Biosecurity protocols on farms are typically the result of risk analysis and mitigation plans. Obvious measures, like showering and changing boots, are typically in every biosecurity protocol. But with diseases surging across the globe, like Avian Influenza in poultry farming and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) in swine farming, it is the question if these traditional biosecurity in agriculture environments are sufficiently capable of stopping viruses and bacteria from entering the barn.
For those farm managers, who want to improve biosecurity in poultry and swine farms, ONCE provides the BioShift UV-C disinfection chamber. BioShift uses the power of UV-C lighting to disinfect objects, creating an extra barrier for virus and bacteria to travel along with materials taken on the farm. Think about personal belongings, like mobile phones and glasses, but also tools and veterinary equipment that is used in farm buildings.
How does UV-C disinfection work?
Ultraviolet light (UV) is electromagnetic radiation, close to the visible spectrum of light, but invisible to humans. According to the CIE classification, the UV spectrum is subdivided into three bands; UVA, UVB and UVC. Wavelengths known as UVC have been shown to inactivate viruses and bacteria, damaging their DNA to prevent them from multiplying. The use of germicidal irradiation is extensively tested and widely used to limit the risks of spreading diseases and is a clean technology as no additional chemicals are used throughout the process.
- UVA (long-wave) from 315 to 400 nm
- UVB (medium-wave) from 280-315 nm
- UVC (short-wave) from 100 to 280 nm
Source: Air surface and object disinfection using UV-C light whitepaper
BioShift UV-C disinfection chamber
BioShift is a pass-through chamber, with two doors. Users can place an object into the chamber from one side and start the disinfection cycle. After the 5-minute cycle, where >99% of viruses and bacteria are inactivated, the door on the clean side can be opened to take materials out. As UV-C lighting is potentially dangerous for users, if they would be exposed to the radiation, the BioShift has automatic door locks that do not allow the unit to be opened during the disinfection cycle.
ONCE offers two sizes of the BioShift. The tabletop version is capable of disinfecting smaller objects to a size of 60 cm. The XL version can disinfect large numbers of objects at the same time. The rugged design of the BioShift allows it to be used in the farming environment.
Proven results in swine breeding facilities
Introduced by ONCE Innovations in 2016, BioShift is already used for multiple years in swine breeding facilities. Our research department has written an extensive publication about the effectiveness of UVC exposure on PRRSV (Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus) and PEDV (Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus).
Read more information about BioShift and other solutions from ONCE.
