Biosecurity is key to harmony

Commercial livestock production has been increasing due to the high demand for food, however, this could also increase health problems both for livestock and humans if not made under the right conditions such as the right animal density per house and good management. Obviously, health complications are reducing efficiency in production and have a negative effect on turnover and general economy therefore, the disease must be controlled precisely. There are several treatments which could help disease control but none of the treatments would be effective without having good biosecurity strategies in the farm.

Biosecurity is key to control and reduce diseases in a farm and consequently reduce the overuse of antibiotics. Simply, biosecurity is helping to reduce the antibiotic resistance threat and increasing animal welfare by blocking and suppressing disease challenges with precise control (management) and obeying good hygiene and security strategies.

In a farm, there are two different types of biosecurity’: Terminal and Continuous Biosecurity.

Terminal Biosecurity in all-in/all-out system will aim to the highest hygiene control in between rearing periods. In Terminal Biosecurity below points are very important to be controlled:

• Litter elimination

• Proper and effective house washing/ disinfecting

• Surfaces disinfection

• Cleaning and disinfection of water systems and feeders

Continuous Biosecurity is focused on decreasing the disease pressure by focusing on below points:

• Paying attention to the water system

• Disinfecting points within the farm

• Disinfecting all vehicles

• Aerial disinfection to prevent cross-contamination

• Rodent / Insects/ Pets

• Litter humidity

• Staff and visitor shower for hygiene

• Foot dips

• Hand disinfection

Above critical control points for both terminal and continuous biosecurity must be at all times observed and properly managed.

Having an awareness that different factors affect biosecurity is the first step but not sufficient without a strong control on all steps. Educating all staff on the farm and providing the necessary know-how is crucial, educated staff will take more responsible actions and can properly implement biosecurity strategies. For example, the workers responsible for disinfection will be more engaged and concern with taking corrective actions if aware of what the consequences would be otherwise.

Implementation of strong biosecurity measures is one of the main factors to having a healthy flock in addition to other relevant aspects such as healthy organs, proper vaccination programs and using licensed products. Healthy organs will allow a perfect harmony between the different systems such as Respiratory, Hepatic, Renal, Gut and Skeletal systems that ultimately result in improved performance and animal welfare.