Download Biosecurity in the Suckler Herd

Biosecurity in the Suckler Herd
Julian Allen, Friars Moor Veterinary Clinic, Sturminster Newton, Dorset.
Biosecurity has become something of a ‘buzzword’ in the livestock industry in
recent years. After two outbreaks of foot and mouth disease farmers will have
experienced at first hand the need to protect their herds against a new and
devastating infection. But we should also remember that there are a number of
indigenous infectious diseases, widespread in the UK cattle population, which
may also cause serious economic loss.
Biosecurity refers to management practices aimed at keeping new infectious
diseases off the farm. It also has a role in controlling the spread of disease
between groups of animals within the same herd. Biosecurity is the cheapest and
most effective method of disease control.
To protect the health of your herd it is important to draw up a biosecurity plan
with the help of your vet. The risks associated with particular diseases entering a
herd will vary greatly from one farm to another. The plan should focus on
practical ways to assess and manage these risks. One of the first steps is to
carry out tests to determine which diseases are currently present. Some herds,
particularly those which have remained closed or have practiced good biosecurity
in recent years may well be free of some common infectious diseases. This high
health status is well worth making an effort to maintain.
Disease may enter a herd in many ways. Farm visitors, vehicles and equipment,
purchased feeds, watercourses, slurry and wildlife are all potential sources of
infection. The greatest risk, however, is through purchased animals or direct
contact with neighbouring stock. It follows that the most effective way to maintain
good biosecurity is to maintain a closed herd. Unfortunately this is not always
possible. A new bull is likely to be the most frequent introduction to a suckler
herd although herd expansion may necessitate the purchase of other breeding
stock. It is important to consider the diseases that incoming animals may be
carrying or be exposed to when they arrive at a new farm. The health status of
the herd of origin should be investigated with the help of your vet in an attempt to
ascertain how this matches your own herd’s health status. Bovine Virus
Diarrhoea (BVD) Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR), leptospirosis, Johnes
disease and TB, should all be carefully considered. Pre-purchase blood tests
can be used to help establish disease status. However, remember that unless
the individuals have been isolated following sampling, recent exposure to
disease may have occurred which will not be detected by testing. For this
reason, purchased stock should be kept quarantined from the rest of the herd
and re-tested after at least 21 days. Incoming stock may be exposed to diseases
on your farm to which they have had no prior exposure. In these cases a
vaccination program can be used to give protection before they enter the herd.
Footbathing can be carried out to reduce the risk of introducing digital dermatitis.
Animals should be wormed and treated for ectoparasites on arrival. Venereal
campylobacter can cause devastating fertility problems in a suckler herd and
may be a particular risk when hiring bulls. It is advisable to sheath wash and treat
new bulls prior to use to prevent transmission.
Once a biosecurity plan is in place, disease monitoring should continue. The plan
should be regularly reviewed and if necessary updated in response to changes in
farm management and health status.