Biosecurity is a set of measures for protecting a population from infectious diseases. Biosecurity also means doing everything you can to keep diseases out of your farm. Biosecurity measures are the key to keeping healthy animals, it is also what is done to reduce the chances of an infectious diseases being carried to your farm.
Why is biosecurity important?
The main goal of biosecurity measures is to prevent, control and manage risks on your farm and animals. Practicing biosecurity can help keep disease away from your farm and keep your animal’s healthy animal produce better and increase your profits.
Who are involved?
The answer is simple, if you own, conduct business with or visit a farm you are involved. Disease carriers are no longer just new stock, but anything or anybody that comes in contact with the infected animals or objects. Infected animals shed bacterial or viral particles through faeces, exhaled air, milk, saliva, nasal secretions or urine. Most of these particles can survive in beddings, the air and almost anywhere in the environment for varying lengths of time. When objects like boots, clothing’s and vehicle enter this contaminated environment, they too become contaminated.
Main ways diseases are spread:
Livestock
- Improper disposal of dead animals
- Transfer of livestock from different areas
- Dirt, manure or contaminants.
People
- Farm personnel and family members
- Contractors and client
- Dirt, manure, contaminants from hands, boots and clothing’s
Vehicle & equipment
- Dirt, manure, and contaminants from cars and farm equipment’s.
Feed & water
- Raw materials from feed production
- Post- production contamination or spoilage during transport and storage
Pests
- Feral animals
- Rodent
Air
- As aerosol or dust particles
Biosecurity Measures
- Check animals for health status before purchasing
- Quarantine and vaccinate newly acquired animal
- Inspect and maintain adequate boundary fences
- Keep animals of unknown health status away from the farm
- Limit the unnecessary movement of people and vehicles into and around the farm
- Encourage the use of protective clothing and personal cleanliness when visitors visit your farm
- Ensure the quantity and quality of feed and water provided is suitable for the animals
- Know the symptoms of infectious diseases, contact your veterinarian in case you notice any unusual disease or death.
- Isolate and treat diseased or vulnerable animals in the case of a disease outbreak.
Biosecurity Techniques
- Cleaning and disinfecting is one of the most important parts of biosecurity measures. Thorough cleaning and scrubbing objects make applying disinfectants efficient.
- Always apply disinfectants using brush or spray units
Footbath
This is one of the effective tools of biosecurity measures. A small gutter/ditch or a low plastic is placed at the entrance of each unit of the farm which contains disinfectant mixed with water.
- Always encourage staff’s/visitors to dip their foots in the solution before entering each unit.
Conclusion
Improved health and well-being of animals are the ultimate outcomes of functioning biosecurity measures. A more holistic approach to biosecurity measures will enable healthy animals and maximum profits.
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