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Biosecurity Measures for Deadstock Transportation

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.

Biosecurity Recommendations: Deadstock Transporters

Transport unit and collection container design

Use clean and disinfected trailers

Dirty trailers can spread disease. To reduce this risk:

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.

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:

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.

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