pseudomonas, and Staphylococcus, as well as molds and viruses.
Contaminated eggs, improperly cleaned equipment, poor storage practices, and poor ventilation systems are potential entry routes.
People are a major risk factor. Staff and visitors who don’t follow hygiene protocols, such as handwashing, changing footwear, and or wearing protective clothing can introduce pathogens into sensitive areas.
Benefits of Proper Biosecurity Practices
Maintaining a clean environment is critical in hatcheries, where the health of day-old chicks is highly susceptible to microbial exposure. When biosecurity measures are applied consistently, the benefits are clear: pathogen levels are reduced within the hatchery, cross-contamination between clean zones (like egg storage and incubators) and dirty zones (such as hatching and chick delivery areas) is reduced. Glutex® GQ1 Sanitizer and Disinfectant supports these goals by providing a cleaner and disinfectant solution designed to meet the needs and demands of the hatchery US market.
Key Benefits of Glutex® GQ1 Sanitizer and Disinfectant for hatchery use:
- Formulated and manufactured in the USA
- Blend of glutaraldehyde and quaternary ammonium salt compound to provide efficacy against prevalent poultry pathogens of concern. * See label for full list of pathogens and use-directions.
- Concentrated liquid formulation makes product dilution simple and easy.
- Suitable for use on a wide variety of surfaces including stainless steel, aluminum, painted concrete, plastic and glazed tile.
- No tacky residue left on treated surfaces.
- The diluted solution is suitable for fogging onto hard, non-porous surfaces for cleaning purposes. * See label for detailed instructions on this application use.
Choosing Glutex® GQ1 Sanitizer and Disinfectant means choosing reliability and peace of mind. Backed by scientific testing and regulatory validation, it helps hatchery managers uphold the highest standards of hygiene and biosecurity.
Gisele Mouro Ravagnani
_______________________________________________
DVM, MSc, PhD
Technical Marketing Manager – North America
gisele.mouroravagnani@lanxess.com
Phone number: 302 518 4786
