Written protocols should be in place and reviewed annually with your veterinarian and employees to ensure that certain procedures are carried out appropriately.

Goals:

To prevent the introduction/spread of pathogens and disease on and from this farm.

How to assess:

Review the biosecurity protocol to confirm that the following information is included and that appropriate criteria are being met:

Dairy Well

• Herd health plan (vaccine schedule, parasite prevention, hoof health, udder health, sick cow monitoring) must be in place with the Veterinarian of Record (VOR)
• Biosecurity signs must be prominently displayed
• Feeding equipment must be disinfected after other uses or only used for feeding to prevent cross-contamination
• All livestock must have permanent IDs
• Health records must be kept for all ages and health events
• The VOR and emergency contact information must be easily accessible
• SOP must be signed by the VOR

Templates are provided as a guideline; farms may write their own as long as minimum content is met.

National Dairy FARM Program​

• A herd health plan written in consultation with the veterinarian of record (VOR)
• All cattle must have permanent IDs
• Adequate ventilation is in place to reduce odors, dust, and/or noxious gases
• Permanent, easily accessible drug treatment records that denote how all drugs were used and disposed
• All withdrawal times for milk and meat are followed

Validus

• Drug treatment records must be current and accessible to employees
• All cattle must have permanent IDs
• Cross-contamination must be minimized (from feed to manure, manure to feed); use of different equipment recommended
• Signs should be posted throughout the facility to control visitor entry
• Needle tracking:
  • Appropriate use and disposal
  • Protocol for actions if needle breaks off into animal

There is no practice protocol for biosecurity.