Bio-security in Livestock Production





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Bio-security in Livestock Production

Bio-security is defined as procedures or measures designed to protect livestock against harmful biological or biochemical substances. Many livestock producers are concerned about diseases in confinement livestock operations. Under these systems, many animals are raised in close contact which increases the spread of diseases. Movement of humans from farm to farm with modernised equipment has also increased the likelihood of diseases transmission. As a result some commercial livestock producers have restricted access to visitors. 

There are no vaccines for diseases like foot and mouth diseases (FMD) and avian flu, which leaves bio-security as the first line of defence. The recent outbreaks of the two diseases in the country, indicate a breach in bio-security. More than 200 000 chickens had to be destroyed last year during the outbreak with high economic losses. 

Bio-security is everybody's responsibility on farm or factory. Government ministries and departments are responsible at state or national level for policy making and implementation to keep diseases from entering and spreading within the country. The Department of Veterinary Services has in many instances issued temporary livestock movement ban in order control diseases from spreading. 

At farm level, it is necessary to keep new herd away from already existing healthy stock for up to 30 days in order to monitor and control potential infections.


The following tips may help in implementing good bio-security standards.

Tips

  1. Limit the number of people who visit your farm and have access to livestock,
  2. Separate livestock from other operations,
  3. Disinfect equipment and clothing more frequently,
  4. Install foot baths and hand-wash basins on entrance to livestock section,
  5. Install a perimeter fence to keep wild animals away from your stock,
  6. Maintain good hygiene,
  7. Bury or burn carcasses,
  8. Quarantine infected animals,
  9. Ensure bio-security is everyone's responsibility,
  10. Keep records of all visitors,
  11. Do not allow non essential vehicles and equipment.




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Rawlings Kofi








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