BIOSECURITY
What is it?
The conscious practice of reducing or eliminating potential spread of disease. This may include the routine testing of herds, culling of infected animals, and cleanliness habits to prevent direct, passive, or indirect spread.
Biosecurity is not limited to goats, and should be considered an important part of raising all livestock species.
Why does it matter?
All animals, domestic or wild, have the potential to spread communicable diseases. Some diseases are species-specific, some diseases may host in multiple species, and some diseases may even be zoonotic (capable of infecting humans and animals alike.)
Several diseases have no cure, and may even be fatal.
There are several diseases of particular importance to caprine management, and even human safety!
Most prevalent diseases related to the caprine/human: Caprine Arthritic Encephalitis, Caseous Lymphadentitis, Johne's Disease, Q Fever, Brucellosis.
How does Hungry Fox approach biosecurity?
Open discussion of our heard health, practices, and previous experiences with caprine diseases.
Actively promote information that spreads awareness of and safe practices for disease identification and management.
Only purchasing goats from sources who regularly test their herds and are willing to share those test results.
Regularly testing our own herd through an accredited lab, with frequency and specified tests determined by changes in our herd population.
As we prefer to dam raise our kids, CAE tests are repeated yearly on all does to be bred regardless of any herd changes.
Feathered creatures added to our flocks come from NPIP breeders or hatched from our own stock to reduce avian and waterfowl disease spread.
Limiting the visitors within in our barnyard to reduce potential indirect exposure.
Disinfecting footwear/tools when necessary to prevent cross-contamination and indirect exposure to pathogens.