Deadstock transporters have a crucial role in preventing or reducing the spread of diseases during collection and transportation. Diseases in livestock and poultry can lead to animal health, human health, and economic consequences. This fact sheet highlights key biosecurity measures to contain deadstock and to prevent transmission or spread of diseases during transportation.
What is biosecurity?
Biosecurity is a set of measures used to reduce the chance of the introduction and spread of disease-causing organism and pests. Animals can remain infectious long after they have died. Deadstock, their bodily fluids, and secretions can transmit and spread infection to live animals, and it is recommended that they be contained, transported, and disposed of securely.
Why is biosecurity important?
Deadstock transporters usually collect deadstock from several locations in a single transportation event (for example: multiple farms, slaughter operations, salvaging facility, or other approved provincial or municipal collection sites). These transportation events provide an opportunity to spread infectious diseases between different locations and may cause significant financial losses to the producers, industry and government.
Who is responsible for biosecurity?
Owners, caretakers, transporters and everyone else involved in the handling and transportation of deadstock are responsible for mitigating biosecurity risks. It is recommended that biosecurity measures be implemented at all times during loading, on the road and during unloading. Always discuss biosecurity with the deadstock owners or collection sites before transportation.
Biosecurity Recommendations: Deadstock Collection Sites
Consider all deadstock collection sites as potential sources of infection.
- Plan your transportation event. Acquire information if the animal may have died from an infectious disease. Modify the route or collection procedure to protect other animal production sites.
- Determine and follow biosecurity protocols for the collection sites. Keep deadstock collection vehicles as far away as possible from other livestock on the premises.
- When accessing sites, avoid muddy or manure contaminated pathways. Access pathways used to collect deadstock should be separate from those used by farm workers.
- Follow federal, provincial, and municipal requirements for deadstock removal.
- Remove deadstock as soon as possible, before the carcasses reach an advanced state of decomposition.
- Educate and inform owners of deadstock regarding steps to reduce biosecurity risks associated with deadstock removal and pick-up. Provide the fact sheet containing biosecurity recommendations for on-farm management of deadstock. This is available on the CFIA website at Inspection.gc.ca and Canadian Animal Health Coalition website at Animalhealth.ca.
Biosecurity Recommendations: Deadstock Transporters
Transport unit and collection container design
- Power unit, trailers, containers and equipment are constructed of materials and designed in a manner that allows repeated cleaning and disinfection.
- Containers and trailers are leak-proof and spill-proof.
- Trailers and containers are closed or covered to prevent access by scavengers.
Use clean and disinfected trailers
Dirty trailers can spread disease. To reduce this risk:
- Clean and disinfect trailers between transportation events. If possible, clean and disinfect at the destination site.
- Use effective and compatible cleaning (detergents, degreasers) and disinfection products; consult specialists as needed. Follow manufacturer’s recommended water temperature, concentration and contact time. Ensure that trailer surfaces are visually clean and free of all organic matter before applying a disinfectant.
- If there is contamination to the exterior of the transport unit while loading or transporting deadstock, it is recommended that the deadstock transporter move the transport unit away from the production site or any pathway leading to the production site and clean and disinfect the affected part of the transport unit.
Minimize stops on the road
It is recommended that the stops be minimized and avoided when possible due to the high risk associated with transporting deadstock and rendering materials.
- If it is necessary to stop, park as far away as possible from live animal transport units.
- Whenever possible, avoid parking on gravel or loose surfaces. Park on a hard surface that can be decontaminated if leakage of fluids occurs.
- Maintain spill kit and contact information for emergencies during the transportation event.
People and equipment
People and equipment that have come into contact with deadstock or its environment can pose a risk of spreading disease. To minimize this risk:
- Use designated equipment (e.g. shovels, chains, bins) for the transportation event. Clean and disinfect equipment after use.
- If the transporter is involved in handling of deadstock, it is recommended that they wear disposable personal protective clothing, gloves, and boots.
- Always clean and sanitize hands before and after contact with the deadstock, live animals or equipment.
- Discourage people not involved with the transportation event from coming into contact with the shipment, equipment, and trailer.
- Keep the truck cab clean to prevent cross-contamination between transportation events. For example, remove dirty coveralls and footwear before entering the cab.
For more information, visit the biosecurity standard for livestock, poultry and deadstock transportation on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website at Inspection.gc.ca and Canadian Animal Health Coalition website at Animalhealth.ca.