Biosecurity Center
Biosecurity Best Practices
Transport is one of the highest biosecurity risk events in livestock management. These guidelines reflect industry best practices — not legal requirements. Always consult your veterinarian for species-specific protocols.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Hitch-N-Ride does not issue health documentation or certify biosecurity compliance. Requirements vary by state, species, and destination. Always verify requirements with your veterinarian and the destination state's department of agriculture.
Trailer Cleaning & Disinfection
- Remove all organic material (manure, bedding, hair) before any wet cleaning
- Rinse with water under pressure — minimum 200 PSI recommended
- Apply approved disinfectant at correct dilution rate and allow full dwell time
- Allow trailer to dry completely before loading next animals
- Document each clean with date, products used, and initials
Health Documentation
- Obtain a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) before crossing state lines
- Verify destination state requirements — they vary widely by species
- Keep copies of all health certificates accessible in cab
- Confirm brand inspection requirements for cattle in applicable states
- Verify accreditation of issuing veterinarian as required by destination state
Water & Feed Hygiene
- Use only clean, known water sources — shared troughs are high-risk
- Bring portable water containers on extended hauls
- Do not feed hay from unknown sources at rest stops
- Carry sufficient feed for the full route duration plus contingency
Animal Observation & Handling
- Observe all animals before loading — do not load visibly ill animals
- Check body temperature of any animal showing signs of illness before transport
- Minimize commingling of animals from different premises
- Keep separation dividers between animals from different origins
- Document any animal health concerns observed during transit