A comprehensive biosecurity program should address conceptual, structural, and procedural (operational) components directed at preventing infectious disease transmission within and across farms, companies, facilities, regions, countries, and continents.
Avoidance or segregation is the most effective way to prevent disease transmission. However, given that all movement of animals within or across groups, sites, or borders involves risk of contact, biosecurity measures are needed to decrease unavoidable risk.
Conceptual Biosecurity of Animals
Conceptual biosecurity revolves around the location of animal facilities and their various components. The most effective means of limiting risk is physical isolation, making this a primary consideration when siting new confinement facilities or farms.
Ideally, facilities and farms should not be located in close proximity to other farms or public roads, especially when the area has a high density of animal facilities; however, sufficient spacing is not always possible. They should also not be located next to slaughterhouses, live-animal markets, agricultural fairs, or animal exhibits.
Similar segregation methods include limiting the use of common vehicles and facilities; limiting access by personnel not directly involved with the operation; and controlling the spread of disease by vermin, wild animals, and wind.
Structural Biosecurity of Animals
Structural biosecurity deals with physical factors to prevent disease spread, such as farm layout, perimeter fencing, drainage, number and location of changing rooms, presence of showers, air filtration systems, enclosed load-outs (covered chutes used to safely load livestock onto trailers), and housing design in general.
Long-range planning and programming are important, and on-site movement of vehicles, equipment, and animals; traffic patterns; and feed delivery and storage should be considered.
Procedural (Operational) Biosecurity of Animals
Procedural biosecurity deals with routine procedures for bioexclusion (preventing the introduction of infection) and biocontainment (preventing the spread of infection) within a facility. Such processes and activities should be constantly reviewed as part of a disease control program and quickly adjusted in response to disease emergencies.
Examples of bioexclusion and biocontainment activities include taking a shower or changing out of footwear and personal clothes and into farm-dedicated clothes before entering the farm, washing hands, and disinfecting equipment at the point of entry.
Key Points
Planning, design, and location of a facility are key to preventing disease introduction.
Physical factors of a facility are key components of structural biosecurity.
Protocols, procedures, and activities directed at minimizing disease risks should be reviewed and audited regularly.
For More Information
The Poultry Site, Global Ag Media. US Poultry Industry Manual—Biosecurity. March 23, 2023. Accessed November 14, 2025.
