Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Media Contact:
Kinsey Reed | Communications Specialist | 405-744-6740 | [email protected]
Biosecurity is a key component to animal health and disease prevention on any livestock
farm. It’s also the most important measure to reduce and prevent diseases from spreading
to any farm or ranch.
Dr. Rosslyn Biggs, Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine clinical
assistant professor and beef cattle extension specialist, emphasized the importance
of biosecurity.
“Biosecurity measures are critical in safeguarding livestock health and productivity
by minimizing the risk of infectious diseases,” Biggs said.
Wildlife can serve as reservoirs for infectious agents that present threats to livestock
health. Diseases transmitted from wildlife can lead to illness, economic losses and
even public health concerns. Implementing effective biosecurity strategies is essential
to mitigate the transmission of diseases from wildlife to cattle.
Biggs stated that when considering which practices to implement, disease risk assessments
in coordination with a veterinarian should take place and recognition of the need
for biodiversity on the operation must be considered. Basic biosecurity measures can
assist producers in limiting disease risks including those posed by wildlife interactions.
Livestock should be monitored daily, and any signs of illness should be documented.
Not allowing unauthorized cattle on your farm or ranch is important when trying to
limit exposure.
Any abnormal or unusual signs of illness or death, including those seen in wildlife,
should be reported to the operation’s veterinarian and animal health officials. Abnormal
and unusual signs to look for include, but are not limited to loss of appetite, low-grade
fever, nasal discharge, abortions, neurologic deficits, or death.
Protecting livestock health against wildlife-borne diseases requires an everchanging,
multifaceted approach that combines practical and economically feasible management
strategies.
By implementing operation-specific biosecurity measures tailored to the risks posed
by wildlife, producers can mitigate disease transmission, promote animal welfare and
create environmentally sustainable production systems.
Biggs said managing wildlife populations at appropriate levels can promote both good
biosecurity and environmental health if disease risk is considered. Consulting with
local, state and federal wildlife entities, such as U.S. Fish & Wildlife, USDA APHIS
Wildlife Services, and state agriculture and wildlife departments, is advised to fully
understand current populations and acceptable legal measures to address wildlife.
By having vital biosecurity practices in place, the spread of various wildlife infectious
diseases can be limited.
If someone notices any abnormal symptoms in their herd, please contact a local veterinarian.
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