Contacts: Mike Apley, Veterinary Diagnostic and Producing Animal Medicine, 515-294-6462
Wendy Miller, Iowa Beef Center, 515-294-9124

AMES, Iowa – As animal diseases rage in Europe, many Midwestern producers wonder if they should implement stricter biosecurity measures on their own farms.

There are more points to consider than just people entering the lot, reminded Mike Apley, a veterinarian with the Department of Iowa State University’s Veterinary Diagnostic and Producing Animal Medicine and a collaborator with the Iowa Beef Center. "In discussions about feedlot biosecurity, I remind producers that diseases can come from a number of different sources, but, we also need to remember that practicality of solutions is very important, too."

The main "outside" pathogen sources include new cattle, people, feed and pests. "While some of these sources seem like necessary evils, there are ways to limit exposure and decrease the risk of infection," Apley said.

New cattle are likely to bring in BRD pathogens, enteric pathogens, parasites, and, in a worst case scenario, industry-threatening diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease. "One of the goals is to go through the exposure process as few times as possible for each group of cattle, and for as short a period as possible. Limit the time new groups may be added to existing pens of cattle – it’s probably better to introduce three groups in two days than two groups a week apart," Apley emphasized.

Custom cattle feeders have a unique problem. "If a feeding client insists on adding cattle continuously for 30 days or keeping a pen open, make sure they understand the possible consequences," he said.

Reasonable cleanliness in processing areas is imperative. Building facilities that can be easily cleaned is ideal. "Limiting the numbers of people who have access to a feedlot can also help. People can carry any number of pathogens in their clothing, especially boots, and can serve as vectors for some diseases," Apley cautioned. "Remove visible debris from visitors’ boots with water and a brush; you do not have to resort to maintaining disinfectant containers. If you do use disinfectant, make sure the one you use is effective in the presence of debris and recharge the reservoir when appropriate. Another suggestion is to put mortalities in places that the rendering truck can reach without driving through the yard."

Feed can also be a source of pathogens if not handled properly. "Don’t use the same tractor bucket to haul manure, move dead cattle and mix feed," Apley recommended. "Additionally, rodent and bird control is a good start to preventing fecal material in feedstuffs. Birds are a source of salmonella; a suggestion is to design waterers and other equipment so that the birds don’t have a perch. There are manufactured perch guards available for rafters that may be effective above waterers as well as above commodity storage."

Apley said it is nearly impossible to stop every possible pathogen source that may enter an open feedlot. Producers should, however, attempt to significantly reduce the spread of disease within the feedlot by changing a few management practices.

"I really don’t think we’re to the point of needing vehicle disinfection, but you should expect livestock haulers to start with reasonably clean trucks every time," Apley said. "Oral administration of antibiotics and other products also has the potential to spread diseases around a feedlot. Justify oral applications over other methods before making a decision, especially in the treatment facility.

"Hospital instruments like needles also have a high probability of spreading diseases," Apley continued. "Always change needles between cattle groups and limit exposure between pens of cattle. The less time they spend in central facilities such as hospital areas, the better."

(Editor’s Note: The Iowa Beef Center would like to remind everyone that Foot and Mouth Disease does not exist in the United States. These tips are meant to prevent the spread of the disease if it were to be introduced in this country.)

-30-