Introducing cattle

Biosecurity – Introduced livestock

 

How can I stop infected cattle entering my herd?

The current tests for bTB mean that some infected cattle do not get identified quickly and some may remain in herds even after they have gone through a number of test cycles. This means that there is always a risk of introducing cattle that may be infected. This risk increases with the number of cattle introduced and with the number of herds purchased from. The longer a vendor herd has been free from detected infection, the more likely it is that the herd is truly free from infection.

It’s worth noting that animals that are returning from marts or contract rearing premises or being borrowed have the potential to bring disease into the herd.

Key measures to reduce the risk of introducing disease

Have a purchasing protocol
  • A closed herd is ideal; otherwise try to restrict purchases to maiden heifers and bulls and buy in as few times as possible
  • Don’t use hired in bulls
  • Discuss purchasing plans with your own vet

 
Buy in as few animals as possible and buy lower risk animals

 
  • Find out the health status of animals that you are bringing onto your farm
  • Consider pre-movement testing
Buy from as few herds as possible and buy from lower risk herds
  • Select stock from herds of equal or higher health status to your own herd
  • If possible, find out how long the herd you are purchasing from has been been OTF (Officially TB Free).  (The longer a herd has not been restricted due to bTB, the lower the risk of any cattle purchased from that herd being infected.)

 
Reduce transport risks
  • Ensure vehicles are clean before transporting stock
  • Keep the loading area at the perimeter of the farm

 
Follow a quarantine protocol
  • Strictly isolate stock after arrival for at least 30 days
  • Keep good records of introduced animals

 
Maintain good hygiene
  • Ensure that people and equipment entering the farm follow cleaning and disinfection procedures