Establishing and maintaining a strict line of separation (LOS) is arguably the most critical strategy to prevent poultry flocks from being exposed to pathogens like highly pathogenic avian influenza…

Establishing and maintaining a strict line of separation (LOS) is arguably the most critical strategy to prevent poultry flocks from being exposed to pathogens like highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus. We propose to develop and test a methodology for quantitatively evaluating LOS protocol effectiveness. The purpose of this proposed study is to evaluate the structure of an LOS as well as employee implementation of biosecurity protocols so poultry producers can develop evidence-based standard operating procedures (SOPS) that more effectively and efficiently prevent pathogen exposures. We will validate our approach on commercial layer, broiler and turkey farms, with actual farm employees using various entrance scenarios. Our proposed approach will yield quantitative, measurable results that can be used in risk evaluation models and provide an LOS evaluation tool for the poultry industry and regulatory community. Our tool will be versatile with the potential for use in different commodities that use an LOS including, but not limited to, other farm types for different animal species (e.g. the swine, cattle, dairy, and aquaculture industries).