Biosecurity in agriculture is a term used to describe a range of measures put in place to limit pathogen spread between livestock on individual holdings, as well as across the country. It is often recognized for the key role it plays in reducing the transmission of diseases between commercial animals. A variety of factors, such as contaminated surfaces or materials, water, insects etc, can be used as carriers of the pathogens. Biosecurity measures are commonly divided into three main areas: selection of stock for introduction, disinfection and cleansing (sanitation) and external sources.

Despite the importance of biosecurity in animal health and welfare, recommendations are rarely formalized as legal requirements, excepting periods of notifiable diseases outbreaks, such as Avian flu or African Swine Fever (ASF). Over the last decades, outbreaks of such diseases have been reported worldwide, which, by increasing mortality rates, has reduced animal performance and, hence, profits. Thus, the disinfection of farm equipment and materials on a frequent basis is considered a necessity. To ensure a healthy and safe environment and, thereby, reduce the risk of the pathogen’s transmission, an active biological safety program is required, part of which is the final sterilization of the farms.