Biosecurity for Livestock and Poultry

Biosecurity at the farm level can be defined as the management practices enabling producers to prevent the introduction and movement of disease-causing agents and pests onto, between, and off of agricultural operations.  Biosecurity measures are used to minimize the risk of exposure, reduce disease susceptibility, and increase the resistance of livestock and poultry to infection.

Why should we be concerned about biosecurity?

Biosecurity has become an increasing concern to the agriculture industry as a result of foreign and emerging disease issues, the globalization of agriculture, and increasing public concerns over food safety.  

Good biosecurity practices do not have to be confusing or expensive, but a small investment in time and money can yield big benefits for the farmer, the industry, and for the consumer through improved food quality and safety.

What are some components of biosecurity for livestock and poultry operations?

• Animal Health
  • Vaccinations
    • Vaccination is an effective method of preventing infectious diseases and is a key part of a complete herd/flock health management plan.
  • Nutrition 
    • Just like humans, animals need a healthy, balanced diet to stay healthy.
  • Observation 
    • Observing your animals during daily care activities help with noticing any changes in animal health or behaviour that may need attention.
  • Veterinary checks 
    • Regular herd/flock health checks by a veterinarian are an important part of animal health.
• Movement Control
  • Movement control is crucial for controlling the spread of disease from an infected area to a non-infected area.  
    • Quarantining newly introduced animals and requiring permits for movement are examples of movement controls that may be used for biosecurity.
• Housing and Ventilation
  • Proper housing for livestock/poultry provides a controlled environment to protect the animals, while adequate ventilation helps to maintain air quality and reduce the spread of pathogens.  A well-designed ventilation system includes features such as consistent airflow, sufficient air exchanges per hour, and strategic fan placement to remove moisture and prevent disease transmission.
• Controlling:
  • Vectors
    • Environmental management practices can help reduce vector breeding sites (e.g., removing standing water for mosquito control).
    • Chemical, physical and biological controls (e.g., larvicides, screens/traps, natural enemies).
  • Humans 
    • Access Control
      • restricted entry
      • vehicle management
      • visitor monitoring
      • personal protective equipment (PPE)
    • Sanitation and Hygiene
      • handwashing
      • footbaths/wheel disinfection
      • clothing and equipment
    • Education
      • biosecurity training and education to employees and visitors

Did you know?

About 80% of diseases can be shared between humans and animals.  These are called zoonoses.  Zoonoses can be transmitted:

• Through the Air – such as Influenza and Tuberculosis
• Through Direct Contact (bites) – such as Rabies
• Through Hand/Mouth Contact – such as Salmonella and Cryptosporidia
• In Contaminated Food – such as E.coli and Listeria
• By Vectors – such as Lyme Disease

Where can I find more information on biosecurity for livestock and poultry operations?

•    CFIA - National Biosecurity Standards and Biosecurity Principles (link is external)
•    Animal Health Canada - Biosecurity and disease prevention resources for farm animals (link is external)
•    Perennia (Nova Scotia) - Biosecurity for Small Scale Livestock Production (link is external)

Contact us at:

Department of Agriculture
11 Kent Street, 5th Floor Jones Bldg.
PO Box 2000, Charlottetown, PE
C1A 7N8
Toll-free: 1-866-PEIFARM (734-3276)
Tel: (902) 368-5654
Email: opv@gov.pe.ca (link sends e-mail)

FarmersTalk (Confidential Counseling):
Toll-free: 1-800-736-8006
Tel: (902) 626-9787
Website: farmerstalk.ca (link is external)