Biosecurity in Agricultural Management

Biosecurity

• Traffic control, sanitation, and biosecurity are important considerations:
  • Personnel and vehicles not involved with the farm should not be allowed to enter haphazardly
  • Site design should include aspects like:
    • Housing design
    • Farm layout
    • Movement of vehicles
    • Equipment and animal management
• Biosecurity responsibilities:
  • A biosecurity coordinator is responsible for developing, implementing, maintaining, and ensuring the ongoing effectiveness of a biosecurity program.
  • The coordinator's responsibility can be at the farm, production site, production complex, or company levels.
  • They should be knowledgeable in biosecurity principles.
  • They are responsible for implementing the program and reviewing the program at least once per year, making any necessary adjustments.
• Training:
  • A training program for farm staff in biosecurity and personal hygiene is key.
  • This program should be documented and cover both farm site-specific procedures and premises and/or company-wide procedures as appropriate.
  • Training must be conducted at least once per calendar year and documented.
• Line of Separation (LOS):
  • This is a functional line that separates the animal house(s) and animals inside from potential disease sources.
  • The site-specific biosecurity plan should illustrate the boundaries of the LOS and outline clear procedures for those crossing it, such as caretakers, visitors, and suppliers.
• Perimeter Buffer Area (PBA):
  • This is a functional zone surrounding the animal houses or animal raising area, separating them from unrelated areas such as adjoining properties.
  • It includes the animal houses and nearby structures involved in daily farm function.
  • This area typically includes:
    • Feed bins
    • Manure sheds
    • Composting areas
    • Egg rooms
    • Generators
    • Pump rooms
  • Site-specific biosecurity plans should illustrate the boundaries of the PBA and outline clear procedures for those entering and leaving the PBA, such as caretakers, visitors, and suppliers.
• Personnel:
  • The biosecurity plan should include provisions specifically addressing procedures and biosecurity PPE for both site-dedicated and non-farm personnel.
  • It should also include procedures for all personnel who have had recent contact with other poultry or avian species before re-entering the PBA.

New Animal Introduction

• Before introducing a new animal to a farm:
  • Determine the health status of the animal.
  • Determine the source of the animal.
• Upon arrival of a new animal:
  • Separate the animal from the rest of the herd for approximately two weeks.
  • If complete isolation is not feasible:
    • Keep the animal in a pen or stall farthest from the rest of the stock.
    • Keep feed and water buckets or bowls separate.
    • Avoid nose-to-nose contact with other stock.
• Maintaining a line of separation:
  • Keep vehicles used for milk, feed, and livestock from driving through areas where animals are housed or where feed is kept.

Foreign Visitors

• Foreign Visitors:
  • Exclude foreign visitors from the farm for at least five days after arrival in the area.
  • Visitors should provide information about recent farm and animal contacts.
  • Clothing worn on farms in other countries should be washed, and footwear should be disinfected.
  • Luggage, cameras, and other items should be disinfected.
  • Discourage foreign visitors from walking through feed mangers and having physical contact with animals.
  • Make sure visitors entering the farm have clean clothes or provide disposable clean coveralls and boots for visitors.
  • All footwear should be disinfected before entering and after leaving an animal housing area.

Auditing

• Internal auditing of the biosecurity principles should be conducted at least once every two years or more often to ensure compliance with the biosecurity plan.