When it comes to biosecurity, livestock producers should have protocols in place for both on the farm and when taking animals to fairs or exhibitions. Live animals, vehicles, equipment, animal products and people can carry disease onto farms.
University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist Chloe Collins says preparation helps producers know what they are up against.
“This will help your biosecurity practices run smoothly and effectively,” she says.
With it being county and state fair season for many parts of the country, University of Missouri Extension veterinarian Corinne Bromfield says there are easy things producers can do to improve biosecurity and help minimize transmission of diseases.
“Many think biosecurity needs to be intense and expensive, but small, consistent actions can pay big dividends,” Bromfield says.
Collins and Bromfield share basic biosecurity steps that cost little to nothing but can save a lot of money and headaches:
Check health requirements for exhibitions. Many events require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), or health certificate from a veterinarian — especially for livestock traveling from out of state. This helps ensure only healthy animals go to shows, reducing the likelihood animals will pick up something at the show and bring it back home. If livestock exhibit any signs of contagious disease, such as coughing, diarrhea or skin irritations, they should be left at home.
Dedicated clothing. People taking animals to fairs should wear dedicated clothing and footwear at the fair and not bring them home to their other animals. Having dedicated clothing/footwear that doesn’t leave your farm is also important for your animals staying home.
Isolate new or returning animals. This is a key step to mitigate the immediate spread of disease and gives producers time to observe animals. Make sure the isolation area is separate from high-traffic areas and has its own feed and water sources. Another option is attending a terminal show, where the livestock will not return to the home herd.
Set a quarantine protocol. Keep new or returning animals separate from the herd for at least two weeks (four weeks is even better), and watch for any signs of illness. This helps prevent the spread of disease to animals that are currently healthy animals. Work with your quarantined after working with the home herd.
Sanitize. Keep housing, feeding and watering areas clean. Regularly disinfect these spaces and remove manure frequently to reduce cross contamination. Avoid bringing home feed, shavings or manure from the event. Wash the trailer to clean off manure, and always wash your hands after interacting with animals.
Clean your equipment. This is especially important for those attending fairs this summer or frequently moving animals. Always clean your equipment before you leave the farm and as soon as you return. If you’re bringing new equipment, such as a stock trailer, to the farm, stop at a truck wash on the way home to clean and disinfect it. Don’t forget to scrub buckets, fans, panels, shovels and any other objects that have traveled with your animal or may have encountered other animals or animal products.
Limit farm access. Create designated areas for visitors. If you frequently have people who visit your farm, create zones for them — preferably away from animal areas. Require visitors to wear disposable footwear covers (like plastic boots) to limit disease spread. Designate parking and foot traffic areas to keep a barrier from your herd. Consider posting “Personnel Only” signs and establish protocols for high-risk areas, such as feed storage and highly trafficked zones.
Develop a written biosecurity plan unique to your farm. First, figure out what risks you already face with visitors, moving equipment on and off the farm and other animals that could be potential disease vectors. Plan how to mitigate animal contact and minimize risks.
Your next read: Remember Biosecurity Practices As You Exhibit Animals at Shows and Fairs
