| This biosecurity flyer provides livestock owners, exhibitors, and agricultural professionals with a framework for preventing disease transmission in barn environments. Developed by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Veterinary Science Certificate Program, this systematic approach ensures the health and safety of both animals and handlers through proven biosecurity protocols for their barns. Equipment Sanitization Protocol The flyer emphasizes thorough equipment decontamination through a four-step process: removing all manure and organic matter, washing with soap and water, applying appropriate disinfectants, and allowing complete drying before reuse. This approach eliminates pathogens that commonly spread between animals through shared equipment. Personal Protective Measures Comprehensive guidelines for personal hygiene and protective equipment usage include wearing designated clean clothing, proper washing and disinfection of boots and garments before barn entry, and mandatory hand washing protocols. The program recommends glove usage for additional protection against disease transmission. Health Monitoring and Response The biosecurity framework includes active animal health surveillance with immediate isolation protocols for sick animals, plus strict guidelines preventing ill handlers from entering barn facilities. This dual approach protects both animal and human health. Cross-Contamination Prevention Strategic protocols prevent disease spread between animals and exhibitors by prohibiting equipment sharing, implementing proper hand hygiene between animal contacts, requiring protective equipment usage, and maintaining physical separation between healthy and sick animals. |
This project was supported under Cooperative Agreement #NU38OT000297 between the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the developers and do not necessarily represent the official views of CSTE or CDC.