What is Biosecurity
Procedures or measures designed to protect the population and the environment (human, animal and plant) against harmful biological or biochemical substances
What is biosecurity
Procedures or measures designed to protect the population and the environment (human, animal and plant) against harmful biological or biochemical substances
Why is biosecurity important
Allows us to maintain:
- animal production
- animal welfare
- human health
- environmental health
What actions are taken to reduce the spread of infections like bluetounge
Movement controls - restrictions, licenses and free testing for at risk counties
Testing
Cleaning
Vaccinations
What is the bluetongue virus spread by
Midges
What is foot and mouth disease
Viral disease of cloven-hooves animals
Major UK outbreak in 2001
Tell me about the foot and mouth disease outbreak in the UK
In 2001
Pigs fed contaminated fed
Uncontrolled movement of animals nationwide lead to it spreading
6 million animals culled
Cost UK gov £8bn
What legislation was introduced after the foot and mouth outbreak
Disease control order (2003)
Transport of Animals (Cleansing and Disinfection) (England) Order 2003
What would happen without biosecurity
Financial and commercial loses - international trade restrictions
Health implications for animals
Health implications for clients and staff
Increased use of anti microbial lead to environmental health implications
Transference of disease into wildlife populations
What are some measures that can be put in place to limit the introduction of pathogens by human/animal movement
Limit visitors
Buy from reputable sources
Isolate animals on arrival
Cleaning disinfection protocol
What are some measures that can be put in place to limit the introduction of pathogens by contact with other farms
Limit vehicle and equipment sharing
Maintain fences
Limit contact with neighbouring animals
What are some measures that can be put in place to limit the introduction of pathogens by wildlife/pests
Maintain fences
Pest control
What are some measures that can be put in place to limit the introduction of pathogens by contaminated feed/water
Remove fallen stock promptly
Provide fresh water from troughs
Limit access to streams
Store feed properly
What are some ways a pathogen can enter a farm
Human/animal movement
Contact with other farms
Wildlife/pests
Contaminated feed/water
What are some examples of biosecurity in practice
Staff training
Appropriate PPE
Cleaning protocol
Waste disposal
Regular handwashing
What are the different waste categories
Clinical - vet waste that could cause disease
Cytotoxic - contaminated with toxic medicinal products
Pharmaceutical
Offensive - non-hazardous but unpleasant
Domestic
What is a biofilm
A slime layer attached to a surface that is made up of a community of microorganisms
Function like a multi-celled organism that share nutrients and swap genetic informations
How do biofilms form
Attachment of microorganisms to a surface
Colonisation with formation of multi-celled layers
Exopolymer production to facilitate attachment
- this forms a matrix of columns that maximise nutrient delivery and waste removal
Dispersal - part of the biofilm detaches and releases bacteria to start a new cycle of biofilm
What are the benefits that biofilms provide to the organisms in it
Efficient nutrient delivery and waste removal
Protected from drying out
Organisms are more resistant to an immune response and anti microbial agents
What is cleaning
The removal of organic material using soap and water
What is disinfection
The process of eliminating or reducing harmful microorganisms from inanimate objects/surfaces
What is sterilisation
The complete removal of all viable microorganisms from a surface
What factors affect efficacy of disinfection
Concentration
Contact time
Cleanliness
Susceptibility
