Animal biosecurity, welfare management plans and funding explained

Goat biosecurity and animal welfare promoted by the federal-provincial Canadian Agriculture Partnership amounts long-time breeder.

The Canadian government has much at stake in exports from animal biosecurity and welfare, Gord Schroder told a quality assurance workshop at the annual Saskatchewan Goat Breeders’ Association show in Moose Jaw.

Shared funding under the Canadian Ag is available for biosecurity and animal welfare measures with farmers getting the work is completed.

He urged goat farmers to develop a biosecurity plan using a veterinarian as a consultant.

The plan will manage introduction and spread of diseases on farms. Biosecurity plans reduce costs and animal losses, Disease issues develop physical and mental stress among farmers. “I have seen cases where operators left the business over stress from dealing with dis

“Risk is always there. You can’t elimi Outlining the top biosecurity risks, Schroder said a plan will reduce them as much as possible.

Number one disease risk is unknown disease when buying new or replacement stock. Limit the number of sources for new stock and buy from buyers with good biosecurity reputations. “Ask them a lot of “Auction markets are one of the highest risk places to buy stock. That doesn’t He said any new animal from auction markets or elsewhere should be quarantined for two weeks before joining the others.

Goats leaving the farm for shows pose another risk in contact with other animals. “Limit nose to nose contact as

Dead stock disposal creates disease risk. CAP funding exists for compost pits and other means.

Letting dogs or coyotes feed on dead stock spreads disease.

Feed supplies should be secured from wildlife. He told of a sheep farmer whose by salmonella. He discovered birds had entered an opening in a grain bin and deposited salmonella infested feces. Plan to manage and separate diseased animals, he said.

Access of farm visitors requires management but there is a big difference in visitors between your farm neighbour and his boot manure and kids from a city school. Keep manure away from animals and keep manure cleaning equipment clean. Family members and workers need to know how to recognize disease and discomfort in the herd,

Keep records of sickness and vaccination use.

The code of animal welfare practices saves producers money by reducing stress, animal losses and increasing productivity.

When quarantining them be sure they can see and hear others to reduce stress. Learn to score body conditioning to discover stressed or weak animals. “They say goats will eat anything. That Have a nutrition plan to ensure proper diet.

Transport regulations requiring more frequent waste removal and feeding have been introduced.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net