An ‘animal-free period’, also known under the animal species-specific ‘pig-free period’ or ‘poultry period’, is a biosecurity measure whereby a livestock farmer restricts access for staff and visitors for a period of 12-72 hours after their contact with other animals of the same species, or other species susceptible to the same diseases as those kept on the farm. Through this measure, the farmer would stop the risk of disease introduction through people who might carry a pathogen after contact with sick animals. With the difficulties involved in this measure including for veterinarians and other professionals who visit several farms per day, the question is whether this measure effectively protects, and is needed.

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