Introduction to biosecurity on Farms

Each time you visit a farm, it is important to understand that there are biosecurity hazards everywhere and the spread of contaminants can happen quickly. Spreading contaminants from one farm to another can be detrimental to crops and livestock, putting the entire farm at risk for significant financial losses. This course discusses the biosecurity protocols of pork handling. It will help you recognize the hazards and explain how avoiding them can significantly minimize the risk of contamination. It is important to treat every farm you enter like a work zone, not a petting zoo because most of the risks we pose to livestock are invisible, so it is best to avoid them entirely unless necessary and the proper protocols are in place. The best way to avoid spreading contaminants is to understand the importance of biosecurity and its considerations before entering a farm. When in doubt, always ask the farmer about the biosecurity protocols and show your respect by following them. Remember though, the risk is not over once you leave the farm, which the course will also cover to mitigate the chance of carrying contaminants to another farm or back home.