MOUNTAIN GROVE, Mo. – Summer is a good time to review how to prevent disease from coming onto your farm, says University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist Chloe Collins.

Live animals, vehicles, equipment, animal products and people can carry disease onto your farm, says Collins. Before disease comes knocking, review biosecurity measures with family, workers and suppliers. “Stop disease from getting a foot in your door by developing a biosecurity plan for your farm,” she says.

What is biosecurity?

Biosecurity refers to the measures producers take to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases in livestock. The overall goal of a biosecurity plan is to safeguard herd health to support overall productivity and profit.  Implementing biosecurity-focused practices can drastically reduce easily preventable herd losses, Collins says.

Collins shares basic biosecurity steps that cost little to nothing but can save a lot of money and headaches:

Isolate new or returning animals. This is a key step to mitigate the immediate spread of disease and give the producer time to observe the animals. Make sure your isolation area is separate from high-traffic areas and has its own feed and water sources.

Set a quarantine protocol. Keep new animals separate from the herd for at least two weeks – four weeks is even better – and watch for any signs of illness. By keeping a potentially diseased animal in quarantine, you’re preventing the spread of disease and avoiding having to treat currently healthy animals.

Sanitize. Keep housing and feeding and watering areas. Regularly disinfect these spaces and remove manure frequently to reduce cross contamination.

Clean your equipment. This is especially important for those attending fairs this summer or frequently moving animals. Always clean your equipment before you leave the farm and as soon as you return, says Collins.

If you’re bringing new equipment, such as a stock trailer, to the farm, stop at a truck wash on the way home to clean and disinfect it. Also clean buckets, fans, panels, shovels and any other objects that have traveled with your animal or may have encountered other animals or animal products.

Limit farm access. Create designated areas for visitors. If you frequently have people who visit your farm, create zones for them, preferably away from animal areas. Require visitors to wear disposable footwear covers (like plastic boots) to limit disease spread. Designate parking and foot traffic areas to keep a barrier from your herd. Also consider posting “Personnel Only” signs and protocols for high-risk areas, such as feed storage and high animal traffic zones.

Develop a written biosecurity plan unique to your farm. First, figure out what risks you already face with visitors, moving equipment on and off the farm and other animals that could be potential disease vectors. Plan how to mitigate animal contact and minimize risks.

“Be prepared and know what you’re up against,” says Collins. “This will help your biosecurity practices run smoothly and effectively.”

If you have questions or would like more resources on biosecurity, contact your local MU Extension center.