BIOSECURITY: AN EFFECTIVE PRACTICE FOR SUITABLE ANIMAL

PRODUCTION

A SEMINAR

BY

MOUAU/APR/19/107409

ACHUOGBODURU FRANKLIN
MOSES, CORDILIA CHISOM
MOUAU/APR/18/103110

DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL NUTRITION AND FORAGE

COLLEGE OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND ANIMAL

MICHAEL OKPARA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE

JANUARY, 2025

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 ABSTRACT

Biosecurity means doing everything and taking every necessary measure to reduce the chances
of an infectious disease being carried onto the farm by humans, animals, equipment, or vehicles.
Biosecurity has direct relevance to food security and safety, nutrition security, the conservation
of the environment (including bio-diversity), and sustainability of agriculture. Absence or
neglect of biosecurity practices in livestock farms can give rise to unprecedented situations like
high mortality rate, reduced profit and loss of investment. Biosecurity is the prevention of
disease causing agents entering or leaving any place where they can pose a risk to farm animals,
other animals, humans, or the safety and quality of a food product. This review has highlighted
the relative need and importance of biosecurity measures and the key biosecurity measures such
as location and layout of the farm, purchase of animal in a reputable farm, introduction of new
animals, management practices at the farm, identification and treatment of sick animals, which
can be useful for preventing the spread of animal diseases and production of food safety for
human consumption. Thus, minimizing the huge economic losses incurred in the farm and spread
of zoonoses due to animal diseases as well as production of safe food for the teeming population
can be easily facilitated to a great extent by effective implementation of biosecurity at different
levels. It is the mainstay in developing an economically feasible and practically viable
biosecurity measures to prevent health hazards.

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1.1 DEFINITION OF BIOSECURITY

Definition of Biosecurity

Biosecurity can be defined in so many ways. Biosecurity is the prevention of disease causing
agents entering or leaving any place where they can pose a risk to farm animals, other animals,
humans, or the safety and quality of a food product. Biosecurity means doing everything and
taking every necessary measure to reduce the chances of an infectious disease being carried onto
the farm by humans, animals, equipment, or vehicles. It also means doing everything to reduce
the chance of disease leaving your farm to other farms.

Koblentz (2010) defined biosecurity as a set of preventive measures designed to reduce the risk
of transmission of infectious diseases in crops and livestock, quarantined pests, invasive alien
species, and living modified organisms. FAO (2008) explained biosecurity as management
practices to keep diseases out of the flock through designing a combination of systems and
practices to prevent the adverse effects of disease. It went further to say that biosecurity is a set
of preventive measures designed to reduce the risk of disease transmission. These measures are a
combination of systems and practices that are responses to the specific risks faced by producers.
Good biosecurity practices on livestock farms and ranches include sanitation, animal
management, feed management, facility maintenance, manure handling, and disposal of dead
animals.

Biosecurity encompasses all policy and regulatory frameworks to manage risks associated with
food and agriculture (including relevant environmental risks), fishes and forestry and constitute
three sectors (namely food safety and security, plant life and health, and animal life and health).
Farm biosecurity ranges from simple, low cost measures such as putting locks on gates to the
more costly measures such as using high - pressure water sprayers to clean cars and constructing
shower blocks to secure visitors and workers as they enter the farm. Some biosecurity activities
are management changes, which may below cost but require commitment from owners and farm

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workers to implements successfully. These include allocating a specific worker to a shed and not
allowing staff to move from shed to shed. There are several factors that may influence the type of
biosecurity measures adopted at different farms.

According to Mandal (2019), the main objective of biosecurity is to protect human health and to
increase and protect agricultural produce through the prevention, control and management of
biological risk factors. Biosecurity also aims to protect against acts of bioterrorism and to
prevent adverse biosecurity events as well as offering advice on appropriate interventions and
political and social changes that should be adopted by government regulatory agencies.

Biosecurity is a pre - requisite for achieving the aims and objectives stated in the FAO strategic
framework for promoting, developing and re-enforcing policy and regulatory frameworks for
food, nutrition and environmental security (Paris, 2001). Biosecurity has direct relevance to food
security and safety, nutrition security, the conservation of the environment (including bio-
diversity), and sustainability of agriculture. Absence or neglect of biosecurity practices in poultry
farms can give rise to unprecedented situations like high mortality rate, reduced profit and loss of
investment.

1.2 THE NEED FOR BIOSECURITY IN THE FARM

Biosecurity, which literally means safety of living things, is a programme designed to prevent the
exposure of birds to disease causing organisms by reducing introduction and spread of pathogens
into and between the farms. Biosecurity in a broader sense encompasses isolation, traffic control
sanitation, vaccination, serological monitoring of diseases and air quality etc. which will aid in
prevent the entry and control the pathogens in and around the farm.

Biosecurity is the cheapest and at the same time most effective means of disease control
available without, which any disease prevention programme will not work well. Biosecurity is a
defensive health plan and hygienic procedure that can help to keep your farm disease free.
Biosecurity is therefore is one of the integrated part of farm operations.

As the poultry operation becomes more and more efficient, however, they also become a threat
to themselves and their neighbours and the concentration of more birds in limited space. Poultry
farmers should take time to eliminate as many disease causing organisms as possible. Therefore,

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it is better to wait a little longer before introducing new flock than to hurry and risk infection of
new flock.

The most effective form of protection against disease, especially for poultry under modern
production techniques is biosecurity i.e. excluding disease from the farm environment and this
holds the key to successful and profitable farming. Biosecurity, medication/ vaccination and
good management of farm are three sides of disease control triangle. Biosecurity is the key
element in the triangle of disease control.

Biosecurity has great potentials of reducing, controlling and preventing the spread of disease
pathogens within the poultry flock and possible experience of zoonosis from poultry
management. Biosecurity has potentials of not just helping to eradicate management risks posed
by pests and diseases from biological agents such as man and animal contact with the poultry
environment but helps guide against economical losses in the poultry farm.

Cardona and Douglas (2011) posited that a comprehensive biosecurity programme should
include three major elements; isolation, traffic control and sanitation. Isolation could involve the
erection of fences or barricades to the poultry house, quarantine of sick chickens from healthy
chickens before giving medications and provision of footbaths as a matter of compulsion for
anybody entering the poultry house, before being granted access to the poultry house for
whatever course. In addition, traffic control could be considered as the restriction of humans,
pets, vehicles, poultry equipment and new stock of day old chicks into the poultry farm.
Sanitation involves the cleaning and disinfection of the poultry house and poultry equipment
regularly, likewise provision of protective cloth, foot wear, compartment to individuals entering
the poultry house on every visit. Hence, these procedures hold great potential of limiting the
spread of pathogens and other disease causing agents into the poultry house, which poultry
farmers seem not to be taking seriously, in terms of effectiveness.

Biosecurity invariably posits quality assurance for poultry operators against high mortality losses
and commercialization of safe poultry products that can guarantee good healthy chickens and
poultry products raised and bought by consumers for healthy consumption. This could therefore
assist the marketability, sustainability and optimal profitability of the poultry business over a
long period of time.

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The Principles of biosecurity are;

1) Livestock quarantine and animal movements. Manage the introduction and movement of
livestock in a way that minimizes the risk of introducing or spreading infectious disease.

2) People, equipment and vehicle hygiene. People, equipment and vehicles entering the farm,
enterprise or country are controlled to minimize the potential for property contamination.

3) Food and water safety. Quality of stock feed and water is fit for purpose, especially purchased
feed that is free from contaminants, untreated swill and/or restricted animal material (i.e. feeds
containing ruminant tissue cannot be fed to ruminants).

4) Animal health management, surveillance and reporting. Prevent and control animal disease by
using appropriate vaccination programs, regularly monitoring for disease and immediately
reporting outbreaks in the farm.

5) Public awareness. All farmers, traders, agency staff and contractors, understand the
importance of the biosecurity requirements for the village, enterprise or country in which they
work and can implement the agreed practices for which they are responsible.

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2.1 BIOSECURITY MEASURES IN THE FARM

Farm biosecurity combines ‘bio-exclusion’, i.e. measures for preventing a pathogen from being
introduced to a herd/flock and ‘bio containment’, which addresses events after introduction, i.e.
the ability for a pathogen to spread among groups of animals at a farm or, more generally, in
terms of releases from the farm. Disease transmission between farms depends on the
combination of individual bio-exclusion practices and bio-containment measures. Integration of
biosecurity into every operation at the farm is essential. The ability to withstand an outbreak is
influenced by biosecurity measures and its effective implementation. Farm biosecurity measures
involves a rational risk assessment and careful planning to manage the targeted risks. Risk
assessment is the evaluation of the likelihood and the biological and economic consequences of
entry, establishment or spread of a hazard/disease within the farm territory (MacDiarmid and
Pharo, 2003). Universal biosecurity measures cannot be recommended owing to variable
management practices at different farms. On-farm risk assessment is the best starting point for
educating farmers about farm-specific risks for disease introduction (Sischo et al., 1997).
Diseases with the greatest risk should be prioritized and practices should be aimed to check the
transmission of these diseases.

A biosecurity measure should address important issues including location and layout of the farm,
animal health practices and general management on the farm. An effective biosecurity measure
should be flexible and open to new knowledge and technology. Strict implementation of
biosecurity at farm level has played a crucial role in preventing the spread of diseases. General
Biosecurity practices including biosecurity interventions that can be applicable across species
and farms are given below.

 Location and Layout of the Farm

The natural environment surrounding the farm is important for understanding the disease risks
(OIE, 2013). Risk of diseases increases manifold if the farm is located in the vicinity of other
farms, abattoirs, livestock markets, waste disposals, hatcheries and carcass center. The location

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closer to animal transport routes and waterways also adds to the risk. Orientation of barns,
buildings, ventilation inlets and outlets, unloading and loading areas, treatment and isolation or
quarantine locations should be designated in such a manner that minimizes the risk of disease
introduction and spread (CFIA, 2011). Segregated rearing areas for young, sick and new animals
with visibly demarcated boundaries reduce the risk of disease transmission. Natural features,
including vegetation, waterways and topography, can benefit a biosecurity measure by providing
natural barriers and drainage.

 Purchase and Introduction of New Animals

Purchase of animals, where incoming stock remains in direct contact with the recipient herd for
an extended period of time, presents the highest risk for introducing infectious hazards (Caldow,
2009). Maintaining a closed herd is the most important biosecurity measure. However, even
specific-pathogen-free and closed herds experience disease breakdowns, reflecting the important
role of other transmission routes. Minimizing the number of animals purchased and the herds
from which the animals are purchased reduces the risk of introduction of infectious agents
(Bazeley, 2009). Purchases from markets or dealers present a very high biosecurity risk. The
animal health practices include appropriate quarantine and testing of animals upon introduction
or reintroduction in farm premises. Purchase or reintroduction of animals after visit to fairs,
exhibitions etc. has the potential to introduce disease-causing agents. Farming practices, such as
hiring a bull and returning it after the breeding season, significantly increase the risk of entry of
venereally transmitted infections (Bazeley, 2011). The animals should be procured from sources
following biosecurity practices. Avoiding introduction of biological material of uncertain health
status is the best method of avoiding risk (Givens and Marley, 2008). The health and vaccination
records should also be obtained for these animals. Isolation/quarantine of such animals for at
least 2–8 weeks in a separate quarantine facility is essential for preventing introduction of
pathogens.

The animals during this period should be observed frequently for illness or abnormal behaviour
and should be screened for important diseases before mixing with other animals. Laboratory
testing prior to animal introduction is commonly recommended for many infectious diseases and
can greatly enhance the sensitivity of detecting an infectious animal, and therefore reduces risk.
Incoming stock can be treated prophylactically to reduce the risk of introduction of infectious

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agents (Gortazar et al., 2007). Treatment with parenteral antibiotics, anthelmintic and flukicide,
antibiotic foot-bathing and vaccination has been recommended (Lightner, 2005). Vaccination
should be completed at least 2 weeks before release from quarantine. Prophylactic vaccination,
against the disease(s) endemic in the area, helps to boost protective immunity and protection in
the animal(s).

 Management Practices at the Farm

Developing, implementing and maintaining good farm management practices allow biosecurity
measures to operate effectively and provide animals with an environment that is conducive to
good health and maximum production. Good animal husbandry practices and good agricultural
practices further help in making the biosecurity measures very effective. Movement of farmers,
employees, visitors, veterinarians and services is daily occurrences for a farm operation, which
increases the risk of introduction and spread of diseases. Measures can be developed and
implemented to reduce these risks. The access to farm premises should be restricted by
establishing distinct zones with varying levels of protection. These zones should be defined with
boundaries and appropriate signs. Movements of people into a designated zone, out of a
designated zone and between the designated zones can be controlled through the use of
controlled access points (CFIA, 2011). Separate foot wears and clothing for entrance into the
different premises of farm are required. Footbaths and hand wash facilities in transition area at
the entrance and exit, entry and exit through controlled entry/exit point, clean-to-dirty, healthy-
to-sick and young-to-old work patterns are some of the biosecurity measures to be followed at
the farms. Vehicles can be a source for the introduction, spread and release of disease causing
agents. Thus, it is important to restrict the movement of vehicles, wash and disinfect tyres of
vehicles before leaving or entering farm premises. Wheel dips of appropriate length suitable for
all sizes of tyres should be made at the entry and exit of the farm premises. Parking areas,
delivery and drop-off points should be designated using appropriate signs to direct their
movement.

 Animal Feed, Water and Bedding

Ingestion of contaminated feed, water or contact with contaminated bedding can introduce and
spread diseases. Feed stored in humid and tropical climates often gets infested with fungi and

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their toxins. It is important to ensure that feed is not contaminated. Quality of feed and bedding
materials should be checked periodically and before use. Regular testing of water, soil, feed and
fodder is very important while implementing biosecurity measures at farm level. Water sources
get contaminated with feces or urine and have the potential to expose animals to disease causing
pathogens and should be cleaned regularly.

 Disposal of Manure

Manure is an animal product that not only contains large quantities of pathogens but also attracts
insects and pests. When it is disposed in fields without any pretreatment, it poses an opportunity
for human contact and risk of transmission of pathogen, posing biosecurity threat (Nachman et
al., 2005). Biosecurity measures include manure management plan to address collection, storage,
handling and disposal. It should be outside of the production area. Biological composting and
anaerobic storage are required before spreading manure in the fields. It should also be ensured
that neighbouring producers do not spread manure adjacent to production areas or water sources.
Contaminated beddings, animal products, manure, feed and fodder residues also need to be
disposed away from the farm area.

 Disposal of Carcasses

Carcasses act as a reservoir of pathogens, attract pests and source of transfer for pathogens.
Various carcass disposal methods, including burial, landfill, incineration, rendering, composting
and alkaline hydrolysis, have been reviewed by Nutsch and Kastner (2008). Different factors like
animal species affected, the type of disease, number of carcasses involved, the availability and
capacity of disposal options and other considerations unique to individual locations determine
the most appropriate method of disposal. Composting is particularly suitable for broiler-farm
mortalities and litter (Wilkinson, 2007).

 Pests, Feral Animals and Wildlife

The farming of animals provides favourable environment for pests which can be direct vectors
for disease-causing agents. They can spread disease through movement and create a food chain
that attracts more and possibly higher risk pests. Stored livestock feed and harvested crops may

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attract rodents and other predators (Tolhurst et al., 2011). The wildlife activity may also pose the
risk of spreading pathogens. This problem can be dealt by devising and implementing an
integrated pest management program. The measures vary depending on the geographic area and
the wildlife species involved, which involve cutting grass and vegetation around the farm
premises, monitoring rubbish dumps and debris piles, managing feed spills and food sources to
discourage pests and wildlife. Secured entry points to animal housing, pens and barns; prevent
pest, pets and wildlife access.

 Cleaning and Disinfection

Cleaning and disinfection are key pillars of a strong biosecurity measure (CFIA, 2011). Cleaning
and disinfection reduce pathogen load on people, equipment and vehicles, which mitigate the
risk of pathogen movement between and within production areas (OIE, 2013). Cleaning and
disinfection of production areas, quarantine sheds and equipment after each production cycle is
helpful. Shared and reusable equipment between animals need to be cleaned and disinfected
before and after use. Animal feeders, water channels and feeding areas should be cleaned
regularly. Cleaning and disinfection of feed delivery equipment that are in contact with
mortalities, manure or feed are some of the measures relating to biosecurity considerations on a
farm. Disinfection of liquid effluents from contaminated areas should also be performed before
disposal.

 Identification and Treatment of Sick Animals

The ability to react quickly and effectively to a disease situation is vital to minimizing the impact
on an operation and helps in preventing disease spread. Detection of a disease concern at an early
stage can help in minimizing its impact and facilitating its containment. Sick animals can easily
transmit disease through direct or indirect contact. These animals should be isolated from
healthy animals and investigated. Reservoirs for certain diseases and positive reactors should be
culled from the herd as these animals can shed the pathogen and infect other animals. Routine
testing and screening of animals for diseases should be performed to ascertain the health status of
the herd. Implementing proactive measures will help in reducing the risk of disease becoming
established on a farm. The appropriate use of medication can improve the efficacy of treatment.

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Vaccination and deworming schedules should be developed and followed rigorously. Proper
records of treatments and vaccinations should be maintained.

2.2 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

Biosecurity is one of the key prevention tools at the disposal of operators/farmers and others
working with animals to prevent the introduction, development and spread of transmissible
animal diseases to, from and within an animal population. This implies that biosecurity measures
shall take into consideration the epidemiology of the disease, virus resistance in the environment,
routes of transmission and excretion as well as the characteristics of the farming systems in place
(Bellini et al., 2016) and the health situation of the territory. Furthermore, the measures to adopt
should be sufficiently flexible, suit the type of production and the categories of animals involved
and take into account the local circumstances and technical developments. Effective Biosecurity
measures include the creation and maintenance of barriers to limit the potential opportunities for
infected animals and contaminated materials to enter a farm and when properly applied, this step
will prevent most contamination and infection. Cleaning of vehicles, equipment that enter (or
leave) a farm must be thoroughly cleaned to remove visible dirt. This will also remove most of
the pathogens that contaminate the materials. As well the disinfection of facilities. When
properly applied, disinfection will inactivate any pathogen that is present on materials that have
already been thoroughly cleaned.

In conclusion, intensification of livestock agriculture to meet the growing demands for proteins
of animal origin, globalization, degradation of natural resources and global climatic changes has
increased the risk of spread of animal diseases. Minimizing the huge economic losses and spread
of zoonoses due to animal diseases as well as production of safe food underlines the need for

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appropriate disease control and prevention measures in animal husbandry. This can be easily
facilitated to a great extent by effective implementation of biosecurity at different levels. It is the
mainstay in developing an economically feasible and practically viable biosecurity measures to
prevent health hazards.

The review has highlighted the relative need and importance of biosecurity measures and the key
principles/protocols which can be useful for preventing the spread of animal diseases and
production of food safe for human consumption.

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