For instance, if a pen of birds have become old enough to be moved to larger pens, all the birds should be moved at once. This allows pens to periodically become empty, and ready for thorough clean-out and disinfection. After the clean-out is complete, new birds may be placed. This procedure allows for a break in the disease cycle. Besides breaking the disease transmission cycle, it is frequently observed that overall bird quality improves if a house can stay empty for a while.
Many disinfectants are available for use in livestock buildings.
Most are very effective. These procedures for disease control only work if every one is 100 percent committed to following the plan. However, prevention of even one catastrophic disease outbreak will more than justify the extra labor and initial investment involved. Kenneth R. Bolen, Director of Cooperative Extension, University of Nebraska, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.