A biosecurity plan is a proactive protocol for maintaining the health of animals and people that interact with production or hobby enterprises. The goal of biosecurity is to prevent the introduction and spread of disease-causing pathogens within and between groups of animals and humans.
Biosecurity is a shared responsibility for the entire animal industry and its partners. By taking steps to mitigate the flow of people, animals, and items in
and out of an operation, farms, families, and communities can remain safe.
The factsheet integrates a ‘One Health’ approach and is intended for use by livestock operation managers, hobbyists, and others that work closely with poultry and livestock species. The best practices included in this resource may apply to any of the following: chickens, ducks, cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, and other domestic livestock.
There are many biosecurity strategies that can be implemented in animal operations. Many effective changes may be simple and inexpensive. In this regard, agricultural decision-makers know which are most relevant to an operation.
Stay up to date on information
Health concerns in the animal industry can change and evolve rapidly. Understand where to seek updated, credible information about disease outbreaks, and other threats to animal health. The Connecticut Department of Agriculture and the State Veterinarian share timely and accurate information, through various means, on animal health emergencies and how to respond.
Pay special attention to disease information related to the species you care for and interact with, including symptoms, response strategies, and local cases. Poultry and livestock owners, for example, should stay up to date on the latest updates on highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
Cultivate a strong relationship with veterinarians
Veterinary professionals are one of the best resources in preventing and addressing animal health concerns. Developing a positive relationship with a veterinarian takes time and effort. Formed on the basis of mutual trust, communication, and commitment to care, the Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) is necessary for animal health.
You (the client) and your veterinarian have shared responsibility in the establishment of a VCPR. The veterinarian is tasked with providing high quality medical care, including recommendations, treatment, and recordkeeping. As the client, your contributions to the VCPR include trusting the veterinarian’s judgement and authority to make medical decisions, as well as understanding their recommendations. For example, if the veterinarian advises you to take action to address or maintain animal health, it is important to follow their instructions.
An essential element of the VCPR is the specific knowledge the veterinarian has about your animals and your operation; this knowledge develops over time and contributes to the quality of care that a veterinary professional is able to provide. While virtual communication can support the VCPR, in-person interactions are used to establish this relationship. Don’t wait until an animal health emergency occurs to work with a local veterinarian. Start now by practicing proactive, respectful communication, with active listening. Involve the veterinarian in the development of an effective and comprehensive biosecurity plan that aligns with your operation and the species within it.
Proactively prioritize the health of the herd or flock
Animals that are well-cared for may have stronger immune systems, allowing them to be more equipped to handle threats to health, if and when they occur. Work with the veterinarian to develop a proper and specified nutrition plan that considers the physiological state of the animals, and their nutritional needs. For example, older, pregnant, and lactating animals may require a higher quality diet than animals that are not in production.
Keep operations clean and dry by removing manure from animal living spaces regularly, and practice proper manure management. Feed animals off the ground in troughs or other feeding systems to avoid contaminating food with manure, urine and groundwater. Ensure that animals always have access to clean water.
Maintain detailed and specific records of animals within flocks or herds. Know what is ‘normal’ for each animal, to the best extent possible, and monitor the health of animals frequently and regularly. Tools such as thermometers can be essential in assessing animal health. Noticing signs of illness in poultry or livestock, and working with a veterinarian in a timely manner, can address and alleviate animal health concerns.
Consider vaccinating animals against the most common diseases for their species in your area. For example, rabies vaccines can reduce the risk of infection significantly and can help to keep you, your family, and employees safe. Consult with the veterinarian to determine a vaccination program that works best for your animals and farm or operation.
Understand how diseases spread
Diseases affecting animal and human species can be caused by several pathogenic agents, such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi, and parasites. Each pathogen will have a unique way that it spreads and impacts animal species.
Internal parasites, also called endoparasites, are common in animal operations and may pass through ingestion of feces infected with parasite eggs. This is called fecal-oral transmission. Other methods of infection can include vectors (such as mosquitos or ticks), direct contact, placental transfer, and respiration of aerosolized pathogens.
Inanimate objects, such as halters and brushes, contaminated with a disease-causing agent can contribute to the spread of illness–these objects are called fomites. Extreme weather events, such as flooding, can also introduce pathogens into the environment.
Use engineering controls
Engineering controls are tools or strategies for reducing exposure to health threats. In the animal industry, these may include personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and long sleeved-clothing, chutes and halters to control animal movement, and implements such as pitchforks and tractors, for moving contaminated material like manure. Use of engineering controls can help to create barriers between you and animals or materials that could cause a health threat. Always wash hands before and after interacting with animals.
Limit visitors and sharing of equipment
People that work with animals have the potential to bring disease-causing pathogens with them when they enter an operation. Limit off-farm visitors as much as possible. Request that visitors wear clean clothing and shoes, or disinfect their shoes before entering the property. Similarly, avoid sharing any equipment or items between farms, including show supplies, rakes and other implements, and even tractors and large equipment. These items may be contaminated with pathogens and should be cleaned and disinfected regularly, when applicable.
Cleaning removes the visible dirt and debris, whereas disinfection kills microbes such as pathogen agents. Be sure to select a disinfectant that is appropriate for the pathogens deemed a risk for your operation; follow the directions for safe and effective use of the chemical.
Consider identifying a ‘line of separation’ where outside equipment and items cannot pass without first being effectively cleaned and disinfected. Visitors passing the line of separation should always be wearing clean boots, clothing, and PPE, and have clean hands.
If you operate an agribusiness, such as a farm store or farm stand, consider how you will communicate your plan to visitors and what additional steps will need to be taken to minimize disease transfer and exposure to both animals and customers. When you travel off-property to the store or other farms, leave your farm clothing, boots, and items at home to avoid transmitting contaminants to other locations.
Limit interactions with wildlife and other animals
Wildlife, such as deer, geese, ducks, and rodents, may be reservoirs for infectious diseases that could be detrimental to the health of your operation. Prevent interaction between these species and your stock by using fencing or poultry netting. Walk pastures and pens frequently to confirm that fencing is intact and secure. Livestock guardian animals, such as trained dogs, may also limit wildlife interactions. Take steps to limit the exposure of animals to those of other farms and operations. For example, if you are planning to attend an agricultural fair, consider placing tack pens between your animals and others or by placing barriers such as tarps or panels between neighboring pens.
Quarantine new and sick animals
Introducing new animals to your operation brings the risk of introducing new pathogens and diseases. Stress associated with shipping may increase the shedding of pathogens. It is best to quarantine new animals for a minimum of three to four weeks. This includes animals that have left your operation for breeding and are returning from a different farm.
Do not allow new animals to interact with your herd or flock through fences or other means until you have confirmed that the new animal is healthy. Consider requesting fecal or blood sample testing for disease surveillance before the animal enters your operation or as soon as they arrive. Limit your purchases of new animals to operations that are aligned with your standards of animal health and care (including vaccination) and whose stock is free of visible signs of common diseases for that species.
Animals in your operation that become ill should be separated from the rest and evaluated by a veterinary professional. Do not re-introduce animals back into the herd or flock while they are still exhibiting symptoms of illness.
Follow reporting guidelines for sick or deceased animals
If you notice a wild animal that is exhibiting signs of illness (such as HPAI) or a group of deceased birds, report your observations to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Wildlife Division. The Connecticut Department of Agriculture State Veterinarian should be contacted if you observe HPAI symptoms or mortality in domestic birds. Follow guidelines from the Connecticut Department of Agriculture and DEEP, your municipality, and your veterinarian for the proper response for deceased animals. Keep detailed records and follow all state and municipal laws. Testing or necropsies (an autopsy performed on an animal) may be completed by a veterinarian or the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (CVMDL).
Write out a biosecurity plan
Thinking about biosecurity is a great first step–developing a well-thought-out plan is next. Make sure that all family members, employees, and other personnel that interact with animals on your operation know how to follow the biosecurity plan, and have the resources and training to do so. Review and update the biosecurity plan annually.
If you have questions, remember to use your resources: your veterinarian, Connecticut Departments of Agriculture, Public Health, and Energy and Environmental Protection, USDA, UConn Extension, and other credible sources of information.