By Dwayne Walker, Founder of Walker Poultry Trailers
Biosecurity has always been important in poultry production, but today it is more critical than ever. Moving live birds from the farm to the plant carries risks that can impact flock health, production schedules, and company reputation. A major part of that risk comes down to how trailers are cleaned, maintained, and built.
A lot of discussions about biosecurity focus on the farm, but the reality is that trailers are just as important. Poultry trailers are one of the highest-risk vectors for disease transmission if they are not cleaned and disinfected properly between loads. It only takes a small amount of organic material or a few lingering pathogens to move a problem from one farm to the next.
The right cleaning practices, combined with the right trailer design, make a big difference. Proper sanitation protects the birds, protects the grower, and protects the company’s entire operation.
Start with Physical Removal
The first step in cleaning a poultry live haul trailer is getting rid of as much loose organic matter as possible before washing starts. Feathers, dust, manure, and bedding debris must be physically removed using blowers, brushes, or scrapers.
Skipping this step is a big mistake. If organic matter stays on the trailer, it shields bacteria and viruses from the cleaning and disinfecting chemicals that follow. Taking time to thoroughly clear surfaces before moving on saves time and produces better results in the end.
High-Pressure Washing
Once loose material is removed, the next step is high-pressure washing. Using low-volume, high-pressure water systems helps dislodge remaining debris stuck in corners, seams, or flooring. Focused attention should be given to areas around welds, door frames, and any place where materials or moisture can accumulate.
Trailers built with smooth surfaces and fewer trap points make this step a lot easier. Trailers that have open-access designs and avoid unnecessary nooks and crannies allow crews to clean faster and more thoroughly without missing hidden contamination spots.
Use the Right Detergents
After the initial wash, applying a detergent is important. Detergents break down biofilms and organic residues that protect pathogens. Choosing a detergent that is designed for agricultural or poultry use ensures it will cut through the kind of material typically found in live haul operations.
Dwell time matters. Letting the detergent sit and do its job before rinsing helps improve results. Rushing through this step leads to poor sanitation and missed contamination.
Disinfect Thoroughly
Once the detergent is rinsed off, it is time for disinfection. Using an EPA-approved disinfectant specific for poultry operations is critical. Disinfectants need to be applied evenly and left on the surface for the proper amount of time recommended by the manufacturer.
Effective disinfection depends heavily on good preparation. Surfaces must be as clean as possible before applying disinfectants; otherwise, organic matter will block the disinfectant from reaching the pathogens.
Coverage also matters. Sprayers or foggers should be used to reach every surface of the trailer, including under floors, along sides, inside doors, and anywhere that can harbor microorganisms.
Dry Completely Before Use
One step that is often overlooked is drying. A clean, disinfected trailer that stays wet creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria to regrow. Moisture traps heat and promotes survival of residual pathogens.
Allowing trailers to air dry completely before loading them again is essential. Some operations use drying fans or heat systems to speed up the process, especially during cooler or more humid seasons.
Drying is not just a finishing step; it is a key part of the biosecurity process that improves the effectiveness of everything that comes before it.
Trailer Design Makes a Difference
Cleaning practices alone are not enough without the right equipment. Trailers designed for live haul biosecurity make the whole cleaning process faster, easier, and more effective.
Good live haul trailers feature:
- Smooth interiors without exposed seams or trap points
- Open-access areas for easy reach during washing
- Self-draining floors to prevent standing water
- Corrosion-resistant materials to withstand repeated cleanings
- Welded joints that minimize places for pathogens to hide
Trailers that are hard to clean lead to shortcuts. Shortcuts lead to contamination. Contamination leads to sick birds and lost revenue. Investing in the right design from the beginning helps every part of the operation run more smoothly.
Why It Matters for Poultry Companies
In top-producing poultry states like North Carolina, Georgia, Arkansas, Alabama, Texas, and Mississippi, biosecurity standards are higher than ever. Plants and integrators expect clean, well-maintained equipment. Certification programs, regulatory inspections, and company protocols are putting more focus on live haul sanitation.
A clean trailer is no longer a suggestion — it is part of staying in business. Failing to meet biosecurity expectations risks more than fines; it risks losing grower trust, processing efficiency, and company reputation.
Using trailers that are designed with biosecurity in mind makes it easier to meet those standards without added labor costs or extra downtime. It supports smoother operations, protects flocks, and shows commitment to animal welfare and food safety.
At the end of the day, biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility, and it starts with the equipment that moves the birds. Clean trailers move healthy flocks. Healthy flocks keep the industry strong.
Choosing the right trailer, using the right cleaning practices, and making biosecurity part of the daily routine ensures poultry companies stay competitive in the markets they serve — and it keeps the birds, the growers, and the industry moving forward.