What is Biosecurity?
- Biosecurity refers to farm management practices that prevent the introduction and spread of disease-causing agents.
- Includes disease control (e.g., closed herd, vaccinations), nutrient management, and visitor control.
- Contaminated clothing, boots, equipment, and vehicles can carry hazards.
- Focus on reducing risks associated with visitors, particularly to livestock facilities.
Why is Biosecurity Important?
- Globalization of agriculture and emerging diseases increase risks.
- Foreign and emerging diseases (e.g., avian influenza, foot and mouth disease) pose serious threats.
- High farm and population density in Ontario increase risks.
- Reducing antimicrobial use highlights the need for better disease prevention.
- Biosecurity supports food safety, farm productivity, and public confidence.
Who is Involved in Biosecurity?
- Everyone entering or leaving the farm plays a role.
- Key visitors include:
- Neighbours and friends
- Agribusiness representatives
- Veterinarians
- Inspectors and regulatory personnel
- Deadstock collectors
- Custom manure haulers and applicators
Visitor Risks and Responsibilities
- Visitors can bring harmful pathogens via clothing, footwear, and equipment.
- High-risk individuals include those who frequently visit multiple farms.
- All visitors must follow farm biosecurity protocols, including:
- Wearing clean clothing and boots
- Using handwashing stations
- Avoiding direct animal contact unless necessary
- Booking appointments in advance
Controlling Visitor Access
- Use farm gate signs to indicate biosecurity levels.
- Designate parking areas away from feed and manure traffic.
- Keep a visitor log.
- Restrict access to animal facilities for essential personnel only.
- Provide clean boots and clothing when necessary.
- Prohibit food of animal origin from being brought onto the farm.
- Maintain footbaths and disinfectant stations at entry points.
Guidelines for Visitor Risk Assessment
| Risk Factor | Low Risk | Moderate Risk | High Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farm Visits per Day | No other farm contact | Occasionally visits farms | Frequently visits multiple farms |
| Protective Clothing | Always wears sanitized clothing | Sometimes changes coveralls | Does not use protective clothing |
| Animal Ownership | No livestock ownership | Owns a different species | Owns similar species |
| Animal Contact | No contact | Limited exposure | Regular direct contact |
| Biosecurity Knowledge | Advocates for biosecurity | Knows basic principles | Limited understanding |
| Foreign Travel | No travel outside Canada | Limited travel | Frequent travel with animal contact |
Proper Use of Disinfectants
- Essential for effective biosecurity.
- Use disinfectants such as:
- Chlorhexidines
- Hypochlorates
- Phenols
- Oxidizing agents
- Iodine compounds
- Quaternary ammoniums
- Follow product recommendations for effective use.
Manure Management and Disease Prevention
- Manure can spread bacterial, viral, protozoal, and parasitic diseases.
- Ensure manure handling equipment is cleaned between farms.
- Wash all exterior surfaces of manure-handling equipment before entering a farm.
Regulatory Considerations
- Ontario’s Nutrient Management Act allows regulatory personnel to enter farms despite biosecurity concerns.
- The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) has biosecurity protocols for their inspectors.
Summary: The Role of Biosecurity in Agriculture
- Biosecurity enhances food safety, animal health, and farm productivity.
- Essential for on-farm food safety programs and consumer confidence.
- Preventative measures help reduce disease outbreaks and protect the agricultural sector.
- Each farm should develop a customized biosecurity plan in consultation with a veterinarian.
Developing a Farm Biosecurity Plan
- Identify risk factors.
- Determine critical control points.
- Set biosecurity standards.
- Establish monitoring procedures.
- Maintain effective records.
Farmers, visitors, and industry professionals must work together to uphold biosecurity standards, ensuring a safer and more productive agricultural sector.
