Ultraviolet C (UVC) Standards and Best Practices for the Swine Industry

Abstract

<p>Ultraviolet C (UVC) light has been widely used for disinfection for a long time in many industries, including human medicine and food processing. The practical application of this technology in livestock production is a more recent development and is increasingly being used on swine farms as producers look for ways to improve biosecurity in response to endemic diseases and the threat of transboundary and foreign animal diseases, such as African swine fever virus (ASFV). However, many swine producers and veterinarians are unfamiliar with the physics/mechanisms of UVC, the doses required to inactivate swine pathogens, and practical conditions under which UVC can operate effectively and practically on swine farms. Safety and maintenance requirements regarding the application are also not widely known. The pork industry lacks standards and best practices to apply this technology effectively and safely.</p> <p>To address this need, subject matter experts were convened for a one-day workshop to define standards and best practices for the use of UVC in the swine industry. The members of the working group included practicing swine veterinarians as well as academics with expertise in epidemiology, infectious disease, biosecurity, chemistry, and engineering. This white paper is the outcome of the workshop. In addition, the content of the white paper may be used to develop fact sheets, brochures and/or tutorial videos for swine producers and veterinarians.</p>