The importance of disinfection mats in animal husbandry

In recent years, African swine fever (ASF) has severely devastated pig farming in Estonia. Due to the disease, tens of thousands of pigs have had to be culled, and several production units have had to temporarily suspend operations. This has led to significant economic losses, reduced production capacity, and heightened the importance of biosecurity across the entire livestock sector.

Such disease outbreaks remind us that even small lapses in hygiene can lead to major consequences. Biosecurity isn’t only about large investments; above all it’s about consistent, well-considered measures—such as the use of disinfection mats, which help prevent pathogens from moving into and out of the farm.

The line of defense for hygiene and health

In modern livestock farming—whether a small family farm or a large production unit—biosecurity is an increasingly important keyword. One of the simplest yet most effective biosecurity measures is the disinfection mat: a mat impregnated with a disinfectant solution that helps prevent pathogens from spreading into and out of animal housing.

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A variety of infectious diseases—viral, bacterial, and fungal—threaten animal health and can spread through direct contact as well as via footwear, vehicle tires, tools, or even clothing. A disinfection mat helps curb this invisible pathway by cleaning shoe soles or vehicle wheels before entering or leaving animal areas. A well-maintained and regularly disinfected mat is the first line of defense at the farm entrance.

    The role of disinfection mats in various livestock sectors

    Poultry farming: In poultry farms, diseases such as avian influenza and Newcastle disease pose a very high risk. Viruses spread rapidly and can wipe out an entire population. A disinfection mat at the entrance to the poultry house is a mandatory measure that helps prevent the introduction of the virus or its spread between different buildings.

    Sheep and goats: In goats and sheep, foot and skin diseases (e.g., hoof infections, scald, dermatitis) are common. A disinfection mat at the entrance to the paddock or barn reduces the movement of pathogens from pasture to barn and vice versa, keeping hooves healthier and lowering maintenance needs.

    Horses: Disinfection mats used in stables help prevent the spread of hoof fungus, strangles (equine strangles), and other infectious diseases. They are also important at competition venues or training centers where horses come into contact with animals from different places.

    Cattle: In cattle farms, it is especially important to prevent diseases such as digital dermatitis, tuberculosis, BVD, and other infections that affect herd health. A disinfection mat at the barn entrance and by vehicles helps reduce the risk of pathogens being carried onto shoe soles, tools, or tractor tires.

    Natural disease carriers — wild birds and other animals

    When ensuring biosecurity, one must not forget that wild birds and other small animals can also introduce infections into a farm. Birds in particular—pigeons, sparrows, crows, and wild ducks—can carry salmonellosis, Campylobacter, avian influenza, and other diseases that threaten both birds and livestock.

    Therefore, it is recommended to: install bird netting at chimneys, ventilation openings, and open ceilings; prevent birds from accessing feed stores and animal drinking points; and keep the surroundings clean so birds do not find feeding sites. Disinfection mats together with physical barriers such as nets form a comprehensive biosecurity system that protects animals and production.

    See bird nets →

    Proper use and maintenance

    A disinfection mat is effective only if it is cleaned regularly and the disinfectant solution is refreshed, an appropriately concentrated disinfectant is used, the mat is large enough for each step to traverse the entire surface, and it is installed in strategic locations—such as entrances, gates, and storage or feed buildings.

    See disinfectant solutions →

    It is recommended to use a durable, absorbent material that retains the solution and prevents it from evaporating quickly.

    Disinfection mats as a simple yet effective investment

    Although a disinfection mat may seem like a small detail, having one can save a farm from major economic losses. Preventing an outbreak means lower treatment and cleaning costs, better animal welfare and productivity, and greater confidence from consumers and authorities.

    Biosecurity starts with small steps—literally. A disinfection mat and proper protection against wild birds are simple yet extremely effective ways to keep the farm healthy and production stable.

    With the help of FARM24, you can make your farm safer and better protected against various pathogens, ensuring animal health and stable production.

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