G00-1411 Biosecurity Basics for Cattle Operations and Good Management Practices (GMP) for Controlling Infectious Diseases

Authors

Marilyn Buhman, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Grant Dewell, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Dicky D. Griffin, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2000

Comments

© 2000, The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska on behalf of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension. All rights reserved.

Abstract

This NebGuide introduces cattle producers to the concept of biosecurity and provides practical management recommendations for preventing and/or containing infectious disease.

Biosecurity

The goal of biosecurity is to stop transmission of disease-causing agents by preventing, minimizing or controlling cross-contamination of body fluids (feces, urine, saliva, etc.) between animals, animals to feed and animals to equipment that may directly or indirectly contact animals. Biosecurity management practices are designed to prevent the spread of disease by minimizing the movement of biologic organisms and their vectors (viruses, bacteria, rodents, flies, etc.) onto and within your operation. Biosecurity can be very difficult to maintain because the interrelationships between management, biologic organisms and biosecurity are very complex. While developing and maintaining biosecurity is difficult, it is the cheapest, most effective means of disease control available, and no disease prevention program will work without it.