The importance of animal health and its relationship with biosecurity has grown significantly due to the emergence and re-emergence of challenging-to-control diseases like African swine fever (ASF) and porcine epidemic diarrhea. Biosecurity involves measures to reduce the introduction of pathogens (external biosecurity) and their spread within a farm (internal biosecurity). Veterinarians play a crucial role in designing effective biosecurity programs by understanding disease transmission, risks, mitigation measures, and evaluation methods. We will review below some of the main external and internal biosecurity measures for your farm.

External Biosecurity:

–Farm Demarcation: Clearly marking farm boundaries and creating zones with different risk levels.

–Controlled Access: Restricting access to authorized personnel only and ensuring visitors follow biosecurity protocols.

–Quarantine: Isolating new arrivals and conducting health checks before introducing them to the main herd.

–Health Certificates: Requiring health certificates and guarantees for animals, semen, ova, and embryos before movement.

–Wildlife Control: Implementing measures to control wild animals, birds, and rodents that can carry diseases.

–Vehicle Disinfection: Disinfecting vehicles entering and leaving the farm to prevent contamination.

–Waste Management: Properly managing and disposing of farm waste to reduce disease risk.

–Hygiene Protocols: Enforcing stringent hygiene practices for farm workers and equipment.

Internal Biosecurity:

Isolation of Sick Animals: Separate any sick pigs from the healthy ones to prevent the spread of disease.

Grouping by Age and Health Status: Group pigs by age and health status to minimize the risk of disease transmission.

Removal of Dead Animals: Promptly remove and properly dispose of dead animals to prevent contamination.

Control of Rodents and Insects: Implement measures to control rodents and insects, as they can carry diseases.

Regular Cleaning and Disinfection: Maintain a rigorous cleaning and disinfection schedule for all areas of the farm.

Vaccination Programs: Establish and follow a vaccination program to protect pigs from common diseases.

All-in, All-out Practices: Use all-in, all-out practices where groups of pigs are moved through production stages together.

Strict Medication Protocols: Enforce strict protocols for the use of medications to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.

Health Monitoring: Regularly monitor the health of pigs and keep detailed health records.

Training and Awareness: Train farm staff on biosecurity measures and ensure they are aware of the importance of these practices.

These are the main internal and external biosecurity measures but at the end all depends on a well-trained staff that understands the disease epidomiology and implementing these measures daily.

Remember, maintaining biosecurity not only protects pig health but also contributes to productivity and reduces antibiotic use.

Contact me for a visit and full audit of your farm.