The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc.    
     
Beef Quality Assurance
 
 
     
General Information
Facility:
Facility Upkeep and Maintenance Procedures
Biosecurity Procedures
Cattle:
Cattle Handling Procedures
Receiving and Administering Cattle Health Products Procedures
Breeding and Stocker Cattle Receiving and Selling Procedures
Feedlot Cattle Receiving and Shipping Procedures
Feedstuff Receiving, Storage, and Feeding Procedures
Pesticides, Herbicides, and Fertilizer Application Procedures
Record Keeping Procedures
Bibliography
GMP 2.0 Biosecurity Procedures (page 3 of 11)

Objective: To reduce the chances of infectious diseases being carried onto the premises by both people and animals, and to reduce the spread of these diseases if they are present on the farm.

2.1 Prevent the Introduction of Infected Animals
    1. Only bring in animals from known and respected sources.
    2. If possible, avoid purchasing animals that have been co-mingled with animals of another herd.
    3. If possible, avoid co-mingling of feedlot, stocker, and breeding cattle.
    4. Test all incoming bulls, cows, and heifers for infectious diseases (i.e. Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD), Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV), Johne's, and Trichomoniasis) before introducing them to the herd.
    5. Only use known and respectable cattle transporting services.
    6. For hired transporters, ensure that they start out with a clean truck.
    7. Do not allow outside truck cleaning on the premises.
2.2 Prevent the Introduction of Infectious Diseases
    1. Visitors should not be allowed in animal holding facilities without employee or management approval.
    2. Post a sign in a visible area to instruct visitors where to report or who to contact before entering any animal holding facilities.
    3. Upon arrival, visitors should sign in at a designated area.
    4. If possible, visitors should be provided with clean or plastic shoes/boots before being allowed in any animal holding facility.
2.3 Increase the Resistance of Animals to Infectious Diseases
    1. Reduce stress on animals caused by diseases through proper immunization. A proper vaccination and immunization program should be implemented according to veterinary recommendations.
    2. Reduce stress on animals caused by poor nutrition, uncomfortable housing, or poor air quality through proper management.
2.4 Decrease Exposure to Infectious Diseases
    1. Isolate sick animals, especially animals with unfamiliar symptoms or those that don't respond to standard treatment.
    2. Remove dead animals from pens quickly and dispose of them properly. Record the details in the Death Record (Form 302).
    3. If birds or other predators become a problem, find the safest and most effective method to control them.
    4. When near cattle, NEVER use shotguns to control birds or for any other reason.
    5. For questions regarding 1-4, contact a veterinarian.
    6. Minimize manure contamination of hair coat, feed, and water by keeping pens, feeders, and waterers clean.

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