Biosecurity Overview

Biosecurity is a collection of management practices designed to minimize the risk of disease introduction and spread within a operation. Such practices may include, but are not limited to: new arrival management, wildlife and rodent control, equipment cleaning and disinfection, and minimizing visitor interaction with cattle. Because operations may routinely obtain calves from more than one source, biosecurity practices are especially important for preventing the introduction and spread of diseases.

Responsibility for biosecurity rests with the owner and/or management team, through the implementation of measures designed to prevent introduction of any disease which is not already present on the yard as well as limiting the spread of existing diseases. Personnel working with livestock must take steps to ensure a reasonable level of biosecurity is practiced to protect themselves, other producers, and the livestock industry.

Goal of Biosecurity

The goal of biosecurity planning is to minimize the risk of a disease from being introduced and spread on a facility. Development of a biosecurity plan is voluntary. However, it demonstrates to customers, packers, consumers, and government regulators that livestock facilities are actively working to assure a safe food supply. We encourage management to study this guide, to adapt its suggestions, and to employ the recommended practices.

Objectives of Biosecurity

1. Prevent the introduction of infectious disease agents to livestock
2. Prevent the spread of disease agents from affected areas to unaffected areas
3. Minimize the potential impact of disease on livestock productivity and business operations