When disease hits a calf-rearing facility, it can be hard to know where it came from. But by improving biosecurity — the steps taken to prevent disease from entering your farm — you can reduce the risk and protect your herd.
1. New Calves = New Risks
Bringing in calves from different places, especially from auctions, increases disease risk. Buying directly from trusted farms, using good vaccine and colostrum practices, and keeping calves in small, fixed groups can help prevent spread.
2. People Carry Germs Too
Visitors can bring diseases on their boots and clothes. Always ask visitors to wear clean gear or provide disposable boot covers and clean clothing.
3. Watch Vehicles and Equipment
Vehicles going from farm to farm can carry disease. Keep them away from barns and load animals away from main areas.
4. Pets, Pests, and Wildlife
Keep cats, dogs, and wild animals away from feed and water. Control pests like rodents and flies — they can spread serious diseases.
5. Safe Feed, Water, and Air
Check feed and water for contamination. Some germs spread through air, but most stay local. Vaccines help protect your herd.
Good biosecurity might seem boring, but “nothing happening” means your calves stay healthy — and that saves you money, adapted from the article by Dr. Cynthia Miltenburg. Learn more at www.oahn.ca.
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