Different pathogens exhibit varying levels of resistance in the environment (for example, Riemerella bacteria die off within a few days in the environment, whereas worm eggs can persist in outdoor runs for years). Organic material (animal excrement, feed residues, litter, feathers), moisture and warm ambient temperatures favour the survival of pathogens. Thorough cleaning can reduce the bacterial load on the cleaned surfaces by up to three orders of magnitude (to one thousandth of the original load). Thorough cleaning is also a prerequisite for successful disinfection, as many disinfectants react with proteins (e.g. those contained in excrement, feed residues and blood), which significantly reduces their effectiveness on heavily soiled surfaces. By combining cleaning and disinfection, the bacterial load can be reduced by up to six orders of magnitude, i.e. ideally to one millionth of the original load. However, even disinfection does not achieve a germ-free, sterile environment.

Once the geese have been moved out of the shed, it should be thoroughly cleaned before being restocked. Particularly in seasonal goose fattening, although longer periods of vacancy do help to reduce the risk of infection, cleaning should nevertheless be carried out promptly after the animals have been moved out or slaughtered to prevent the spread of any pathogens that may be present.

Cleaning begins with removing manure from the empty stable. After dry cleaning, the stable should be swept clean and then wet cleaned. In cases of heavy soiling, it is advisable to use warm water (ideally 40 °C) and cleaning agents after thoroughly soaking the soiled surfaces. High-pressure cleaners are commonly used for effective wet cleaning (Caution: unsuitable nozzles, insufficient water flow, incorrect spray angles or an insufficient spray distance can lead to material damage and the widespread distribution of dirt particles/germs!).

The amount of cleaning agents required can be significantly reduced by pre-cleaning to remove coarse dirt or by thorough soaking. Any residual cleaning agents must then be thoroughly rinsed off with clean water to prevent surface corrosion and ensure the disinfection process is not compromised.

The following must be cleaned: livestock housing (from top to bottom), livestock equipment (including feed and water lines from the inside), tools and vehicles, herding aids, loading ramps and other equipment in direct contact with the animals, livestock housing entrance areas and forecourts, feed storage containers and, finally, the equipment used for cleaning and the protective clothing worn during the process.

Cleaning is considered successful when all surfaces and interior fittings, containers, feed and water lines in the barn are clean and the waste water no longer contains any dirt particles. The wash water used contains small amounts of nitrogen- and phosphorus-containing substances and is therefore defined as liquid manure.

Disinfection without prior thorough cleaning is ineffective: “You cannot disinfect dirt!” However, dirt is not always visible – it is precisely invisible residues (e.g. in uneven surfaces, cracks and small openings) that severely limit the effectiveness of disinfectants and allow germs to survive until the next time the stable is occupied. Disinfection should therefore take place as soon as possible after cleaning to prevent further contamination (e.g. from dust).

The barn must be completely dry before disinfection. Wet or damp areas ‘dilute’ the disinfectant and impair its effectiveness (dilution effect).

No disinfectant kills all types of germs and is suitable for every use. In the event of disease or increased risk of infection during the fattening cycle, it is therefore advisable to discuss the details of the planned disinfection with the attending vet. As a general rule, only disinfectants tested and listed by the DVG should be used. Products bearing the DLG quality mark have also been tested for material compatibility, among other things.

DVG list

The concentration recommended by the manufacturer must be adhered to during application. It should be noted that different concentrations are required for different ambient temperatures and that certain disinfectants are ineffective or only partially effective in cold conditions (cold-induced inactivation, e.g. aldehydes). During the cold season, peroxides or chlorine solutions should therefore be used in preference. Application can be carried out using spraying, misting or aerosol methods.

As a general rule, 0.4 l of working solution per m^² of surface area to be disinfected is required; for stable fittings, at least 30% extra must be allowed for. The contact time for most disinfectants should not be less than 2 to 4 hours, even if shorter times are specified by the manufacturer. Ideally, the disinfected livestock housing should then be left to air and rest ‘empty’ for 4 to 5 days.

• The hygiene airlock must be fully operational at all times.
• Daily inspection of the supply equipment and cleaning where necessary
• Flush the drinking system after each administration of veterinary medicines or feed supplements
• Immediate removal of dead animals from the barn, proper storage of carcasses (see Chapter 6)
• Bedding maintenance (checking moisture levels, adding fresh bedding and, if necessary, mucking out heavily soiled areas)
• Clean soiled work equipment
• Clean soiled work clothing (especially footwear)
• Clean and disinfect equipment (including vehicles where applicable) before using them in another barn
• Regular checks for rodent and pest infestations and control measures where necessary
• Keep the barn entrance, forecourt and access routes clean
• Keep vegetation in the area around the barn to a minimum

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