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Dig Deeper:
BetterFarming.comBetter Farming
February 2017
As Mark unlocks the door to a chicken barn, a bright yellow sign reminds all entrants of biosecurity measures intended
to limit the spread of pathogens between flocks. With the potential threats of avian influenza, salmonella and other
outbreaks, all workers and visitors must follow strict protocols to stop the transmission of diseases and viruses.
Jonathan and Mark remove their outside footwear in the barn’s entry room and put on boots reserved for working in that building. The
small bench is placed as a marker beyond which outside footwear must not pass. Workers also sanitize hands when entering and leaving
buildings to help prevent the spread of disease between units.
Mark points out the ventilation holes in the black SolarWall siding
on his barn. The dark-coloured paint heats pockets of air trapped
in corrugated paths beneath the surface, which can then be
automatically vented into the building. This renewable energy
system helps reduce input costs for the farm during winter and can
be bypassed during the hot summer months.