If I have a small farm does biosecurity really matter? If keeping your animals healthy is important to you, then biosecurity on your small farm should matter.
Keeping animals healthy through preventive measures has long been an important practice in farming. A well-designed biosecurity plan focuses on managing access, animal health, and operations to prevent disease and maintain industry standards.
By following key principles and working with veterinarians, farmers can ensure the health of your animals and the sustainability of your farm.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency offers several great resources to help you get started.
Access Management
Establish Zones
Designate specific zones on the farm with varying levels of access. Use fences or markers to define these zones and display signs for clear identification.
Control Movement
- Monitor the movement of people, vehicles, and equipment:
- Into designated zones
- Out of designated zones
- Between zones
- Use controlled access points to limit unnecessary movement.
Animal Health Management
Plan Animal Movements
Implement strategies such as:
- Permanently identifying animals and maintaining records (for traceability).
- Testing animals before introduction to the premises.
- Using isolation procedures for new arrivals.
- Scheduling animal movements in advance and maximizing downtime in production areas.
Monitor Animal Health
Train everyone working on the farm to recognize signs of disease by observing animals' behaviour, production levels, and feed and water consumption.
Develop Disease Response Plans
Work with a veterinarian to create a response plan for potential disease outbreaks. Include triggers, contact details, and protocols for limiting movements and other necessary actions.
Operational Management
- Dispose of Deadstock Properly: Follow local regulations to dispose of carcasses safely and promptly.
- Manage Manure Effectively: Plan for the safe collection, storage, and disposal of manure to minimize disease risks.
- Maintain Cleanliness: Clean buildings, equipment, and vehicles regularly. Use disinfectants when appropriate.
- Maintain Facilities: Keep facilities in good repair, including fences, feed storage areas, and laneways, to support biosecurity measures.
- Source Inputs Reliably: Obtain feed, bedding, and water from reputable sources.
- Control Pests: Implement pest management to reduce disease spread.
- Train and Plan: Create and regularly update a written biosecurity plan. Provide training for team of family members to ensure proper implementation.
By adhering to these practices, small farms can maintain biosecurity standards that are just as high as larger operations and support animal health.