Producers warned on need for biosecurity measures

[Snowy Owl]

Producers warned on need for biosecurity measures
http://www.countryworldnews.com/Editorial/ETX/2007/et0222biosecure.html
By KARI KRAMER | East Texas Edition
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Proper management is the key to good cattle biosecurity measures, according to Dr. Jason Banta, professor and Extension beef cattle specialist.

?Biosecurity is just a set of best management practices that prevent infectious diseases from coming into a herd,? Banta explained to attendees at the recent Northeast Texas Cow-Calf Clinic in Wood County.

Banta listed several foreign diseases livestock owners should be aware of: bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), foot-and-mouth disease, rift valley fever, exotic newcastle and rabbit hemorrhagic disease. Other emerging or endemic diseases include bovine tuberculosis, brucellosis, bovine paratuberculosis, anthrax, rabies, and trichomoniasis.

Management practices can decrease the risk of these diseases, in most cases, according to Banta. He noted factors of several diseases that should be taken into consideration when making decisions.

In recent years foot-and-mouth disease has been a global concern. Banta noted the federal government has taken several steps, including issuing an import ban on live animals from foot-and-mouth host countries, in order to lower the risk of a disease outbreak in the United States.

Banta said foot-and-mouth disease comes from a virus that can survive in the environment for a month.

?But, it?s going to need optimal temperature and weather conditions,? he added.

Under appropriate conditions, the virus exposure can occur through ingestion (improperly cooked meat) or inhalation. Because the virus must only be inhaled, it can spread relatively easily, noted Banta.

?It can be one or two neighbors over and spread to your herd,? he explained.

After the 14-day incubation period, the disease can cause blisters in the mouth, an increase in temperature, decrease in consumption, lameness, abortions, a decrease in milk production and conception rates, according to the specialist.

?It can have the symptoms of 20 other diseases, so bring in a vet,? Banta advised.

Because foot-and-mouth disease is classified as foreign, Banta said international visitors should be monitored to protect the herd. He said these visitors should, ideally, be kept away from livestock.

Banta also detailed brucellosis, another disease that can spread rapidly.
?I?ve actually seen a lot more brucellosis popping up over the last few years,? he noted.

Brucellosis exposure occurs when the bacteria is ingested (through mucous membranes or broken skin). The bacteria is found in reproductive materials such as aborted fetuses, placenta, and fluid, as well as milk and urine.

Brucellosis can cause abortions, retained placentas, a decrease in milk production, testicular abscesses, and arthritis, according to Banta. He added that heifers should be vaccinated as part of a prevention program. In addition, he suggested testing new herd entries and maintaining a testing schedule.

The specialist said producers should also be aware of another reproductively linked disease. Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease in cattle.

?This is something we are seeing more and more and more,? noted Banta. ?The problem is, once a bull gets trich, he has it (for life).?

He added that while there is no cure for trichomoniasis, cows can generally clear themselves of it. In addition, there is a vaccination available, but it does not offer complete prevention.

?The trich vaccination helps that cow clear than trich infection faster,? Banta explained.

Still, the cow can be exposed to the infection again during intercourse with infected bulls. The infection is easily transmitted to several cows during breeding season (when one bull is allowed to breed many cows).
Likewise, an infected cow can spread the infection to any clean bull she is exposed to.

?The thing about trich is, you can have a crash on your hands before you know it,? said Banta.

Once it has been determined that all cows in a herd are clean, Banta said the chances of an outbreak are greatly reduced by purchasing and utilizing virgin bulls.

?I cannot over stress the importance of buying virgin bulls,? said Banta. ?The biggest culprit of trich is buying (and using) a bull with an unknown reproductive history.?

Two other diseases, tuberculosis and paratuberculosis (Johne?s), were also noted. Banta said there are very few symptoms present with tuberculosis (which is usually discovered during slaughter). In some advanced cases, signs of respiratory problems can surface.

Johne?s, which is closely related to tuberculosis, is spread through manure. Banta said calves under the age of six months are most susceptible and contact the disease through contact with manure and by ingesting contaminated milk.

Banta said new animals should be tested for tuberculosis and purchases should come from herds that are certified tuberculosis-free. Keeping a closed herd can also decrease the chance of Johne?s exposure. In the case of Johne?s, he also suggested avoiding the urge to pool colostrum and stressed the importance of keeping the calves? area clean.

Management is of the utmost importance when dealing with biosecurity issues, reminded Banta. He said vaccinations and nutrition should be paid close attention to ?so that immunity system is where it needs to be.?

Other suggestions included tending healthy livestock first (to reduce the risk of spreading disease from sick cattle to healthy cattle), isolating sick livestock, disposing of trash and carcasses properly, disinfecting equipment and facilities, keeping fences in optimum shape, restricting herd access, and treating and testing new herd additions.

Finally, he said, it is important to work with a veterinarian.

?I cannot emphasize enough to work with a local veterinarian to develop a herd health plan,? he said. ?That?s money well spent.?

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