Biosecurity Considerations for Ranches

The Foot-and-Mouth Disease problems that are continuing in Britain, parts of Europe, and other regions of the world have all of us thinking more seriously about biosecurity. What can we build in to our own operations that will help prevent devastating disease problems at home? This month’s column has a few ideas on this topic and a table of information on common disinfectants. For additional in-depth information, some web-sites are included and remember your veterinarian can be a tremendous resource for information on this topic.

• Vaccinate the herd against all endemic disease (BVD, Clostridial diseases, Lepto. etc.).
• Decrease stress by using low stress management for movement and processing. Provide ample feed, water, and shade.
• Isolate all sick animals.
• Minimize fence line contact with neighboring animals.
• Do not place cattle of different ages in the same pen.
• Keep records of all disease occurrences.
• Maintain a closed herd, if possible.

• Quarantine all new animals for 30-60 days.
• Test new animals for important diseases (Johne’s, Trichomoniasis, etc.).
• Purchase animals from healthy and reputable herds.
• Purchase feeds from reputable sources.

• Provide foot baths at entrances and exits of confinement facilities.
• Provide timely manure and dead animal removal.
• Keep grounds and feed bunks as dry as possible.
• Have an insect control program in practice (insects can be vectors for diseases such as anaplasmosis and bluetongue).
• Have a rodent control program.

• Clean and remove as much organic material as possible, before disinfecting.
• Choose a disinfectant that will work against the pathogen you are trying to control.
• Be aware of any toxic, harmful or corrosive effects of the disinfectant.
• Follow the label on the disinfectant package.

• Minimize the number of visitors.
• Be sure all visitors have clean clothing/coveralls, boots, and hands.
• Minimize visitors’ contact with animals.
• Be sure all equipment brought onto the farm is disinfected or that disposable equipment is used.
• Be sure all vehicles brought to the farm are clean and have disinfected tires.
• Do not allow foreign visitors on the farm until they have been in the country for 5 days.
• Do not allow foreign visitors to bring any clothing, foods, or accessories they have had in another country onto the farm.

• Be sure all employees understand and follow the biosecurity protocol.
• Realize that employee owned animals can be a possible source of contamination to your facility.

http://www.kla.org/membership/Biosecurity.htm

http://www.cvm.umn.edu/anhlth_foodsafety/biosecurity.html

http://www.vetsci.sdstate.edu/xnews/BCBPPA.htm

It is important to read all labels before applying any disinfectant.

When disinfecting for Salmonella you must clean and acidify prior to use of disinfectant.

¶ Enveloped viruses include: Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR), Pseudocowpox, BVD, Bovine Respiratory Syncitial Virus, Vesicular Stomatitis, Coronavirus, and Bovine Leukemia Virus.

* Non enveloped viruses include: Bovine Papilloma virus (warts), Bovine Adenovirus (respiratory disease), and Foot and Mouth Disease.

John Maas, DVM, MS
Diplomate, ACVN & ACVIM
Extension Veterinarian
School of Veterinary Medicine
University of California, Davis

Jason Storm
Third-Year Veterinary Medical Student
School of Veterinary Medicine
University of California, Davis