The most effective strategy for protecting farm animal health is to prevent or reduce the risks of disease or pest introductions. There are many options for practicing preventative biosecurity, such as controlling traffic in and around livestock areas, and sanitizing boots, tools and work clothing. Steps for good biosecurity practices include STAIRS:
Sanitation - Traffic - Assessment - Isolation - Resistance - Security.
Important for prevention is planning to keep animals healthy, and anticipating what to do when they are not. Build a biosecurity plan for your operation—big or small—by using our Create a Plan resources.
Biosecurity
An introduction to domestic & foreign animal diseases, managing risks and recommended resources.
Sanitation
Cleaning and disinfection, disinfectant selection and use, and steps for emergency sanitation.
Traffic
Decrease the spread of infectious agents in livestock areas by people, insects, manure and other means.
Assessment
Identify the high and low disease risk pathways in livestock areas, such as farm visitors.
Isolation
New, returning or sick animals should be separated from the herd to stop disease introductions.
Resistance
Vaccination, balanced nutrition and proper animal care protects animals from diseases and pests.
Security
Awareness of vulnerabilities for animals at on-farm events, fairs, exhibitions, auctions and sales.
Create a Plan
A biosecurity plan is one of the best defenses against disease and pest introductions.
