Biosecurity means taking steps to prevent the introduction and spread of infectious disease. As a critically important part of disease prevention and control, biosecurity is a subject that should be continually addressed as part of normal farm management.
Biosecurity Big 5:
- Livestock movement - This is the most likely route for introducing disease. Run closed herds and flocks, otherwise buy from accredited schemes or trusted sources.
- Quarantine - Always keep introduced animals isolated. Ensure best practice quarantine conditions and check quarantine periods for key diseases.
- Diagnostic tests and preventative vaccines - Use these whenever recommended as knowing disease status is important and prevention is better than cure.
- Hygiene - Practice good hygiene including the use of effective disinfectants. Provision of good environmental conditions will lead to reduced risk of infection.
- Health plans - Improve disease prevention and control by developing flock and herd health plans in consultation with your vet. Use and update them regularly.