Beaver State News

Animal handlers are urged to prioritize biosecurity measures to protect both themselves and the animals in their care. Biosecurity serves as a crucial defense against disease outbreaks, ensuring a safe environment for livestock. Essential practices include limiting visitor access, maintaining proper hand hygiene, and regularly disinfecting equipment and vehicles.

Visitors may unknowingly carry pathogens on their clothing or equipment. To mitigate this risk, farm access should be restricted, and visitors should wear clean protective gear such as boots, coveralls, and gloves. Hand sanitizers or footbaths should be provided at entry points.

Proper hand hygiene is vital after handling animals or equipment. Hand washing with soap and water helps reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses. In situations where soap is unavailable, hand sanitizers are recommended.

Regular disinfection of items that come into contact with animals is essential. Equipment like feeders and trailers should be cleaned thoroughly before reuse using appropriate disinfectants like bleach or VirkonS.

Maintaining a clean environment by regularly removing manure and bedding can reduce infection risks. Proper drainage and ventilation help minimize humidity and contamination buildup. New animals should be separated from the main group for at least 30 days to prevent disease introduction.

Controlling animal movements is another key measure. Quarantining new arrivals allows monitoring for illness signs, while purchasing from reputable sources minimizes disease risks. Mixing livestock from different sources or species should be avoided when possible.

Vaccination plans developed with veterinarians ensure routine health checks are maintained. Any signs of illness in animals must be reported immediately to a veterinarian.

Education plays a significant role in biosecurity efforts. Farm employees must receive training on proper practices to understand hygiene's importance in protecting themselves and the animals.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, boots, coveralls, and face masks provide an additional defense layer against contamination between animal groups. PPE must be changed or cleaned before moving between groups, especially after handling sick animals.

Implementing these small steps can significantly impact reducing disease outbreak risks while protecting human and animal health alike. Long-term sustainability depends on making biosecurity a daily priority.

For further information on biosecurity practices, resources are available through the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA).