Beaver State News

Implementing biosecurity practices on farms is crucial for protecting livestock from infectious diseases, pests, and other harmful agents. These measures are vital for maintaining the health and productivity of animals while ensuring the sustainability of the entire agricultural community.

Biosecurity can prevent disease introduction to farms, reduce disease spread between farms, improve animal health and productivity, safeguard public health, and promote economic benefits by reducing costs associated with disease outbreaks and production losses.

The key principles of biosecurity include isolation, traffic control, and sanitation. Isolation involves quarantining new or returning animals for at least two to four weeks before integrating them with the herd. Traffic control requires monitoring and limiting the movement of vehicles, people, and equipment entering and exiting the farm. Sanitation involves regularly cleaning and disinfecting facilities, tools, and equipment while providing hygiene stations such as footbaths and handwashing stations for workers and visitors.

"Strong biosecurity practices protect your animals, your livelihood, and our agricultural future," states an informational release. "Start today to safeguard tomorrow!"

For more information on biosecurity practices, additional resources can be accessed online.