Biosecurity for Pigs with Outdoor Access

Pigs raised with outdoor access are more likely to be exposed to disease than pigs raised indoors, but 

there are simple biosecurity steps you can take to reduce the chance of disease entering your farm or 

spreading on your farm. Biosecurity is best when it becomes a part of your daily routine. 

Keep pigs healthy

Proper care is the foundation for preventing disease. Make sure your pigs have clean water, good food, 

clean bedding, and appropriate vaccinations. Avoid spreading disease by working with young pigs first, 

followed by older pigs, newly purchased/borrowed pigs, and sick pigs last.

Buy or borrow from disease-free herds

Purchase or borrow pigs from herds that test negative for Brucellosis, Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea, and 

Pseudorabies. Isolate all new animals for 30 days. 

Keep it clean 

Keep pig pastures, housing, and your farm clean. Dispose of manure and dead animals properly. Clean 

and disinfect equipment every day or after use.

Keep wildlife and insects under control

Control rodent and insect populations and eliminate standing water so mosquito breeding areas do not 

form. Keep wildlife – and wild pigs – out of your pig areas.

Don’t carry disease home

When you visit a location with other pigs or pig owners, keep any potential germs away from your farm. 

Clean and disinfect your shoes and your vehicle, shower and change your clothes, and avoid parking 

near pig areas. Wait before you work with your pigs – overnight if possible.

Don’t let visitors and workers bring disease to your pigs

Make a visible boundary between “outside” and “inside” your pig area. Allow only people who need to 

enter the pig area inside, and ensure they clean/disinfect shoes in a footbath and wear clean coveralls 

before entering. Keep feed delivery trucks, trucks hauling pigs, garbage trucks, and dead stock haulers 

from crossing the line into the pig area.

Don’t let pigs bring disease home

Isolate all returning pigs for at least 30 days. Use the same isolation methods as used for purchased and 

borrowed animals. Never bring a pig home from a slaughter-only auction or a slaughter facility.

Write a farm biosecurity plan - use it, review it, update it

Write a biosecurity plan for your farm and review it with everyone who works on the farm. Check that 

the plan is working several times a year and update as needed. 

Use the checklist below to evaluate your biosecurity practices. 

Animal and Plant

Health Inspection 

Service
2

Questions Yes No N/A What Needs To Be Fixed?

Pigs and Feed Areas

Are sleepers dry and free of manure/urine?

Is manure regularly removed from pig area? 

Does manure storage drain toward pig area?

Are there no tall weeds around the pig area?

Do intact fences keep pigs in/feral pigs out?

Do pigs have access to water only from a 

contained source? (drinking or cleaning)

Is the trough water clean and free of 

mosquito larvae?

Are dead animals removed quickly and 

stored appropriately?

Is there pooled water anywhere on the farm?

Are wildlife/wild birds present in pig area?

Is feed area kept clean and feed stored in a 

covered, rodent-proof bin?

Line of Separation

Is inside/outside pig area clearly marked?

Are delivery trucks and non-essential 

workers kept outside the pig area?

Are boots and coveralls provided for 

everyone inside the pig area?

Is there a footbath? Is it clean/unfrozen?

Is equipment in the pig area 

cleaned/disinfected at least weekly?

Is biosecurity being followed in pig area?

Isolation Area

Are new pigs kept in isolation for 30 days?

Is there dedicated equipment, coveralls and 

boots for use in the isolation area?

Is the isolation area clearly marked, with 

signs and visible barriers?

Does the isolation pen drain away from 

resident pigs?

If any pigs traveled off the farm, were they 

put in isolation for at least two weeks upon 

return?

For more details, see 8 Essential Actions to Protect Pigs with Outdoor Access from Disease or 

Biosecurity for Pigs with Outdoor Access Detailed Checklist.