Biosecurity means protecting livestock health by preventing disease transmission.
Foot-and-mouth disease in Great Britain was an extreme example of a biosecurity threat. A more likely example would be the spread of scours from farm to farm.
Every few years a severe outbreak of scours or some other disease will get the community talking.
The fear of spread is the biggest concern. Producers often become afraid to associate with their neighbours, treating the producer involved as if he had leprosy.
But a few simple precautions can virtually eliminate the possibility of transmission and make producers rest easy.
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Vaccination is the most important form of biosecurity. Producers should work with their local veterinarian, who knows the diseases prevalent in the area.
Vaccines for most of the common contagious diseases already exist, such as scours, IBR and BVD. Vets may also recommend vaccinating for less prevalent diseases if they emerge, such as leptospirosis, vibriosis, trichomoniasis and anthrax.
Remember, no vaccine is totally protective and disease can still occur in the event of overwhelming challenge.
Good nutrition keeps the immune system strong. Many trace minerals are necessary for proper functioning of the immune system.
Take a common sense approach to disease control. Consider anything dirty to be contaminated with infectious organisms.
Clothes, skin and boots can be the biggest sources of infection. Cleaning clothes, removing coveralls and washing boots with common disinfectants after coming into contact with sick animals will kill or remove most organisms. Simple hand cleaning is a good hygienic way to minimize spread of disease.
Boot dips with a disinfectant such as Virkon or a 50-50 mix of water and vinegar disinfects the soiled underside of boots. It also makes a visible statement to visitors that sanitation is important on your farm. A boot dip at the entry to your calving barn is a constant reminder of biosecurity. They should be replenished each week or sooner if lots of organic material is present. Disinfectant mats accomplish the same goal.
Certain organisms can build over time in manure packs, dirty buildings and in areas where stagnant water accumulates. Removing manure yearly and spreading it on grain land helps break this cycle.
Generally, desiccation and sunlight will kill most organisms. Cleaning and emptying corrals over the summer is wise.
The potential for introducing disease is greatest when producers buy new animals or if their own animals return from a show or auction market. A simple fix is to isolate them for two to three weeks because most diseases will show themselves by then.
Buy livestock from reputable sources where the vaccine history is known.
A totally closed herd is almost impossible in today’s cattle industry. Cattle are traded, taken to auction markets and brought home. At a minimum, herd bulls are bought off the farm. Virtually every herd has some contact through the fence with neighbouring animals at pasture.
Wildlife still poses a threat to commercial cattle. They cover great distances and are hard to control. Producers should bar wildlife, especially cloven hoofed animals, from access to feed and water supplies to prevent fecal and urine contamination.
Producers can minimize most biosecurity risks with control measures. They should be intensified if potentially contagious diseases are diagnosed in your area.
Roy Lewis is a veterinarian practising in Westlock, Alta.
