We've always done the clothing & shoes thing before & after visiting any place having poultry. Likewise asking any visitor with chickens to wear fresh clothes & shoes. I never thought about the car, though. Also, how long do avian diseases stick around after the animals are no longer present? Days, Weeks, Months?This has been on my mind since we learned the fest would be at someone's farm. Not only should it be a concern for all those attending, but for me, I feel particularly concerned knowing that my birds are positive for MG. I do know when they are most likely to be shedding the organism and will be careful about that (and I may decide not to come if they happen to be in one of those 'spells' at the time, honestly). I really want to assure PeacefulWalls, though, that we will be taking every step I can think of to make sure that we don't track MG with us. Here is what I have so far; if anyone has further ideas, I would be glad to hear of them:
Clothing: All of the clothing that mom and I wear to the Chickenfest will be freshly washed, at my insistence. To ensure that our clean clothes don't come into contact with anything contaminated, we will also be washing thoroughly in a shower before dressing in these clean clothes.
Shoes: Our shoes will be scrubbed, especially the tread. My goal is to make sure there isn't a spec of dirt in the treads of our shoes to make sure nothing gets tracked. Of course, we will have to wear them to walk to the car, so a boot wash at the other end is advised. I'm not sure what chemicals would be optimal for it. I do know that MG is sensitive to antibacterial substances and heat, if that helps.
Car: This is the harder part. The plan is to wash it inside and out with antibacterial soap (see above), especially the foot wells. We're also planning on stopping by a car wash on the way, to be safe. Once again, the goal is to make sure no dirt finds its way, especially on the tires, which will obviously be in contact with the ground as we're leaving the property.
Other notes: I don't think I'll be bringing anything along with us, but if I do, it will get a thorough wiping with antibacterial soap. I'll probably bring a pack of antibacterial wipes as well, in case I feel like I've missed something. I have no plans on buying or selling any birds while we're there, so that should be okay. If we do happen to pick up a bird there, though, it will either be kept near the car, or in it with the windows open for air flow; not anywhere near any of the resident livestock.
I think I would strongly advise that others at least try to do some of these things (and any other ideas if suggested) as well, especially the car wash if your birds are anywhere near your car or driveway at any time.
There are just a few of my thoughts on biosecurity, anyway.
We have what we call our "chicken shoes" sitting by the backdoor. They are the only shoes worn in the backyard. Likewise in winter we have our "chicken coats." Basically old coats for the same purpose. What I haven't figured out is how to go to a chicken show. I am too fearful of exposing my chickens to others, so I do not let my daughter bring anything living to the fair. I have occasionally brought chickens to schools for short presentations, but I know none of the children & staff own poultry.
Perhaps a sharing of simple bio-security practices would be beneficial.
