The importance of implementing biosecurity in cattle operations to prevent and reduce disease
Keeping cattle healthy and free of disease requires a variety of management practices. Operations with robust biosecurity plans in place will have a good handle on managing the health of their herd. “Prevention is better than having to pay for the cure,” Monty Rexwinkle, Carroll County extension agent with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, said.
The goal of biosecurity on a cattle operation is to stop diseases from spreading from sick animals to healthy animals and to prevent contamination through dirty farm equipment or other means. The keys to a good biosecurity plan include isolation, testing, limiting herd access and cleanliness.
Isolation
The act of isolating an animal applies to sick animals on the farm as well as new animals coming to the operation. If an animal is sick, remove the animal from the rest of the herd. The animal should be treated and brought back to full health before returning to its original pasture or pen. Consult the herd veterinarian for the suggested quarantine period.
When adding new animals to the herd, ask the seller to provide health and vaccination information. Also, if possible, purchase from known, reputable breeders. “Ideally if you were going to add an animal to the herd, it is preferred that it came from someone else’s closed herd,” Rexwinkle stated.
As soon as the newcomers arrive, they should remain isolated from the rest of the herd for 21 to 30 days. During that time, observe the animals for any sign of sickness.
Testing
Livestock extension experts recommend testing new animals, if needed, for serious diseases such as Johne’s, Bovine Tuberculosis, Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD), Brucellosis, and Trichomoniasis (Trich).
The Trich test is recommended for all bulls over the age of 18 months and non-virgin bulls. When selecting a herd bull, look for one from a proven operation with solid health protocols. “Bulls are the one animal that kind of comes and goes on operations, so virgin bulls off of a seedstock farm would be best,” Rexwinkle added.
Herd Access
Visitors from other operations can introduce diseases to the herd. Try to restrict unauthorized visits and limit where guests traverse on the property. If possible, limit visitor’s access to pens and treatment facilities as well as feed mixing and storage areas.
Additionally, create a carcass disposal plan. The plan should include initiating dead animal pickup on the perimeter of the farm away from healthy animals.
It is best to prevent rendering trucks from driving through the farm, this will reduce the chance contamination.
Cleanliness
When transporting animals move them in clean vehicles to reduce their exposure to fecal matter and urine that can carry disease. “Cleaning out trailers that you are moving cattle in is another important practice,” Rexwinkle said.
Keep feed troughs and water sources free of feces and urine.
Controlling the pest population that can also carry disease will help to ward off sickness in the cattle herd.
Disinfect reusable equipment between use on animals such as tattoo pliers, castration knives, ear notching and dehorning tools and implant guns. Routinely, clean and disinfect feeding equipment, handling equipment and anything used to medicate cattle.
