With ongoing threats like highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), feed additives offer a practical solution to close a critical biosecurity gap.
While standard practices like equipment disinfection and showering reduce disease risk, they don’t eliminate it. Airborne diseases like HPAI and fecal-oral transmitted diseases such as PEDV still pose threats. Feed biosecurity additives can help protect against these risks both in the feed and across the farm.
“We’ve placed more focus in recent years on feed materials, ingredients and where they come from to better understand the biosecurity risk they may pose,” says Crowder. “But we also know that diseases can enter farms through multiple avenues.”
“Look for ingredients that give you a benefit beyond the feeder,” Crowder adds. “To get the maximum return on your investment, there needs to be a benefit beyond targeting pathogens in the feed because we know the right ingredients can impact the immune system and gut health to help reduce incidence and severity of disease, no matter the pathogen source.”
Crowder also recommends selecting additives that are easy to use and compatible with your feed mill or on-farm systems.
Importantly, Crowder stresses the value of using these additives proactively. “It’s about preparing the immune system ahead of time rather than waiting for a break to occur.”
Layering feed biosecurity into your disease prevention strategy can provide essential protection and support herd health year-round.