Hybrid barn : the switch from a naturally to a mechanically ventilated turkey barn to protect from harmful bioaerosols

Introduction: Animal health is essential to ensure the highest level of animal
welfare and to conserve resources. Especially in naturally ventilated barns,
the airborne entry of pathogens is difficult to avoid. For instance, birds in
naturally ventilated turkey barns are frequently infected by highly pathogenic
avian influenza and the airborne route may play a role. In this study, a naturally
ventilated turkey barn was equipped with filter modules that allow a conversion
to a mechanically ventilated barn.

Methods: Four filter modules with two filter stages were adapted to a turkey barn
and the curtains were closed to induce a slight overpressure in the barn. Air samples
were taken over the course of 16 months in front of and behind the filter units to
assess the filter efficiencies. Filter efficiencies were evaluated by the reduction of
particle classes (PM1, PM10, nanoparticles), microorganisms (total bacteria, molds,
yeasts), and the detection of potentially pathogenic bacteria and viruses by PCR tests.

Results: Particle reduction rates were 94.17% for PM1, 94.27% for PM10, and 95.80% for nanoparticles, respectively. Total bacteria counts were reduced by 95.88%, molds by 94.64%, and yeasts by 66.03%. Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale was significantly retained in the filter units. The results for influenza A also indicated that the entry of potentially infectious particles could be prevented.

Discussion: The flexible switch from a naturally to a mechanically ventilated
barn with filtered supply air can be an innovative solution to avoid airborne
pathogen entry in risky situations and may represent a component in the
strategy to control epidemic diseases.