IVRI advisory for the production and handling of Poultry in COVID lockdown

Pashu Sandesh, 29 April 2020

Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) Izzatnagar, a prominent research institution of India, has issued an advisory for the livestock owners and handlers during this period of COVID Lockdown.

Precautions during Egg production/ Gathering/ Transportation

• Any egg handler who is unwell should not be at work. If they have symptoms, they should follow government advice and stay at home.
• Use headgear, mask, shoe cover/gumboots, disposable gloves etc. while collecting, packaging, transporting and selling the eggs.
• The social distancing of 1 meter shall be advised to the staff during working.
•  Limit the number of staff to maintain social distances.
• Anyone handling eggs should wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Regular thermal screening should be done for egg handlers.
• The egg should be cleaned using potable detergent water or egg soap water (pH 11.0) like egg wash powder, an alkaline chlorinated foam control powder.
• After washing, eggs should be sanitized using chlorine-based sanitizer (50-200ppm).
• Eggs should be transported in a closed container and no other items should be permitted for transportation in the same vehicle and vehicle should be regularly disinfected before loading and after unloading.
• Frequently clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are touched regularly by staff or customers. 1% hypochlorite solution could be used for mopping contact surfaces and for metallic surfaces alcohol-based sanitizers can be used.
• Provide additional pop-up hand washing stations or facilities if possible, providing soap, water and hand sanitizer.