The National Sheep On-Farm Biosecurity Standard
Executive Summary
Canada’s sheep producers recognize the need for sound on-farm biosecurity practices to manage disease risks in order to protect the health of their flock and operation and, by extension, the national flock and the industry.
The National Sheep On-Farm Biosecurity Standard describes practical and effective on‑farm biosecurity practices which can reduce the risk of disease, when properly applied and followed, and which are of a low cost to the producer to implement. Developed over two years, in consultation with sheep producers, industry and government, the Standard is designed specifically for the Canadian sheep industry and is applicable to farm-level operations of all types and sizes. Its focus is on practices and procedures that reduce the risk and impact of disease in sheep operations.
The Standard is built on four principles of management relating to on-farm risk reduction:
- animal health management practices;
- record keeping;
- farm facilities and equipment; and
- people
Listed under each principle are descriptions of biosecurity strategies pertaining to that principle. In addition, the accompanying National Sheep Producer Biosecurity Planning Guide provides additional information to assist producers in preparing biosecurity plans specific to their own farming operation.
The general practices and guidelines of the Standard are voluntary. Adherence to the principles set forth in the Standard can help reduce the risk and impacts of endemic disease and emerging or foreign animal disease (FAD) in the Canadian flock. Managing risk is something sheep producers do every day. The Standard is a tool that provides broad guidelines for disease risk management that are practical and science-based, and specific to the sheep industry.
The complete text of this report is available upon request.
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