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Biosecurity Measures

Biosecurity practices are simple steps you can take to keep diseases out of your farm, and out of our food supply.  Your farm should be a safe zone.  Here’s what you need to know to provide an extra measure of protection for your animals:

 Who is at risk? 

  • Swine
  • Cattle                             
  • Sheep
  • Your Farm
  • Poultry
  • Horses
  • Goats
  • Our Economy

Steps of Prevention:

  • Limit non-essential traffic on the farm.
  • Allow only clean, disinfected vehicles on your property.
  • Keep a record of all farm visitors.
  • Have only one entrance/exit.
  • Provide disposable footwear.
  • Keep other animals and strangers off the property.

Animal Safety:

  • Only buy livestock from a reputable dealer.
  • New animals to the farm should be quarantined for 2 weeks, minimize co-mingling. 
  • Keep show animals segregated for two weeks after the fair.
  • Use separate equipment for health and sick animals.
  • Look for signs of infectious diseases.
  • Report sick animals.

Minimize Contamination:

  • Don’t bring unwanted germs into your farm. 
  • Keep a separate pair of boots for use on the farm, around your animals.
  • Require disposable footwear for any visitors.
  • Keep a footbath with a disinfectant solution on hand (4 ​oz bleach, 1 gallon water).
  • Spray disinfectant on all vehicle and trailer tires before returning to the farm.
  • Discourage visitors who have been to foreign countries in the last 7 days.
  • Don’t borrow tools or equipment from other farms.

Report Signs of Disease Immediately:

State veterinarians will work with you at no charge to take samples for diagnostic tests. Early reporting is critical to the health and safety of your herd/flock and the future of our industry.

Signs of Disease:

  • Sudden, unexplained death in the herd/flock.
  • Severe illness affecting a high percentage of animals.
  • Blisters around an animal’s mouth, nose, hooves.
  • Staggering, falling or nervous system disorders that prevent animals from rising or walking normally.

What You Can Do Today:

To develop a biosecurity plan that fits your operation, call your local veterinarian.

Register Your Livestock Premises - 
Protect your herd by allowing animal health officials to rapidly identify all animals and premises that have had direct contact with disease.  (217) 782-4944

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