We have received questions from participants and veterinarians about correct sampling for HOSOWO.
HOSOWO stands for H – hygiene O – ‘onderzoek’ (research), S – ‘stal’ (housing unit), O – research, and W –water, O – research, and includes the following:
Hygiene testing in the form of a hygienogram out to check whether the housing unit has been sufficiently cleaned and disinfected. The number of bacterial colonies is counted here.
Housing inspection, to determine possible salmonella contamination (after cleaning and disinfection of a housing unit that just housed an infected flock).
Drinking water research, to check the drinking water quality (bacteriological and chemical) while there are animals in the housing.
It is important that the HOSOWO sampling is carried out according to an established and uniform method. This ensures that the quality of sampling is the same for everyone. The working method has now been fully translated into English (Sampling HOSOWO, bottom right). Your vet must adhere to this procedure. So, make sure your vet is informed about the procedure and where they can find it.