With the recent outbreak of the African Swine Fever in the state, it is imperative to implement stringent biosecurity measures to prevent further spread. Biosecurity, according to FAO, involves the management of biological risk in a comprehensive manner to achieve food safety, protect animal and plant life and health. In simple words, biosecurity involves following certain protocols in the animal farm to prevent the spread of the diseases.
The following points can be implemented to achieve biosecurity in the farm-
- Quarantine
By keeping the newly introduced batch of animals in isolation for a period of time the farmers can observe the animals for any symptoms of disease. This allows the prevention of entry of pathogens to the farm. It is highly desirable that the quarantine shed should be located away from the main herd. One should also keep in mind that the quarantine is not very effective in detection of animals incubating chronic diseases.
During this quarantine period, there should be prohibition for entry and departure of animal from the isolation area. - Monitoring of animals
It involves keeping a close eye on the behavior of the animals on the farm in order to detect any sign of illness as soon as possible. Farmers can look out for signs such as changes in the animal’s gait and posture, discharges from eyes, mucous membrane, prominent ribs or backbone, decreasing appetite etc. - Killing and Eradication
If the farmers detect any illness that is contagious or untreatable, the animal should be quickly killed and eradicated. This prevents the spread of infection in the farm as well as protects the animals that are at risk. Additionally, zoonotic disease which can be transmitted from animals to humans pose health risk to people. If a notifiable disease is confirmed on the premise, the relevant authorities must be informed. - Visitors
The entry of visitors to the farm should be restricted and strictly monitored. The visitors should be allowed to the farm only when necessary and they should be properly disinfected. Footbaths should be available at the entry of the shed and the farm should provide gum boots. - Follow all in and all out system
In this type of system, the animals are bought and sold as a group. They are often the same age, and new animals are not added to the group. The purpose of an all in and all out system is to prevent bringing disease into a flock or herd by bringing in new animals and to break potential disease cycles by allowing for a transition period between groups during which cleaning and disinfection can take place. - Vaccination
Vaccination of animals should be done regularly specially for endemic disease such as Swine Fever, FMD. Vaccination helps in overall protection of the herd and helps to build resistance against diseases. - Good Management
A farm sustainability and productivity depends on the management and therefore a poor management and husbandry practices predispose animals to disease problems. Overcrowding, poor ventilation, dirty pens, poor nutrition all represent stress factors which eventually effects the animal’s immune system reducing their resistance to diseases.
B Alangla Walling
3rd Year BVSc & AH Student
College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Aizawl, Mizoram