Importance of Biosecurity
Biosecurity, the practice of protecting ranch and farm animals from disease, has become a major concern with the worldwide threat of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and other diseases. Effective biosecurity requires several components including isolation, traffic control, and sanitation that aim to reduce exposure to bacteria, viruses and other organisms that may infect animals with disease.
Ulusoy Africa Poultry producers are encouraged to maintain a high sense of awareness for unusual occurrences of animal diseases in their communities. Producers need to initiate an
appropriate level of biosecurity on their ranches and farms. A good biosecurity program helps to lower the risk of pathogens being transferred from farm to farm. Informed veterinarians, livestock producers and animal owners are the first line of defence against foreign and other animal diseases.
General Potential Signs of Animal Diseases of Concern
• Sudden, unexplained death loss in the herd or flock.
• Severe illness affecting a high percentage of animals.
• Blistering around an animal’s mouth, nose, teats or hooves.
• Unusual ticks or maggots.
• Staggering, falling or central nervous system disorders.
• Abortions or still births
Control Access to Property
• We will Have only one combined entrance and exit to your farm.
• Keep property gates locked at all times.
• Make sure all visitors check with you prior to entering your property or visiting you animals.
• If you have a large number of visitors, keep track of who visits your farm. Make sure all visitors sign in at arrival and sign out at departure.
• Only allow essential vehicles and visitors to enter the farm and keep these vehicles in a separate area.
Provide Disposable Protective Clothing
• Make sure visitors entering your farm have clean clothes or you can keep a supply of disposable clean coveralls and boots for visitors.
• If you haul your own animals, wash your truck, clean and disinfect boots, and change coveralls before returning to your farm.
• In general don’t borrow or share equipment. In cases where there are no other options, clean and disinfect the equipment prior to use and make sure to repeat these steps prior to
returning the items.
• If it is necessary to be around the animals of another farm, consider wearing protective clothing such as coveralls, and boots that can be cleaned and disinfected before you enter the property and when you leave.