“Start early and start now.” It’s a simple but powerful message Tanner Pickett of 5 Rivers Cattle shared during a National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) biosecurity webinar.
As the New World screwworm continues to move closer to the U.S., the need for strong biosecurity practices has never been greater.
There is no better time than now for producers to evaluate and strengthen biosecurity procedures on their operations. Here are four biosecurity strategies to consider implementing:
1. Create or Update Your Secure Beef Supply Plan
According to the Kansas Department of Agriculture, the Secure Beef Supply (SBS) Plan is a voluntary tool designed to help cattle producers move animals from uninfected operations during a disease outbreak. Without a plan, a “stop movement” order could freeze your business.
Following SBS protocols helps sustain the economic viability of the cattle industry while limiting disease spread.
- How to start: Complete the 11-question questionnaire and provide an operation map.
- Next step: Meet with a state representative to validate the plan for your specific geography.
Once established, it is critical to keep the SBS plan current, especially in an ever-changing industry.
2. Participate In a Mock Outbreak
You don’t know where your gaps are until you test them. Pickett recommends participating in a one-day simulation.
- The Benefit: Walking through a simulated shutdown reveals if your SBS Plan actually functions during a crisis.
- The Goal: Identify weaknesses and adjust protocols before a real event occurs.
3. Establish Pasture Movement Protocols
If an outbreak occurs, do you know which pastures your herd can be moved to safely? Kelly Oliver-Halbleib with the Kansas Department of Agriculture emphasizes the importance of having a plan in place, even without an SBS Plan.
Knowing where cattle can and cannot be moved during an outbreak is a foundational step in protecting herd health and preventing further disease spread.
4. Create Visual Lines of Separation
During the chaos of an outbreak, it is easy for employees or delivery drivers to cross into “dirty” zones. Visual cues act as a physical reminder of biosecurity boundaries.
- Examples of Barriers: Use round bales, traffic cones, fencing or parked vehicles.
- Alignment: These lines should match the “Line of Separation” (LOS) designated in your SBS Plan.
While the threat of a disease outbreak can feel overwhelming, producers are not alone. Resources and professionals are available to help guide the process. More information on the SBS Plan can be found at securebeef.org, and species-specific biosecurity resources are available at cfsph.iastate.edu.
Having a plan in place is essential. “Producers are the best problem solvers,” Oliver-Halbleib summarizes.
