Biosecurity and livestock – Overview

Overview

Biosecurity refers to practices designed to prevent, reduce or eliminate the introduction and spread of disease. Concerns over the spread of animal diseases, particularly those of foreign origin, are high within the livestock industry.

Livestock diseases can affect any type of operation regardless of size. Biosecurity practices tailored to each operation minimize the introduction and/or transmission of disease:

• on a given farm
• between farms
• between species

Importance of biosecurity

Biosecurity plays a vital role in sustainable livestock production. Principles of biosecurity have become the foundation for animal health which has an associated relationship to food safety, trade, and control of zoonotic diseases. Biosecurity practices are essential to maintaining market access and preventing the occurrence of Foreign Animal Disease (FAD) in Canada.

Biosecurity practices can:

• prevent the introduction and spread of disease
• protect humans from zoonotic diseases (diseases that are transmissible between animals and humans)
• demonstrate commitment to animal health and food safety
• be used as a recovery tool if disease incursions occur
• save money spent on disease recovery costs