Implementing biosecurity practices on your farm can protect livestock from infectious diseases, pests, and other harmful agents. Practicing biosecurity measures is essential in maintaining the health and productivity of animals along with protecting the health and sustainability of the entire agricultural community.

Biosecurity can be important in preventing disease introduction to your farm, reduce disease spread on or between farms, improve animal health and productivity, safeguard public health, and promote economic benefits through reducing costs associated with disease outbreaks and production losses.

The key principles of biosecurity are isolation, traffic control, and sanitation.

• Isolation: Keep new or returning animals quarantined for at least 2-4 weeks before integrating them with the herd.
• Traffic Control: Monitor and limit the movement of vehicles, people, and equipment entering and exiting your farm.
• Sanitation: Regularly clean and disinfect facilities, tools, and equipment. Provide hygiene stations (footbaths, handwashing stations, etc.) for workers and visitors.

Strong biosecurity practices protect your animals, your livelihood, and our agricultural future. Start today to safeguard tomorrow!

Additional biosecurity information can be found at USDA's Enhance Biosecurity webpage.