what is biosecurity?
activities taken to prevent the introduction of disease into a population being protected
why is understanding disease spread important in biosecurity?
it allows effective prevention of transmission between epidemiological groups
what is the main aim of biosecurity between groups?
to contain disease within a group and prevent spread to other groups
name four common biosecurity control measures
- testing/screening
- vaccination
- hygiene (C&D)
- quarantine
why should movement of animals between groups be minimised?
movement increases the risk of disease transmission
why is purchasing sick animals a biosecurity risk?
they may introduce infectious disease into a population
why are physical boundaries (e.g. double fencing) important?
they reduce direct contact and disease spread between groups
why is disease knowledge essential for biosecurity planning?
control measures depend on how the disease spreads and persists
how is strangles primarily spread?
via bodily discharges and fomites
why are asymptomatic strangles carriers important?
they can harbour bacteria in the guttural pouch for months to years
how long does it take for a horse to seroconvert to strangles?
approximately 14 days
why can’t a healthy-looking horse be assumed disease-free?
it may be an asymptomatic carrier
how is equine influenza mainly spread?
by aerosols (airborne droplets), hands and equipment
what are the three main aims of isolation/quarantine?
- slow disease spread
- allow testing/treatment
- allow disease to declare
when should isolation be used?
- sick animals
- new arrivals
- animals returning from shows or sales
why does isolation duration vary between diseases?
incubation periods and pathogen survival differ
give two examples of isolation periods
strangles: up to 21 days
equine influenza: 1 - 3 days
why should isolation units be downwind of main facilities?
to reduce airborne disease spread
why must isolation units have dedicated equipment?
to prevent fomite transmission
why is access to isolation areas restricted?
to reduce disease spread via people
what is the role of vaccination in biosecurity?
reduces susceptibility and disease spread (when available)
why must kennels enforce vaccination protocols?
to prevent dogs bringing disease in or catching disease onsite
what is mechanical disease spread?
spread via people, vehicles, machinery or equipment
why must cleaning occur before disinfection?
organic matter inactivates disinfectants
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intro to vet health16
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health and disease30
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trauma19
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notifiable and zoonotic diseases13
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exemplar diseases7
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sudden death in large animals30
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sudden death in companion animals12
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post mortem examinations35
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veterinary dermatology58
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the ear41
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vestibular system35
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equine diarrhoea31
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diarrhoea in livestock30
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infection control24
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biosecurity25
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respiratory diseases40
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equine lameness29
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livestock lameness25
