WHAT IS GERM-FREE?

• No gut flora, no skin bacteria/fungi/parasites
• Exceed all SPF standards for viruses & mycoplasma
• Unique production system (ultra-level of biosecurity) for management of flocks
• Not susceptible to disease outbreaks (full biosecurity - even against HPAI)
• Assured continuity of supply

• GF mammals are derived by caesarean section into sterile environment
• GF birds are derived by similar process removing the egg before it enters the cloaca. SPF birds are used as parents
• The first-generation GF egg is premature and requires specific incubation conditions

• HEPA filtered positive pressure air
• Sterilised bedding, food and water (gamma irradiation)
• Housed in specialised isolators or biosecure rooms (up to 4,000 birds)
• Traditional floor system of housing (no cages)
• Birds and eggs are kept free from infection (maximum biosecurity)
• Highly automated system including egg collection & packing
• Daily monitoring for absence of bacteria (provides instant warning of any loss of GF or SPF status)

• GF chickens breed naturally, similar productivity to SPF parent stock
• Hatchability meets or exceeds SPF (mean hatchability for GF >92%)
• Exceed USDA Memo 800.65 and European Pharmacopoeia requirements
• GMP compliant

NEW FACILITIES

New Facilities (2500msq)

• First generation germ-free flocks
• Isolators, Incubators
• Laboratories
• Pilot scale (25%) commercial production
• R&D
• Head Office

Lower Floor Provides:

• SPF flocks
• Large Germ-Free (GF) Isolators
• GF suite for flock of 1000 birds
• GF 'space' suits & decontamination showers
• GF feed handling
• GF egg collection & packaging

Upper Floor Provides:

• SPF showers
• Incubating/Hatching Isolators
• Transport Isolators
• Laboratories & QA
• Head Offices
• Site BMS & IT facilities