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Wild animals, birds, water, feed, new animals and visitors can all bring infection to
the farm with them. Our aim is to pinpoint and eliminate as many potential
infections as possible on every farm, and to isolate infections which do occur so that
they do not become disease outbreaks.
Once infection occurs on a farm, management practices play a key role in preventing
outbreaks. Animals, like people, often get sick when they are stressed. This
means that maternity and hospital pens are epicenters for infections. Overcrowding
of these pens can contribute to disease outbreaks, as can factors such as nutrition and
shelter. Plenty of shade and water during hot spells can help keep a herd healthy.
Farm management practices are very important in preventing infection as well as
treating it. Bird and rodent control, clean feed and water, hand and boot washing
facilities, and limited access for contaminated vehicles can help keep pathogens off the
farm.
Feed:
Many dairies feed a total mixed ration, or TMR, which consists of several different
component feeds such as grain, hay, and silage. These are mixed with water and
supplements, and fed to cattle in bunks or alleys.
Bacteria can be introduced to the TMR in numerous ways. Birds and wild animals
defecate on feed storage piles. Tractors used to scrape manure may still have traces
of manure when they deliver feed. And component feeds are sometimes contaminated
before they even arrive at the farm, perhaps from dirty transport vehicles. Steps
can be taken to avoid contamination and proliferation of bacteria in the TMR.
Eliminate Contamination of Feed
- Eliminate nesting areas for birds, especially around feed storage sites.
- Clean vehicle tires when they pass between animal storage areas and feed storage areas.
Any time a vehicle comes in contact with manure, keep it out of feeding and feed
storage areas.
- Clean the mixing truck regularly.
- Use a sufficient amount of silage in the TMR.
Other Precautions
- Chlorinate water.
- Quarantine sick animals.
- Do not overcrowd animals.
- Eliminate carrier animals.
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