Between shows, one of the most important biosecurity steps an exhibitor can take is cleaning and disinfecting equipment. With more than 27,000+ pigs involved in exhibitions in Texas each year, small actions, like how you handle a brush or feeder, can make a big difference in protecting pig health and preventing disease spread.
Diseases can be transmitted not only through pig-to-pig contact, but also indirectly through dirty equipment. Items such as brushes, buckets, hoses, panels, trailers, and show boxes can carry manure, bedding, dust, and other contaminants from one location to another. If these items are not properly cleaned, they can expose pigs to harmful pathogens. Even after a show ends.
How to Properly Clean Equipment Between Shows
Follow these steps each time you return home from a show before using equipment again:
- Remove debris first
Take out all bedding, dirt, manure, and feed residue from trailers and equipment. - Wash with hot water and soap
Use hot water along with soap or detergent to thoroughly clean all items that were at the show, including feeders, waters, buckets, brushes, and show box equipment. - Disinfect correctly
Apply disinfectants according to label instructions to ensure they are effective. - Clean away from pigs
Always wash and disinfect equipment in an area separate from your pigs to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. - Allow the equipment to fully dry
Let items dry completely using sunlight or a heat source, which helps kill remaining pathogens.
Consistently cleaning equipment between stock shows is a simple but powerful way exhibitors can do their part in reducing disease risk. By taking the time to do it right, you’re not only protecting your own pigs, but you’re also helping safeguard the health of the entire swine industry.