Pig Footbaths
Good hygiene routines are essential for ensuring healthy stock. Footbaths can help prevent contamination between buildings. They also serve as a constant reminder of the need for proper hygiene. If not properly prepared and maintained they are not only ineffective but also act as a source of further contamination while providing a false sense of security. Consider the following when preparing and maintaining footbaths:
- The footbath should be long enough and wide enough so that people are forced to walk through it.
- The design should facilitate easy drainage and cleaning.
- The depth should be at least 100mm (4 inches)
- It should be protected from weather (freezing, flooding).
- Replace the disinfectant regularly (every 1 to 2 days).
- Clean footwear is more effectively disinfected than dirty, mud/manure covered footwear. Provide adequate facilities (water and brush) to easily and thoroughly pre-clean footwear.
- Erect notices encouraging the use of the footbath and instruct staff as to the importance of doing so.
