When disease hits a calf-rearing facility, it can be hard to know where it came from. But by improving biosecurity \u2014 the steps taken to prevent disease from entering your farm \u2014 you can reduce the risk and protect your herd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. New Calves = New Risks<\/strong> 2. People Carry Germs Too<\/strong> 3. Watch Vehicles and Equipment<\/strong> 4. Pets, Pests, and Wildlife<\/strong> 5. Safe Feed, Water, and Air<\/strong>
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Visitors can bring diseases on their boots and clothes. Always ask visitors to wear clean gear or provide disposable boot covers and clean clothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vehicles going from farm to farm can carry disease. Keep them away from barns and load animals away from main areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep cats, dogs, and wild animals away from feed and water. Control pests like rodents and flies \u2014 they can spread serious diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Check feed and water for contamination. Some germs spread through air, but most stay local. Vaccines help protect your herd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n