Biosecurity Module 1 | P a g e

Table of Contents

Overview ......................................................................................................................... 2

Objectives ....................................................................................................................... 3

Introduction Lesson Overview ......................................................................................... 4

Introduction Lesson Contents.......................................................................................... 5

Biosecurity Guidelines ................................................................................................. 6

Biosecurity Awareness ................................................................................................ 7

Routes of Transmission............................................................................................... 8

Clothing and PPE ...................................................................................................... 11

Roles and Responsibilities......................................................................................... 12

Biosecurity Group ...................................................................................................... 13

Planning Lesson Overview............................................................................................ 14

Planning Lesson Contents ............................................................................................ 15

Biosecurity Plan......................................................................................................... 16

Mitigating Biosecurity Risks ....................................................................................... 17

Cleaning and Disinfection.......................................................................................... 18

Movement Controls ................................................................................................... 19

Carcass Management................................................................................................ 20

Transportation ........................................................................................................... 31

Operations Lesson Overview ........................................................................................ 32

Operations Lesson Contents......................................................................................... 33

Briefings..................................................................................................................... 34

Site Security .............................................................................................................. 35

Visitor Risk Mitigation ................................................................................................ 36

Biosecurity Protocol................................................................................................... 37

Surveillance Biosecurity Protocol .............................................................................. 38

Work Zone Control .................................................................................................... 39

Establishing Control Zones........................................................................................ 40

Support Zone............................................................................................................. 41

Contamination Reduction Zone ................................................................................. 42

Exclusion Zone.......................................................................................................... 43

Contamination Prevention ......................................................................................... 44

Decontamination Area ............................................................................................... 45

Decontamination Practices ........................................................................................ 48

Summary....................................................................................................................... 49
Biosecurity Module 2 | P a g e

Overview

Welcome to the Biosecurity Module of the online Carcass Management Course. While 

completing this module, you may encounter references to the Emergency Management 

Tools; Health, Safety, and PPE; and Secure Transport which are broadly covered in 

their own separate training modules. These modules are found in the Introduction 

Modules, beginning with the Orientation Module.

Effective management of animal carcasses and associated materials is a critical 

component of a successful response during an animal health emergency. Carcass 

management measures contain, treat, or destroy contaminated or potentially 

contaminated materials in order to:

 Prevent spread of a disease outbreak to protect the nation’s agricultural industry 

 Protect the environment by preventing carcass waste products from 

contaminating soil, water, and air 

 Protect decaying carcasses from insects and scavengers which can transport 

pathogens to other locations 

 Safeguard public health by removing potentially contaminated food products from 

the human food supply 

 Safeguard animal health by removing potentially contaminated feed from the 

animal feed supply
Biosecurity Module 3 | P a g e

Objectives

This module presents information in three different lessons: 

 Introduction

 Planning

 Operations

Upon completing this module, you should be able to:

 Understand biosecurity principles, policies, and procedures for animal health 

incidents

 Recognize biosecurity implications associated with carcass management

 Understand foreign animal disease and zoonotic disease risks

 Describe the components of a biosecurity plan

 Use operational guidance to implement biosecurity measures
Biosecurity Module 4 | P a g e

Introduction Lesson Overview

In the event of a major animal health emergency, USDA APHIS, in its role as an 

emergency response agency, will deploy personnel to assist with response and 

recovery efforts. Biosecurity measures and management practices will be instituted to 

prevent the introduction and spread of disease agents during the response.

During an animal disease emergency, biosecurity measures are necessary to

 Help keep disease agents out of livestock and poultry populations (e.g., herds, 

flocks, or other groups of animals) where the agents are not already present

 Help prevent the spread of disease agents from infected groups in the population 

to uninfected groups within the same population

 Help reduce the risk of spreading pathogenic agents during the movement of 

personnel and materials necessary for activities associated with an animal health

emergency response 

 Help protect the health of responders and the general public
Biosecurity Module 5 | P a g e

Introduction Lesson Contents

This lesson is divided into the following sections:

 Biosecurity Guidelines – Discusses biosecurity management practices to prevent 

the introduction and spread of disease agents 

 Biosecurity Awareness – Introduces the biosecurity plan as useful guidance for 

all emergency response personnel 

 Routes of Transmission – Examines the common routes of disease transmission

encountered while engaged in carcass management activities

 Clothing and PPE – Reviews the use of PPE as a primary biosecurity defense in 

preventing disease or its spread

 Roles and Responsibilities – Presents the roles and duties of the ICS and the

biosecurity group
Biosecurity Module 6 | P a g e

Biosecurity Guidelines

During an animal disease emergency, biosecurity measures are necessary to:

 Help keep disease agents out of livestock and poultry populations (e.g., herds, 

flocks, or other groups of animals) where the agents are not already present

 Prevent the spread of disease agents from infected groups in the population to 

uninfected groups within the same population

An animal health emergency may adversely affect

 Livestock which may become ill, die, or have to be euthanized as a result 

of the disease;

 Producers, growers, and farmers, who may suffer the loss of animals and 

decreased income; as well as producers who are impacted because of 

lost markets for healthy birds;

 Livestock and associated industries, which may see decreased 

production, sales, and international trade; and

 Public health, in the case of zoonotic diseases

Figure 1. Carcass Management Team Wearing PPE
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Biosecurity Awareness

A biosecurity plan can only be useful if all emergency response personnel are trained 

on the incident and site-specific biosecurity plans and strictly adhere to the guidance as

written. Fatigue, stress, distraction, and lack of forethought can cause even the most 

conscientious individual to lose focus on the crucial importance of biosecurity measures.

 Personnel should exercise the utmost thought, patience, persistence, and care 

in creating and carrying out a biosecurity plan

 Advanced thinking, planning, and extra effort in following biosecurity procedures 

can prevent pathogen transmission, can protect the well-being of livestock and 

poultry, and can safeguard American agriculture

During an animal health emergency response, some response personnel may be 

required to visit multiple premises during the course of a work day. These personnel 

must be aware that these activities increase the risk of disease transmission and must 

be especially diligent with respect to compliance with biosecurity practices.

Figure 2. Biosecurity Signs
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Routes of Transmission

Pathogenic agents can be transmitted from animal to animal or animal to human, and 

vice-versa through a variety of routes. The most common routes of transmission are 

aerosol, oral, direct contact, fomites, vectors, and zoonotic.

Aerosol transmission occurs when droplets containing pathogenic agents from an 

infected animal are inhaled by a susceptible animal. 

 Most pathogenic agents that may be transmitted via aerosols do not survive for 

extended periods in droplets, so infected and susceptible animals must be in 

close proximity for disease transmission to occur

 Typically, respiratory diseases and some diarrheal diseases can be spread via 

aerosol transmission

Oral transmission occurs when pathogenic agents are consumed by a susceptible 

animal. 

 Feces, urine, saliva, and other secretions may contain pathogenic agents which 

can contaminate feed, water, or other items (fomites)

 Animals lick or chew contaminated items, such as feed bunks, equipment, 

fencing, water troughs, and salt and mineral blocks, etc.
Biosecurity Module 9 | P a g e

Routes of Transmission (cont.)

Direct Contact transmission occurs when a susceptible animal physically contacts an 

infected animal, wildlife, or a pathogenic agent in the environment, including feed, 

bodies of water, soil, or air. 

 The susceptible animal is exposed when the pathogenic agent comes in direct 

contact with its skin, mucus membranes, or an open wound. Also in milk 

(nursing a calf, for example), in the urine, blood, saliva, nasal, ocular or genital 

secretions, urine or feces.

 Transmission can occur through rubbing, biting, licking, by contact with the blood 

or saliva of an infected animal, or through contact with fomites

 Diseases spread during breeding or from dam to offspring during gestation and 

delivery are also considered to be transmitted by direct contact

 Transmission can occur between animals of different species and through 

contact with humans

Fomites are surfaces or objects capable of transferring disease agents through either 

direct contact or oral transmission. 

 Fomites can include boots, clothing, vehicles, shovels, tools, bowls or buckets, 

tack, brushes, clippers, needles, and other equipment

 Vehicles and trailers with contaminated tires, wheel wells, and undercarriages 

can serve as fomites (Note: contaminated vehicles and trailers were associated 

with the spread of porcine diarrhea during the 2013 epidemic in the U.S.) 

 Humans with contaminated skin, clothing, shoes, or boots are also considered 

fomites with the potential for moving disease agents within the facility or from one 

facility to another
Biosecurity Module 10 | P a g e

Routes of Transmission (cont.)

Vectors include wildlife such as birds, mammals, reptiles, insects or arachnids capable 

of transmitting pathogens from an infected animal to a healthy animal. Vectors can 

transmit disease agents either mechanically or biologically.

 In mechanical transmission, the vector transports the disease agent from one 

animal to another, with the disease agent remaining unchanged. Many species of

flies serve as mechanical vectors, as do rats, mice, birds and other animals. 

 In biological transmission, the vector (e.g., fleas, ticks, mosquitos) acquires the 

agent from an infected animal, usually through a blood meal, and the agent 

replicates or develops within the vector. The disease agent is subsequently 

introduced to a susceptible host, usually through a bite.
Biosecurity Module 11 | P a g e

Clothing and PPE

Because pathogenic agents can be transmitted via contaminated clothing, careful 

attention to these garments is essential to a successful biosecurity effort.

 Before entering animal areas, ask about biosecurity procedures and make sure 

you understand them and comply with them (especially instructions for donning 

and doffing PPE)

 All responders, visitors, and employees should put on clean outerwear (e.g., 

coveralls) to cover their street clothes. Ideally, a separate set of clothing and 

footwear should be used.

 The outerwear may be either disposable or reusable once laundered

 In some types of facilities (e.g., swine and poultry), biosecurity protocols may 

include showering in and out of the facility. Also, protocols may require facilitydedicated clothing, which stays at the facility and is not taken off-campus.

 Refer to the Health, Safety, & PPE Module for more information

Figure 3. Examples of PPE
Biosecurity Module 12 | P a g e

Roles and Responsibilities

USDA APHIS utilizes the Incident Command System (ICS) to organize animal health 

emergency responses. Under the ICS, the Incident Commander (IC) has overall 

responsibility for the management of the entire incident. 

 The command staff includes the Logistics, Operations, Finance, and Planning 

Section Chiefs. Each section is further divided into units or groups. 

 Prior to deployment, all responders should have received training about the 

organization and structure of the ICS, roles and responsibilities, and their duties

For further guidance, see the FAD PReP APHIS Foreign Animal Disease Framework: 

Roles and Coordination.
Biosecurity Module 13 | P a g e

Biosecurity Group

The Biosecurity Group is part of the Disease Support Branch. It is led by the Biosecurity 

Group Supervisor, who reports to the Operations Section Chief. Biosecurity Team 

Members work on infected or contact premises and provide frontline assistance in

containing and controlling a disease outbreak.

The Biosecurity Group Supervisor is

 Assigned to the ICP and is in charge of all Biosecurity Teams

 Identified and trained before an animal health emergency occurs

 Responsible for ensuring that biosecurity measures are implemented to prevent 

the disease agent from moving from infected premises to uninfected premises 

and/or from infected animals to uninfected animals on the same premises

 Tasked with preparing the site-specific biosecurity plan in consultation with the 

Safety Officer and other members of the incident management team

Figure 4. Biohazard Sign
Biosecurity Module 14 | P a g e

Planning Lesson Overview

This lesson contains information to help you develop biosecurity measures which must 

be instituted during a response to an animal health emergency. Planning is essential to 

ensure that the carcass management task is carried out safely. Moreover, proper 

planning protects the workers, the general public, and the environment.

Important considerations include:

 Preparing a site-specific biosecurity plan 

 Using a job hazard analysis to identify risks associated with the job tasks 

 Deciding on the actions necessary to ensure responder biosecurity
Biosecurity Module 15 | P a g e

Planning Lesson Contents

This lesson presents the following information:

 Biosecurity Plan – Details specific biosecurity measures to be implemented at a 

specific site or incident

 Movement Controls – Presents basic recommendations for controlling movement 

of people, animals, and equipment 

 Carcass Management – Outlines necessary biosecurity measures during major 

carcass management activities

 Transportation – Discusses planning measures to prevent spread of disease 

during transportation 
Biosecurity Module 16 | P a g e

Biosecurity Plan

A site-specific biosecurity plan for the response is developed by the Biosecurity Group 

Supervisor in consultation with the Safety Officer and approved by the Incident 

Commander. The implementation and exercise of biosecurity protocols are integral to 

response activities. Thus, the site-specific biosecurity plan must ensure adequate 

biosecurity measures (such as respiratory protection shown in the figure below) are in 

place for each part of the response. 

Refer to the FAD PReP Foot-and-Mouth Disease and Classical Swine Fever SOP: 9 

Biosecurity for additional information in writing a site-specific biosecurity plan. 

Figure 5. Wearing Respirator
Biosecurity Module 17 | P a g e

Mitigating Biosecurity Risks

Properly implemented biosecurity during an outbreak is imperative as it helps reduce 

the risk of disease transmission during the movement of personnel and material 

necessary for the extensive activities of the control and eradication campaign.

Biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of disease introduction and transmission 

include:

 Follow hand hygiene protocols. Wash hands before eating and drinking

 Use hand, head, face, and respiratory protection as per protocols

 Wear protective outerwear and appropriate footwear, including steel-toed or 

metatarsal protection, if needed

 Follow disinfection protocols for PPE, equipment (including fomites, such as but 

not limited to, pens, cell phones, note pads, etc.), yourself, and vehicles

 Follow protocols for physical handling, containment, and shipping of biological 

samples

 Follow protocols for the disposal of used PPE and disinfectants

 Follow protocols for the handling and disposal of biological materials, especially 

infected/contaminated materials, animal carcasses, manure, bedding, etc.

 Personnel Quarantine: limit personnel contact with other susceptible animals, 

including pets. The quarantine period depends on the infectious organism. 

 Limit visits to other farms, zoos or livestock facilities and sharing equipment 

within premises or with other farms

Figure 6. Hand Protection
Biosecurity Module 18 | P a g e

Cleaning and Disinfection

This refers to a combination of physical and chemical processes used to kill or remove 

pathogenic microorganisms. 

 Effective cleaning and disinfection (C&D) minimizes pathogen transmission 

between premises

 Identification of the disease agent and understanding its biological properties and 

route of transmission are essential to developing an effective C&D plan

 Emphasis should be placed on adopting the basic microbiological principles of 

isolating the source of infection and C&D of personnel, supplies, equipment, 

vehicles, and sites

 A key element is the cleaning of a surface to remove dirt, debris, and organic 

material before using disinfectants

 Use proper disinfectants, follow manufacturer’s instructions, and ensure

adequate contact time

Practices which reduce the risk of pathogen transmission include:

 Disposing of contaminated materials that cannot be cleaned and disinfected

 Avoiding sharing equipment between operations or between functions in an 

operation (i.e., do not use the same equipment to handle both feed and manure)

Refer to the NAHEMS Guidelines: Cleaning and Disinfection

Figure 7. Cleaning Equipment
Biosecurity Module 19 | P a g e

Movement Controls

Controlling movements of people, animals, vehicles, and equipment is critical to the 

maintenance of biosecurity. For day-to-day operations, movement control practices

include:

 Maintaining a closed herd or flock

 Identifying all animals, keeping accurate records

 Protecting animals from contact with wildlife

Movement of people, animals, animal products and equipment on and off the property 

during an animal health emergency should be governed by strict biosecurity protocols. 

Ideally, premises should be fenced and have a single gated and locked entrance. Other

means of controlling access to the premises include

 Placing a guard at facility entrances

 Locking unguarded entrances

 Patrolling and repairing boundary fences

 Only moving animals and animal products under appropriate permits

 Only moving compost from premises of origin under appropriate permit after the 

required standards have been satisfied

Figure 8. Biosecurity Signs
Biosecurity Module 20 | P a g e

Carcass Management

Potential biosecurity risks for each option are discussed below.

Composting

Below are ways to minimize biosecurity risks during composting.

 When constructing initial compost windrows, beginning with a 1-2 foot base of 

carbon material will minimize infected liquids leaching from the windrows and 

absorb excess precipitation that falls on the windrows. Biosecurity risks from 

compost leaching can also be decreased by utilizing locations that are outside 

floodplains, have a 2-4% slope, and are the required distance from ground and 

surface water sources.

 When constructing initial compost windrows, moving infected animal carcasses 

and associated waste materials such as manure and bedding can create dust or 

aerosols which may harbor active pathogens and drift to unaffected animals. 

Indoor composting reduces the risk if it is performed without actively ventilating 

the building. In either case, misting the materials with water during windrow 

construction can suppress airborne particles.

 Grinding or cutting infected carcasses prior to composting can aerosolize 

pathogens and produce infected liquids. Grinding or cutting should be avoided or 

performed so that aerosols and liquids are contained.
Biosecurity Module 21 | P a g e

Carcass Management (cont.)

Composting, cont.

 Once windrows are built, covering them with a 1-2 foot thick cap of carbon 

material such as wood chips will prevent wind from blowing exposed pathogens 

to unaffected areas, control odors, and will prevent vectors such as wild birds, 

insects, and animals from contacting infected material

 If windrows are turned during the composting process before all portions of the 

windrow have reached adequate temperatures for the required time to inactivate 

pathogens, dust suppression measures can help control airborne pathogens.

Depending on the turning process and amount of remaining carcass material, 

applying a new cap may be necessary for vector and odor control. 

 Ensuring all windrows meet required temperatures, for the required time, to 

inactivate pathogens before releasing the compost from quarantine 

 See figure below for a schematic showing potential biosecurity risk pathways. 

The thicker the arrow, the greater the potential risk.

Figure 9. Composting Potential Risks (Click on Image to Enlarge It)
Biosecurity Module 22 | P a g e

Carcass Management (cont.)

Rendering

Biosecurity risks and mitigations associated with rendering are listed below. 

 Loading infected carcasses into trucks for transport to rendering can create 

airborne particles that may harbor active pathogens. Minimizing handling and 

using dust suppression when needed can minimize this risk.

 Transport of infected carcasses can result in dispersion of airborne particles and 

liquid releases which can carry active pathogens. To minimize this risk, securely 

containing infected carcasses in leak-proof, covered trucks or lining trucks with 

impermeable materials and covering them will prevent release of pathogens.

 Dumping infected carcasses at the rendering plant may generate airborne 

pathogens. The risk can be reduced by minimizing handling and using dust 

suppression or containment. 
Biosecurity Module 23 | P a g e

Carcass Management (cont.)

Rendering, cont.

 Grinding infected carcasses releases aerosolized pathogens. Pathogen spread 

can be reduced by ensuring the grinding process is enclosed, all workers follow 

biosecurity protocols, and ensuring the plant is properly cleaned and disinfected 

after processing infected animals. 

 Continuous rendering may be preferable to batch rendering because each time a 

vessel is opened (for re-filling) during the batch process, airborne pathogens may 

be released

Figure 10. Rendering Potential Risks (Click on Image to Enlarge It)
Biosecurity Module 24 | P a g e

Carcass Management (cont.)

Permitted Landfill

Biosecurity risks and mitigations for landfilling are listed below:

 Loading infected carcasses into trucks for transport to a landfill can create 

airborne particles that may harbor active pathogens. Minimizing handling and 

using dust suppression when needed can minimize this risk.

 Transport of infected carcasses can result in dispersion of airborne particles and 

liquid releases which can carry active pathogens. To minimize this risk, securely 

contain infected carcasses in leak-resistant covered trucks or line trucks with 

impermeable materials and covers to prevent release of pathogens.

 Dumping infected carcasses at the landfill may generate airborne pathogens if 

the container is breached during dumping. To reduce this risk, minimize handling;

avoid breaching the container, and use dust suppression. 
Biosecurity Module 25 | P a g e

Carcass Management (cont.)

Permitted Landfill, cont.

 Infected carcasses generate leachate that can contain active pathogens. To 

minimize the risk of spreading pathogens, ensure there is more than 30 feet of 

other waste between the carcasses and leachate collection system, avoid 

spraying the leachate from infected carcasses on the surface of the landfill for at 

least 30 days after receipt of the last load, or transport the leachate to a 

wastewater treatment plant for processing rather than storing it in open ponds.

Figure 11. Permitted Landfill Potential Risks (Click on Image to Enlarge It)
Biosecurity Module 26 | P a g e

Carcass Management (cont.)

Burial

Biosecurity risks and mitigations for burial are listed below:

 Loading infected carcasses into trucks for transport to the burial site can create 

airborne particles that may harbor active pathogens. Minimizing handling and 

using dust suppression when needed can minimize this risk.

 Transport of infected carcasses can result in dispersion of airborne particles and 

liquid releases which can carry active pathogens. To minimize this risk, securely 

contain infected carcasses in leak-resistant covered trucks or line trucks with 

impermeable materials and covers to prevent release of pathogens. Specialized 

bags are available for this purpose, although the bags may need to be vented. 

See the Secure Transport Module for more details.

 Dumping infected carcasses at the burial site may generate airborne pathogens. 

To reduce this risk, minimize handling, use dust suppression, and immediately 

cover the carcasses with clean soil.

 Infected carcasses generate methane and other gases during decomposition, 

causing the decaying carcasses to rise to the top of the burial trench or pit and 

emerge from the cover soil. Lancing the rumen of large animals or crushing 

smaller animals such as poultry reduces the chance for gas accumulation, but 

increases the risk of airborne pathogen spread. To avoid these risks, transport 

infected carcasses to a permitted landfill which has a gas control system.
Biosecurity Module 27 | P a g e

Carcass Management (cont.)

Burial, cont.

 Infected carcasses generate leachate that can contain active pathogens. To 

minimize the risk of spreading pathogens to groundwater and surface water, 

transport infected carcasses to a permitted landfill with liner and leachate 

collection systems.

 Decomposition of carcasses and related materials is a lengthy process, and 

residues may persist in soil and groundwater for many years

 Certain geological conditions, such as sandy soil and a high seasonal water 

table, can increase the risk of pathogens reaching groundwater and surface 

water, so these conditions should be avoided by consulting with environmental 

professionals during site selection

Figure 12. Burial Potential Risks (Click on Image to Enlarge It)
Biosecurity Module 28 | P a g e

Carcass Management (cont.)

Thermal Methods

The biosecurity risks associated with off-site thermal methods include:

 Loading infected carcasses into bags or boxes for transport to incineration can 

create airborne particles that may harbor active pathogens. Minimizing handling 

and using dust suppression, when needed, can minimize this risk.

 Transport of infected carcasses can result in dispersion of airborne particles and 

liquid releases which can carry active pathogens. To minimize this risk, securely 

containing infected carcasses in leak-resistant, covered trucks, lining trucks with 

impermeable materials and covering them, or packaging the materials in secure 

containers will prevent release of pathogens.

 Offloading containers of infected carcasses at the incineration facility may 

generate airborne pathogens if the packages are opened. Thus, minimize

handling and use dust suppression or containment to reduce this risk.

Figure 13. Incinerator Potential Risks (Click on Image to Enlarge It)
Biosecurity Module 29 | P a g e

Carcass Management (cont.)

Thermal Methods, cont.

On-site thermal methods such as air curtain incineration or pyres, involves moving 

infected carcasses in vehicles from the barn or pen to the air curtain incinerator or pyre

on the same premises, dumping the carcasses into the air curtain firebox/trench or onto 

the pyre, then burning the carcasses with other fuel such as wood, coal, and/or liquid 

fuel. Biosecurity risks and mitigations for on-site thermal methods are listed below. 

 Loading infected carcasses into the vehicle for transport to the on-site air curtain 

firebox/trench or pyre can create airborne particles that may harbor active 

pathogens. Minimizing handling and using dust suppression when needed can 

minimize this risk. 

 Transport of infected carcasses can result in dispersion of airborne particles and 

liquid releases which can carry active pathogens. To minimize this risk, securely 

containing infected carcasses in leak-proof, covered trucks, lining trucks with 

impermeable materials and covering them, or packaging the materials in secure 

containers will prevent release of pathogens.
Biosecurity Module 30 | P a g e

Carcass Management (cont.)

Thermal Methods (cont.)

 Offloading of infected carcasses at the on-site air curtain firebox/trench or pyre

may generate airborne pathogens. To reduce the risk, minimize handling and use 

dust suppression or containment.

 Once the materials are ignited in the air curtain firebox/trench or pyre, it takes 

considerable time to fully combust the carcasses, which have high water content. 

During this period of incomplete combustion, airborne particles (soot, ash, steam) 

are emitted and could harbor active pathogens. Air curtain incinerators minimize 

this risk by containing the emissions inside the box or trench with a curtain of air.

Figure 14. Air Curtain Incineration Potential Risks (Click on Image to Enlarge It)
Biosecurity Module 31 | P a g e

Transportation 

Although not always possible, on-site carcass management is preferred from a 

biosecurity perspective so that biosecurity issues associated with transportation of 

carcasses are avoided. However, onsite options have serious limitations such as 

environmental harm with unlined burial; lack of carbon sources and inadequate space 

for composting; and limited throughput for transportable options, making transport likely

if large herds or flocks are infected with a disease. 

 Transportation requires thoughtful and extensive planning to ensure good 

biosecurity and to prevent further spread of disease

 Infected waste materials must be moved in closed, leak-resistant dumpsters or 

trucks and the exterior of the vehicle must be disinfected prior to transport

 Additional or secondary containment may be necessary

Refer to the Secure Transport Module for additional information.

Figure 15. Vehicle Cleaning & Disinfection
Biosecurity Module 32 | P a g e

Operations Lesson Overview

This lesson contains general procedures in preparing for safe practices during an 

emergency animal response. This will help ensure that the carcass management 

process is conducted in a biosecure manner and that disposal group personnel are 

familiar with and exercise appropriate biosecurity measures. 

The following topics will be briefly addressed: 

 Briefing team members on aspects of the biosecurity effort

 Implementing site security and control measures

 Establishing visitor risk mitigation policies and practices

 Establishing and enforcing biosecurity and surveillance protocols

 Understanding work zone controls and establishing control zones

 Practicing contamination avoidance and prevention

 Employing decontamination practices
Biosecurity Module 33 | P a g e

Operations Lesson Contents

This material in this lesson is presented in a step-wise manner that provides detailed 

instructions and key steps based on the criteria and measures instituted during recent 

U.S. animal disease outbreak responses.

 Briefings – Members involved in the biosecurity effort must be briefed on their 

duties, policies, and procedures such as biosecurity protocols

 Site Security – Introduces control measures designed to limit access to the 

infected premises by untrained personnel and visitors

 Visitor Risk Mitigation – Lists policies and practices for controlling movement of 

personnel visiting the potentially infected premises

 Biosecurity and Surveillance Protocol – Presents steps for establishing and 

enforcing biosecurity measures

 Work and Control Zones – Shows defined working areas and practices for 

instituting measures in each zone to prevent the spread of contamination

 Contamination Avoidance – Reviews procedures for preventing contamination

and establishing a decontamination area 

 Decontamination – Examines decontamination processes and procedures
Biosecurity Module 34 | P a g e

Briefings

The Biosecurity Group Supervisor briefs Biosecurity Group Members on all aspects of 

the biosecurity effort, including their duties, policies, and procedures such as biosecurity 

protocols before entering the Hot Zone-EZ. The Biosecurity Group Supervisor regularly 

prepares briefings and reports for the Operations Section Chief and notifies him or her 

immediately of any problems.

Other briefings include:

 The site safety officer briefs all responders on safety precautions for each 

operation in accordance with the site-specific health and safety plan

 Orientation and Training Cell personnel brief C&D Group members on the 

nature of the disease and circumstances that might affect the response

Refer to the APHIS SOPS on Biosecurity for additional information.

Figure 16. Briefing the Carcass Management Team
Biosecurity Module 35 | P a g e

Site Security 

Place signs in the appropriate areas in the site to indicate instructions or precautions 

that site personnel and visitors must follow when entering the site. 

All personnel entering the site must: 

 Meet security requirements as established by the Incident Commander (IC)

 Present documentation of verified credentials showing they are qualified to 

perform their assigned tasks

 Present documentation that they have received all required briefings as defined 

in the site-specific biosecurity plan

 Wear the required PPE specified in the site specific health and safety plan

Each day prior to entering a potentially infected site for the first time, personnel perform 

the following tasks: 

 Don PPE and use only clean equipment and supplies

 Verify that Biosecurity Control Zones are properly delineated

 Do not attempt to disinfect a surface without thoroughly cleaning it first
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Visitor Risk Mitigation 

In the event of an animal health emergency, the risk posed by visitors increases, 

especially if the premises are in or near the Control Area. 

 The Biosecurity Group Supervisor consults with the Quarantine and Movement 

Control Group to establish policies for controlling access to quarantined areas 

and premises

 The closer a premises is to the IP, the greater the risk and need for strict 

biosecurity and C&D procedures

 In an outbreak, all visitors are considered high-risk, especially if the premises are 

located in a quarantined area

The following is a general discussion of risks posed by visitors to animal production 

facilities:

 Social visitors, veterinarians, equipment service technicians, salespeople, and 

delivery people are an example of the visitors a facility may have on a regular 

basis. The degree of risk can be classified as low, medium, or high, depending 

on the type of visitor and amount of animal contact.

 In the event of an animal health emergency, visits to the premises should be 

limited to essential personnel only; all visitors should be considered high risk.

 Producers should develop biosecurity protocols for all visitors and strictly enforce 

them.

 Producers should restrict visitor contact with animals as much as possible
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Biosecurity Protocol

Government personnel, as well as other individuals, visit multiple premises routinely and 

can inadvertently come into contact with viruses and bacteria on these properties.

 Without the proper precautions, personnel can spread microorganisms to other 

premises

 Field personnel should make extraordinary efforts to prevent the spread of an 

agent to other facilities or animals and follow sound Biosecurity Practices to 

prevent spread of diseases in day-to-day operations (even when dealing with 

healthy animals)

 During a known emergency animal disease outbreak, animal health officials 

specify additional precautions that must be followed

All response personnel must take minimum biosecurity measures, which include:

 Wearing rubber boots (or other footwear that can be cleaned and disinfected) or 

disposable plastic boots

 Prior to entering or leaving an animal facility, removing all dirt and organic matter 

from boots and thoroughly disinfecting them 

 Wearing disposable or reusable coveralls, laboratory coats, smocks, or other 

suitable outerwear when coming into contact with animals, manure, or secretions 

and disposing of or containing reusable coveralls for laundering.

 Thoroughly washing hands with soap and water prior to entering and when 

leaving a premises
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Surveillance Biosecurity Protocol

The following protocol applies to surveillance or similar operations where responders 

travel to multiple potentially infected sites during the course of a workday. Below are 

procedures for beginning the process:

 Upon reaching the premises, park the vehicle in a location off the road and 

outside the entrance of the premises 

 Team members don boots and legs of Tyvek suits before leaving the 

vehicle then finish donning Tyvek suits, gloves, mask, and hair bonnet 

before proceeding. See the Health, Safety & PPE Module for details.

 One team member remains by the vehicle and is considered the “clean 

team member”, who handles all clean equipment and forms

 The team member entering the premises will be considered exposed or 

contaminated and is designated the “dirty team member”

 The clean team member hands equipment from the vehicle to the dirty 

team member

 The dirty team member remains dirty for the entire day

 The dirty team member retrieves the sample bags containing the specimens

which have been properly surface-disinfected with a chemical disinfectant prior to 

removal from premises. This prevents spread of infectious agents in the event 

that animal samples come back positive for disease.

 Properly decontaminates and disposes PPE (e.g., Tyvek suits, gloves, mask, hair 

bonnet) per protocol 

 Disinfects vehicle tires. This is a sound biosecurity practice even during 

surveillance or routine operations.
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Work Zone Control

This protocol applies to depopulation, carcass management, and decontamination 

activities where response operations will occur in a single location over multiple days. 

Biosecurity Control Zones are established to prevent spread of contamination away 

from the IP. All work zones are adequately marked using signs, fencing, traffic cones, 

and caution tape. 

There are three types of Control Zones: 

 Exclusion Zone (EZ)—Hot Zone 

 Contamination Reduction Zone (CRZ)—Warm Zone 

 Support Zone (SZ)—Cold Zone

Figure 17. Work Zones and Decontamination Corridor
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Establishing Control Zones 

1. Demarcate the outer edge SZ with green tape. This provides a visual barrier for 

entry into the site. Only personnel who are a part of the operation may go beyond 

the green tape. 

2. Demarcate the inner edge of the support zone with yellow tape. Beyond the 

yellow tape is the CRZ.

3. Place all tools, equipment, and water that will be used in the SZ between the 

green and yellow tape.

4. The CRZ worker and two exclusion workers don PPE in accordance with the sitespecific health and safety plan.

5. The SZ worker remains in the SZ and does not need to don PPE.

6. Before entering the CRZ, the CRZ worker verifies that the exclusion workers are 

in full PPE compliance.

7. Exclusion workers establish the EZ by placing the red tape appropriately. 

8. The CRZ worker places a tarp on the ground to establish the corridor for entering 

and exiting the CRZ from the SZ.

9. All required equipment is now transferred from the SZ to the CRZ. This includes 

all equipment required for C&D, depopulation, and preparation for carcass 

management.

10.Two exclusion workers enter the EZ with all equipment required for depopulation, 

carcass management, and decontamination.
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Support Zone 

The Support Zone (SZ) is the “cleanest” of the three zones and poses the lowest 

relative risk of exposure to pathogens and hazards such as decontamination chemicals. 

In this zone: 

 Personnel are not required to wear PPE or handle contaminated articles or 

equipment, nor are they required to conduct decontamination

 Medical support is provided to personnel in this zone, and facilities are provided 

for personal needs such as eating, drinking, or bathroom use

 Equipment resupply and assembly takes place

 Donning of PPE occurs and accommodations for dressing are provided

 Management of all activities occurs, directing personnel and depopulation, 

decontamination, and carcass management activities

 This area is staffed by at least one person

 Workers are not exposed to hazardous conditions

 Administrative, clerical, and other support functions are based here

 Air and surface monitoring are conducted as needed to ensure that it remains 

uncontaminated

 If contamination is detected, zone boundaries are adjusted until corrective 

action and monitoring results indicate that this zone is uncontaminated

 Access to the EZ and CRZ are strictly limited to individuals who meet all medical 

monitoring, training, and PPE requirements

 Visitors must receive appropriate training, be medically cleared to wear the 

appropriate level of protection, receive a safety briefing, and be escorted by 

designated personnel

 Visitors not meeting requirements must remain in the support zone
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Contamination Reduction Zone

The Contamination Reduction Zone (CRZ) is the high risk area with potential exposure 

to pathogens, as well as, chemical exposure to disinfectants. In the CRZ:

 Waste collection containers are decontaminated before transport off-site

 Personnel complete the final decontamination of equipment and personnel, 

perform final washing and rinsing, and apply disinfectant

 Final doffing of personal protective equipment is completed 

 There is a strict adherence to restrictions on movement of contaminated 

personnel and materials

 At least one person remains in the CRZ to assist in the decontamination of 

those exiting the EZ

 All personnel are required to wear full PPE

 Decontamination of PPE takes place

 Based on monitoring results, the CRZ boundaries may be adjusted to ensure that

the SZ remains uncontaminated

 Workers and equipment exit the EZ through the designated access points into 

the CRZ

 Workers and equipment are decontaminated, according to the procedures 

specified in the decontamination section of the site-specific biosecurity plan

 If necessary, emergency decontamination procedures are implemented

 A decontamination corridor is established between the EZ and the CRZ 

where decontamination of personnel and equipment takes place

 Response teams enter and exit the EZ through the access control points 

that are located at each end of the decontamination corridor
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Exclusion Zone 

The Exclusion Zone (EZ) is the potentially infected area, likely an area of a farm, local 

market, or roadside stand where infected animals have been stored and sold. This zone 

is where: 

 Depopulation activities are performed and carcass management and 

decontamination may be performed depending on the situation

 Gross decontamination of equipment and personnel may be conducted to 

facilitate cleaning and disinfection in the CRZ

 PPE requirements can create risk of heat stress 

 Workers will need to be monitored and rotated out with some frequency

 Staffing consists of at least a two-person team 

 Personnel and equipment enter and exit via the designated access points 

 Personnel adhere to established work procedures

 A “hotline” where personnel routinely enter or exit is located upwind from the EZ

 No person may exit until they have been properly decontaminated 

 No person may enter the EZ without the proper level of PPE

 No person may enter the EZ prior to the establishment of a decontamination area

 Once entry has been made into the EZ, anyone who remains in the CRZ must be 

decontaminated or checked for contamination before they can exit into the SZ 
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Contamination Prevention

Preventing contamination is the most important step to avoid a decontamination 

process. Biosecurity measures include contamination avoidance activities as well as 

proper decontamination areas. 

Procedures for contamination avoidance include the following:

 Do not walk through areas of obvious or known contamination

 Do not handle or touch contaminated materials directly

 Make sure all PPE has no cuts or tears prior to donning

 Fasten all closures on suits, covering with tape, if necessary

 Particular care should be taken to protect any skin injuries

 Stay upwind of airborne contaminants

 Do not carry cigarettes, gum, food, or drink into contaminated areas

Precautions to minimize contaminating equipment include the following:

 Limit the amount of contamination that comes into contact with heavy equipment 

and vehicles

 If contaminated tools are to be placed on non-contaminated equipment or 

vehicles for transport to the decontamination pad, use plastic to keep the 

equipment or vehicles clean

 If samples must be taken from a site, bag the sample containers and disinfect 

outer surface before removing them from the site
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Decontamination Area

A decontamination area must be set up before any personnel or equipment may enter 

areas that pose the potential for exposure to hazardous substances. The minimum 

decontamination layout is explained and depicted below.

For large equipment and vehicles, the decontamination layout, consists of an 

impermeable liner sloped back to the EZ or an impermeable contained area so wash 

water can be collected and properly disposed. The impermeable liner or area is large 

enough to accommodate workers, pressure washers, detergent, and disinfectant 

supplies and equipment.

The roadway, in the figure below, indicates the location where vehicle decontamination 

will occur.

Figure 18. Equipment & Vehicle Decontamination Layout
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Decontamination Area (cont.)

Figure below depicts the layout for both vehicle and trailer decontamination. The layout 

consists of an impermeable liner sloped back to an area so wash water can be collected 

and later properly disposed. The impermeable liner or area is large enough to 

accommodate workers, pressure washers, detergent, and disinfectant supplies and 

equipment.

Figure 19. Trailer Cleaning & Disinfection Layout
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Decontamination Area (cont.)

For personnel decontamination, the layout includes:

 The Equipment Drop Area (from left to right) is indicated by a rectangle with a 

circle below indicating the location of the Plastic sheet and a right pointing arrow 

to another rectangle divided by a diagonal line into the Decon Outer Garments 

area and the Remove Boot Covers and Outer Gloves area with a circle below 

indicating the location of a 10 gallon can

 A dashed line cutting vertically through this rectangle indicates the HOTLINE. To 

the right of the HOTLINE, above the rectangle, two circles indicate the location of 

the Decon Solution and Water. Two arrows continue from the second divided 

Decon rectangle to a circle marked with an X that has an upward pointing arrow 

that turns back toward the dashed HOTLINE to an area labelled Redress: Boot 

Covers and Outer Gloves, and crosses the dashed HOTLINE. 

 Another arrow from the circle marked with an X continues to a rectangle 

indicating the area to Remove Boots/Gloves and Outer Garments (For Disposal 

and Off Site Decontamination) with a circle below indicating the location of a 32 

gallon can. Another series of arrows pointing downward go to another rectangle, 

the Remove Mask final decontamination area.

 For additional information, see the OSHA Decontamination website

Figure 20. Level C Decon Layout (Click on Image to Enlarge It)
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Decontamination Practices

Detailed steps for conducting decontamination can be found in the FAD PReP SOP: 

Cleaning and Disinfection and the APHIS SOPS on Biosecurity.

 Locating a decontamination station at the hotline in the decontamination area of 

the CRZ where personnel routinely enter or exit the EZ

 Upon exiting the EZ, personnel will doff overboots (if used), chemical-resistant 

boots, coveralls, and outer gloves at the specified decontamination station

 Instructing personnel in proper decontamination techniques, including removing

protective clothing in an “inside out” manner

 Arranging the decontamination area to avoid contaminating the ground under 

and surrounding the area

 Retaining all doffed reusable PPE at the decontamination station for 

(cleaning/disinfection) and reuse

Figure 21. Personnel Cleaning & Disinfection Activities
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Summary

Congratulations! You have completed the Biosecurity Module of the Introduction Module 

Series. In this module, you have learned to:

 Understand biosecurity principles, policies, and procedures for animal health 

incidents

 Recognize biosecurity implications associated with carcass management

 Understand foreign animal disease and zoonotic disease risks

 Describe the components of a comprehensive biosecurity plan

 Use operational guidance to implement biosecurity measures

Please click here to download the certificate of completion for this module. You can 

enter your name on the certificate and save or print it for your records. Proceed to 

Home Page to begin the next module, Secure Transport.