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BIOSECURITY - WHAT¡¯S NEXT?
Over the past couple of months I have had the opportunity to talk with some farmers here in the State regarding developing a plan for each of their farms related to biosecurity. The foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in Europe captured our attention and scared the heck out of us with the nightmarish notion of what we would have to face should it become established in the U.S. Foot and mouth disease may or may not get to this country, but let¡¯s not lose the energy that we had, and let¡¯s try to look at each of our operations with an eye toward protecting our livelihoods. How do we do this? Each farm should start by discussing and listing the ¡°outside¡± risks that the farm has for disease entry. Next, list the ¡°inside¡± risks that the farm has for spread of disease from one animal to another. Third, develop a farm plan that will minimize those risks and ensure that there are no unnecessary chances being taken. Finally, communicate with the employees, family, and visitors, so that all understand what the goals of the farm are. NOTE: As you make your two lists and develop your plan, keep in mind the following: a. Your youngest animals are the most susceptible to disease, since they have not had a chance to develop full immunity. b. Your fresh cows are your next most susceptible group. c. Some disease organisms are airborne (FMD, and some respiratory viruses). Some diseases are transmitted by manure (Johne¡¯s and salmonella). Some diseases require animal contact with mucus, or fluids (BVD, leptospirosis). Some can be transmitted by the employee¡¯s hands or contaminated equipment (contagious mastitis and calf-hood diseases). Some diseases are management-related and can develop as a result of muddy yards (foot rot), poorly designed stalls (hock swellings and lameness), poor heat detection (reproductive failure), and poorly designed rations (low production, poor reproduction and some metabolic diseases). d. Colostrum quality measured by immunoglobulin (protective antibodies) levels, may differ by as much as five-fold between cows in the same herd! Using a colostrometer will enable you to sort out the better quality colostrums. The level of immunoglobulins is generally twice as high in the first milking as compared with the second milking. New research indicates that better calf protection against disease can be had by feeding 3 quarts of high quality colostrum in the first 6 hours of life! Outside Risk Assessment 1. Do you clean and sanitize your maternity facilities between calvings? 2. Do you use your maternity pen as a sick pen? 3. Do you have a vaccination plan for all age classes, and do you follow the label and give booster shots? 4. Do you have a separate feed bucket for your loader? If not, do you pressure-wash and sanitize between loading manure and feed? 5. Do you know what mastitis organisms you have in your herd? 6. Your newborn calves are worth more today than ever before. Do you measure the quality of colostrum? Are you making sure that your calves get only high quality colostrum? Do you freeze the high quality colostrum for use in calves whose dam has poor colostrum? Making Your Plan Now you have your lists of ¡°outside¡± and ¡°inside¡± risks. It is time to take some steps to reduce those risks. Your plan should outline some steps that you will take, and if you have involved all of your family, employees and visitors in the discussion, it is time to make it happen. Communication is the key to making sure that everyone realizes the risks and the importance of sticking with the plan. Your investment in your animals is at an all-time high and your livelihood is dependent upon those animals being and remaining healthy. Work with your veterinarian as you proceed, and if I can help you get information or sort out priorities, please call me. William E.
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