Pilot-scale evaluation of potential measures for biocontainment of swine barns

Abstract. Potential biocontainment measures that can be applied for emergency isolation of a swine barn following a disease outbreak were investigated in a pilot-scale set-up using a 20-m long air tunnel. Biocontainment measures including the use of multi-layer antimicrobial fabric filters and dust reduction curtains at different flow rates and configurations were tested for their effectiveness in reducing the concentration of aerosolized polyalphaolefin (PAO) particles. Test aerosols were generated using a 6-jet Collison nebulizer and levels at the upstream and downstream sides of the filter were measured using a laser particle counter able to detect particles within the range of 0.3 to 0.49 µm in diameter. Results showed that the fabric filters achieved the highest reduction (67%) in particle concentration among the measures tested; these filters could also be effective in capturing airborne viruses and pathogens attached to these particles. Dust reduction curtains and fabric pre-filters, however, were found not effective in capturing 0.3 to 0.49 µm particles. Also, higher airflow rates tended to result in higher reduction in particle concentrations, but further tests are needed to establish this trend definitively.