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Biosecurity for Canadian Cervid Farms Producer Planning Guide
Appendix 2: Biosecurity risk evaluation checklist

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Biosecurity relies on the consistent use of a combination of procedural measures and physical barriers designed to disrupt the transmission of pathogens. The level of disease risk that is considered acceptable is likely to vary among cervid producers based on their business goals, species raised, management practices, products marketed and individual risk tolerances.

Checklists are provided below for each of the four biosecurity Principles along with summary charts for you to identify any biosecurity gaps and possible actions to correct those gaps.

1. Management of farm, facilities and equipment evaluation checklist

Biosecurity risk evaluation checklist
Biosecurity practices for farm, facilities and equipment

Yes

Good

Sometimes

Warning

No

Alert

N/A Actions to consider
I maintain a written biosecurity plan          
I have made changes to my operation within the past 12 months that are considered in the biosecurity plan.          
I have knowledge of the previous land use of the area where my farm is located.          
My farm is located away from possible sources of disease (other cervid/livestock operations, wildlife, etc.).        
I have an updated farm diagram.          
High-traffic areas are identified in the farm diagram (handling facilities, shipping/receiving areas, etc.).          
High-risk areas are identified in the farm diagram (sick pens, deadstock storage/disposal, isolation areas, etc.).          
High-traffic areas are away from high-risk areas.          
I have established traffic flows for movement of vehicles, equipment, people and animals within my farm.          
My farm has a designated, signed parking area, outside of animal production areas, for visitors, and/or employees.          
My farm has designated protocols for cleaning and disinfecting vehicles, equipment, tools and surfaces.          
Vehicles, equipment, tools and surfaces in contact with incoming animals or sick animals are cleaned and disinfected.          
I have adequate tools and equipment (i.e. pressure washer) to properly clean and disinfect.          
I have dedicated equipment and/or tools to handle contaminated material (deadstock, manure, etc.).          
Facilities (including buildings, barns, chutes, fences, and pens) are maintained in good repair.          
Manure is removed regularly and stored securely.          
Feeders and feeding areas are kept in good condition and clean of manure, old feed and other contaminants.          
Feed and supplements are stored in a location that is dry and secured from access by pests and animals.          
My cervids have access to high quality, clean water.          
Water bowls and water troughs are kept in good condition and cleaned regularly.          
For deadstock, cause of death is determined.          
Deadstock is disposed of appropriately (for example removed to an area away from the herd, facilities, food and water, and secured from scavengers and pests).          
Equipment and tools used to move and handle deadstock is kept in good condition, cleaned and disinfected immediately after use.          

Risk factor review:

  • Good

     – meeting basic biosecurity practices
  • Warning

     – potential for failure of biosecurity element, action required
  • Alert

     – biosecurity gap identified, action required
  1. What farm, facility and equipment gaps (Warnings and Alerts) have I identified on my farm?
  2. What steps can I take to correct those gaps?

2. Animal health management practices evaluation checklist

Biosecurity risk evaluation checklist
Biosecurity practices for animal health management

Yes

Good

Sometimes

Warning

No

Alert

N/A Actions to consider
The cervids needed to maintain and grow my herd are produced on my farm.          
I purchase new cervids from a limited number of sources with known herd health status equal, or better than mine.          
I introduce new genetics in my herd via semen and embryos.          
All newly-acquired, or returning cervids that are brought to my farm are isolated for a period of time.          
My farm has an isolation area away from areas used by the resident herd, where incoming cervids are monitored daily.          
My farm has designated protocols for animals in isolation.          
My perimeter fence prevents the escape of cervids and the entry of domestic animals and pests.          
I have a written herd health program developed in consultation and supervision of a veterinarian.          
My farm has designated protocols to care for sick animals.          
I have a written disease response plan that outlines what to do in case of a disease outbreak on my farm.          

Risk factor review:

  • Good

     – meeting basic biosecurity practices
  • Warning

     – potential for failure of biosecurity element, action required
  • Alert

     – biosecurity gap identified, action required
  1. What Animal Health Management gaps (Warnings and Alerts) have I identified on my farm?
  2. What steps can I take to correct those gaps?

3. Management of people evaluation checklist

Biosecurity risk evaluation checklist
Biosecurity practices for management of people

Yes

Good

Sometimes

Warning

No

Alert

N/A Actions to consider
I have a written biosecurity plan describing the practices to follow in different areas of my farm.          
All farm workers (including family members) are trained in the biosecurity practices of my farm.          
I request visitors to announce themselves prior to arrival so they are aware of my biosecurity requirements.          
I ask questions to determine the potential risk for disease transmission posed by visitors and farm personnel.          
I know that livestock can be a source of human disease and advise my family, workers and visitors to follow good hygiene practices after contact with animals or their environment.          

Risk factor review:

  • Good

     – meeting basic biosecurity practices
  • Warning

     – potential for failure of biosecurity element, action required
  • Alert

     – biosecurity gap identified, action required
  1. What gaps (Warnings and Alerts) on Management of People have I identified on my farm?
  2. What steps can I take to correct those gaps?

4. Protocols and record-keeping evaluation checklist

Biosecurity risk evaluation checklist
Biosecurity practices for Protocols and Record-Keeping

Yes

Good

Sometimes

Warning

No

Alert

N/A Actions to consider
I have written farm-specific biosecurity protocols.          
My farm-specific biosecurity protocols are available to personnel, family and service providers.          
I maintain and review herd and individual animal health records, which help to identify and address any health issues.          
I record events such as illnesses, treatments, disinfections, vaccinations, dewormings, birthdates, and deaths of animals of my herd in the proper place.          
I record, review and update important farm management activities.          
I record, review and update biosecurity, education and training activities.          

Risk factor review:

  • Good

     – meeting basic biosecurity practices
  • Warning

     – potential for failure of biosecurity element, action required
  • Alert

     – biosecurity gap identified, action required
  1. What Protocol and Record-Keeping gaps (Warnings and Alerts) have I identified on my farm?
  2. What steps can I take to correct those gaps?
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