Animal Health Biosecurity: Preventing Introduction and Spread of Disease

Biosecurity

Practices used to prevent infectious agents from entering a site and reduce their spread.

Chain of infection

A model that illustrates the steps needed for disease transmission, which can be broken to reduce risk.

Biological agent (pathogen)

Microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, or prions that cause disease.

Reservoir/source

Locations where pathogens reside, such as infected animals, wildlife, or contaminated environments.

Exit route

The way pathogens leave their source, including bodily fluids like blood, feces, or respiratory droplets.

Transmission route

The method by which pathogens travel from one host to another, e.g., direct contact or aerosols.

Entry route

The manner in which a pathogen enters a new host, such as through the nose, mouth, or wounds.

Susceptible host

Animals with low immunity, such as the young, stressed, or unvaccinated, that are more prone to infection.

Fomites

Contaminated objects that can transmit pathogens between hosts, such as equipment or clothing.

Infectious dose

The quantity of pathogen required to establish an infection in a host.

Shedding pattern

How and when infected animals release pathogens into the environment, which can precede visible symptoms.

Vectors

Living organisms, like flies or ticks, that transmit diseases by carrying pathogens.

PPE (Personal protective equipment)

Clothing or equipment designed to protect individuals from potential exposure to infectious agents.

Quarantine

Restricting the movement of healthy but potentially exposed animals for observation after arrival.

Isolation

Separating known or suspected sick animals from healthy groups to control disease spread.

Eradication

The process of eliminating a pathogen from a population or site.

Cross-site contamination

The transfer of pathogens between different locations through people, equipment, or vehicles.

Sanitation process

Steps taken to clean equipment and vehicles, which includes dry cleaning, washing, rinsing, disinfecting, and drying.

Risk classification

Categorizing the level of biosecurity risk based on the likelihood of disease introduction or spread.

High-risk activities

Actions that significantly increase the chance of disease transmission, such as improper movement of animals.

Surveillance

Systematic monitoring of animals/products to detect potential disease threats early.

Sensitivity (in testing)

The ability of a test to correctly identify infected individuals, minimizing false negatives.

Specificity (in testing)

The ability of a test to accurately identify uninfected individuals, minimizing false positives.

Symptoms of infection

Visible signs indicating disease presence, such as coughing or changes in behavior.

Contaminated feed and water

Animal products that may introduce pathogens due to mismanagement or environmental factors.

Dedicated equipment

Tools and machinery assigned to specific tasks or locations to prevent cross-contamination.