Canadian Beef Cattle On-Farm Biosecurity Standard

Overview

The Canadian Beef Cattle On-Farm Biosecurity Standard comprises four principles:

Principle 1: Manage and Minimize Animal Movement Risks

1.1 Comingling

1.1.1 Segregate and, when warranted, vaccinate, test, and otherwise treat, incoming animals

1.1.2 Obtain and share information about commingled animals with previous and future owners

1.1.3 Minimize contact with animals of other species and from other operations to the extent possible

1.2 Manage movements of high-risk and highly susceptible animals

1.2.1 Manage and minimize movements of, and contacts with, high-risk and highly susceptible animals

1.2.2 Use or request clean trucks for movement of highly susceptible animals

Principle 2: Manage the Movement of People, Vehicles, Equipment, and Tools

2.1 Apply sanitation practices that are relevant to personnel, visitors, vehicles, equipment, and tools on entry to, within, and on exit from production areas

2.2 Minimize the use of the same equipment for both "clean" and "dirty" tasks

2.3 Ensure production area perimeters are sufficient to contain livestock, with access points that can be closed to prevent access by people, other than deliberate non-compliance

2.4 Post biosecurity signs at access points to production area and farmyard

2.5 Manage and dispose of deadstock and manure to minimize contact with live animals

2.6 Minimize pests to reduce exposure to livestock to the extent practical

2.7 Manage livestock to reduce exposure to wildlife to the extent practical

2.8 Ensure facilities are maintained and clean

Principle 3: Manage Animal Health Practices

3.1 Establish and maintain a working relationship with a veterinarian

3.2 Manage herd health according to a documented Herd Health Plan (HHP), prepared in consultation with a veterinarian

3.3 Obtain water, feed, medications, and other inputs from safe and reliable sources, and manage or store these resources to ensure their ongoing safety and efficacy

Principle 4: Educate, Plan, Record

4.1 Ensure that personnel understand how and why biosecurity is applied on their operation

4.2 Develop, document, and maintain a biosecurity plan that is specific to the needs of the operation

4.3 Ensure that personnel know how to respond to the range of animal health situations typical to the operation

4.4 Ensure that personnel know how to respond to an unusual animal health situation

4.5 Maintain ongoing records for animal health management

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