|
Wow, there's a term I never even thought of when I first got into Rabbits, the words alone are enough to raise a eye brow. But unfortunately it's staring us in the face.
Simple farm bio-security steps:
1.)Display a sign at the farm gate that individuals are not to enter the livestock operation without being accompanied by someone from the farm, explaining your bio- security expectations to your farm visitor.
2.)Make it known that all machinery, vehicles, bins and boxes coming onto you property must be clean. This includes delivery trucks, contractors, and the guy down the street. If a vehicle must enter the farmstead make sure that prior to entry their wheels are sprayed with disinfectant.
3.)Advise Field officers, Humane Officers, etc. that their vehicles, boots and hand tools must be clean of potential pest, disease threats. Keep a record of all deliveries and visitations. (Guest Book) In the event of a disease being confirmed this may help in identifying the source.
4.)Turn away or clean anything that does not meet your standards.
5.)Restrict the use of visiting vehicles to central areas or internal roadways. A fence at the end of the driveway with enough room for a Truck to get off the road is very effective. Can't afford a fence? 2 - 4x4's and a length of rope with some flags work just as well, with one of your Keep Out signs mounted on them.
6.)Check the cleanliness and quality of any grain before it comes onto your property. I do this any way's, as soon as the kid throws the bags in the back of my truck right at the grain store.
7.)Prevent livestock, which come on to your property from spreading infections, soil borne diseases and weeds. Considering that Birds are accused of this, this means the end to the bird feeders and birdbaths. I also find the Tin Foil Pie tins tied on strings and hung around the rabbit area are effective to keeping them away. Also be careful concerning spilled feed.
|
8.)Ensure that agricultural machinery, are cleaned of plant material and most soil before being moved to a new work site. Tell contractors in advance of your requirements. This includes a friends router tiller, or the Contractor whose coming in to dig a new well, or sewage system.
9.)Consider washing footwear and hand equipment before entering and leaving high-risk work sites when working in animal houses, stockyards etc. Washing equipment should be brought to be site if necessary. This includes Fairs, Cattle Auctions etc.
10.)Make it easy for contractors and visitors to clean machinery, equipment and boots before they leave. Supply a washing area with a pump, hose (with pressure nozzle) on a hard surface. Expect your staff and family to be as farm bio-security conscious as you are.
11.)Maintain the highest standard of hygiene for all movement on and off the Farm. Supply a tub of disinfectant, a brush for scrubbing footwear. Keep the disinfectant solution clean, free of organic matter and renew as needed.
12.)If visitors are to come onto the farm, provide plastic boots and coveralls or other outerwear.
13.)Clothes and footwear to be worn while away from
the farmstead should be washed, cleaned or disinfected if they come in contact with other animals. This is vitally important when delivering animals to market.
14.)New stock entering the herd should be quarantined for 30 days from other animals and tested as suggested by your veterinarian prior to entry into the herd. An addition of new animals during the time of breeding is not advised.
I know this all sounds drastic, but folks bio-security is becoming a imperative practice on farms. Our Herd's Lives depend on it.
Bob Mather
|
