Biosecurity in Animal Production Systems (Strand 5: Elements of Production)

Biosecurity

The set of management practices used to prevent infectious agents, pests, and contaminants from entering a facility and to limit their spread if they do.

Bio-exclusion

Management practices aimed at preventing infectious agents and contaminants from entering a facility.

Bio-containment

Management practices aimed at limiting the spread of infectious agents within a facility.

Likelihood

The probability of introduction or spread of a hazard given current practices.

Consequence

The severity of impact if a biosecurity hazard is introduced and spreads.

Perimeter and access control

Measures including fencing, gates, signage, and controlled entry points to manage access to a facility.

Cross-site contamination

The transfer of infectious agents or contaminants from one location to another.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Items such as coveralls, gloves, and masks used to protect individuals and prevent contamination spread.

Dedicate equipment

Assign specific equipment to a barn/site to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.

Behavioral controls

Practices aimed at changing behaviors to enhance biosecurity, such as consistent compliance with handwashing.

Quarantine

The separation of apparently healthy but potentially exposed animals to observe for disease before mixing.

Isolation

The separation of known or suspected sick animals from healthy individuals.

Eradication

The removal of a pathogen from a population or environment, often through culling of affected animals.

Cleaning

The process of removing organic matter that shelters pathogens from surfaces.

Disinfection

The reduction of pathogen load on surfaces using chemical agents.

Downtime

A resting period for barns or rooms after cleaning to reduce pathogen survival.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

A strategy that combines exclusion, habitat reduction, population control, and monitoring to manage pests.

Sampling quality

The correctness of the sampling process, which impacts the reliability of test results.

Sensitivity

The ability of a test to correctly identify those with the disease (true positives).

Specificity

The ability of a test to correctly identify those without the disease (true negatives).

Risk matrix

A tool to classify overall risk based on likelihood and consequence.

Controlled entry systems

Methods like shower-in/shower-out that reduce the risk of introducing pathogens through personnel.

Monitoring and records

Maintaining logs of mortality, treatments, and visitor schedules to aid in biosecurity assessments.

Animal health and welfare losses

Negative impacts on animals, such as illness or death, as a result of biosecurity failures.

Production losses

Decreases in output, such as growth or reproduction rates, due to disease or contamination.

Food safety risks

The potential for pathogens or residues to enter the food supply chain due to biosecurity breaches.

Pest control

Measures taken to manage pests that may spread disease within a farming operation.

High-contact nodes

Areas with frequent contact that pose increased risk for contamination spread.