Biosecurity

Even producers who consider their herds to be closed may be surprised to learn there's no such thing as a truly closed herd if operations host farm visitors or there are wildlife/livestock interactions.

Producers have a lot to gain by managing biosecurity risks to help reduce disease, minimize production losses, decrease the cost of treatment, and reduce death loss, all factors that are critical to profitability and animal welfare.

Proper biosecurity can also minimize antibiotic overuse and ensure public trust through food safety.

Fortunately, many common sense practices already being implemented on farms across Canada align with biosecurity as part of everyday risk management.

Establishing and maintaining a veterinary-client-patient relationship, VCPR, with a veterinarian is a key component of biosecurity.

Incorporating on-farm biosecurity principles that mitigate the impact of common health risks like bovine viral diarrhea, BVD, and calf scours also work against serious foreign animal disease outbreaks, such as foot-and-mouth disease.

Some pathogens that affect cattle are zoonotic, meaning they can cause disease in both humans and animals.

This is why proper personal protective equipment is important when working with animals and why a team-based approach, such as a One Health strategy, can be effective.

Sinle says it remains focused on operational improvements and balance sheet strengthening following the sale of its North Island assets.

Small and medium-sized poultry operators can now apply for government funding to strengthen biosecurity ahead of potential H5 bird flu incursions, with a new $1.5 million grant opening today.

The poultry biosecurity grants will reimburse operators with fewer than 100,000 birds for up to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $25,000.

Eligible improvements include infrastructure, access controls, bird proofing and cleaning and disinfection facilities.

Up to $3,000 can also be used to help develop the biosecurity plans required under new regulations coming into force by year end.

Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says strong on-farm biosecurity is one of the best defences against bird flu, which continues to pose a significant risk to New Zealand poultry sector and food supply.

New Zealand has recorded two confirmed detections of H5 bird flu in wild birds, with no detections in poultry.

Applications close September 30 at mpi.govt.nz. Canterbury will host the Season 59 FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final, where the country's most prestigious food and fibre concierge coming to Christchurch from July 1st to 3rd next year.