New service trucks from Boehringer Ingelheim feature built-in disinfection systems designed to help improve the biosecurity of poultry houses.
“We’re trying to bring more to the table than just that we can manage and deliver your inventory. It’s really about being a partner with our customer. We also realize that they’re making a significant investment when they buy vaccines from us,” Justin Rustvold, associate director, Distribution and Services, Boehringer Ingelheim Poultry Division, said.
In 2022, the U.S. poultry industry experienced an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), with confirmed cases in 26 states. Biosecurity measures are currently the best way to prevent the spread of the disease. Traffic in and out of poultry houses, including trucks, shoes and more, can serve as vectors for HPAI.
Area service technicians (ASTs) for Boehringer Ingelheim pay frequent visit to customer farms to help ensure that vaccine supply and administration runs smoothly.
“They work with our customers directly in barns and go around to all the different complexes within their given area at least once per month,” explained Rustvold, noting that ASTs are also responsible for training, vaccine audits, inventory management and equipment installation and maintenance.
How the built-in disinfection system works
The built-in disinfection systems clean the delivery trucks between farm visits. The trucks feature a button in the cab that activates disinfectant sprayers in front of the wheel wells. An additional tank on the side of the truck can disinfect equipment, shoes and more.
Liquid nitrogen tanks were also recently added to each truck, which can help ensure proper cold chain management by verifying that all vaccines are stored at the correct temperature.
To learn more about HPAI cases in commercial poultry flocks in the United States and Canada, see an interactive map on WATTPoultry.com.
Read our ongoing coverage of the global avian influenza outbreak.
