Biosecurity against Foreign Animal Diseases in Cow-Calf Herds

Floron C. Faries, Jr., DVM, MSProfessor and Extension Program Leader

Texas AgriLife Extension ServiceTexas A&M University System

College Station, TX 77843http://extensionvetmed.tamu.edu

US Threatened by Potential Occurrences of FADs Foreign animal diseases

Not currently present in US Accidental and intentional risks for entry

Travelers Meat products Garbage Bioterrorists

First Line of Defense

Education of first defenders is key Cattle producers County Extension agents Private veterinarians

Biosecurity is key

What is biosecurity?

Is a set of best management practices that prevent infectious diseases from being carried into a herd.

Biosecurity Measures

Wash hands

Wash disinfect boots Wash disinfect trailer Wash disinfect tires Wash disinfect borrowed equipment

Proper garbage disposal

Lock gates Stranger alert International visitor – >48 hours wait

Purchased cattle – >2 weeks isolation, tests

Routine observations

Vaccinate cow-calf herd Long/short protection

Vaccinate before exposure

Does not prevent recrudescence in latent infections

Not 100% protection No response Improper procedures Mishandled vaccine Expired vaccine Stored opened vaccines Poor quality vaccine Primary dose only

Identify sources

Raise replacements Purchase entries from clean herds

Test purchased entries Vaccinate purchased entries

Isolate purchased entries Reduce commingling Separate carriers/shedders

Restrict visitor and vehicle entries

Construct buffer zone fencing

Emergency Management

Regulatory agencies and animal industries working together is key

Disease surveillance is key

Early detection is key Unusual signs

Rapid reporting is key TAHC 800-550-8242 Rapid response Prompt quarantine Quick diagnosis Depopulation