Livestock Industry Information and Resources
“Animal biosecurity” is a general description for a set of measures designed to protect Canada’s animal resources from foreign and established infectious and parasitic disease agents at the national, regional, and farm levels.
Producers are in a unique position to prevent disease exposure and transmission. By knowing and implementing the appropriate biosecurity protocols, producers are working to protect their farm and the health and vitality of Canada’s livestock industry.
Biosecurity protocols STOP disease from entering the herd (bioexclusion), spreading within the herd (biomanagement) and leaving the herd (biocontainment).
Producers should be aware of and follow normal biosecurity standards, as set out in the National Biosecurity Standards and Biosecurity Principles and the National Farm Level Biosecurity Planning Guide.
Some degree of biosecurity is likely already incorporated into your farm routines. Be it good hygiene, vehicle management or staff training, there are quick and simple steps that can safeguard your operation. As shown below biosecurity protocols are colour coded according to risk.
Producers will want to ensure that all staff know the various protocols for each risk level. This is especially important when a disease is suspected within the trading area.
Take action:
- Minimize the potential for a serious animal disease outbreak by reviewing and improving biosecurity practices. See your provincial species-specific animal health emergency management producer handbook for more information.
- Review ‘triggers’ that could signal the start of a serious animal disease outbreak and appropriate ‘immediate actions.’ Click here for information identifying and responding to an unusual animal health incident and initial actions.
These measures are recommended as a precaution and are the producers’ responsibility in ensuring that the Canadian livestock industry is protected and prepared for a serious animal disease outbreak.
