Source: Farm Journal news release
Kansas City, Mo., – As disease challenges like highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), New World screwworm (NWS) and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) continue to mount, biosecurity remains a critical concern for the U.S. dairy industry. A survey of U.S. dairy farms conducted by Farm Journal gives the industry a chance to elevate its overall biosecurity standards.
The new research was presented to nearly 500 dairy producers and industry stakeholders at Farm Journal’s MILK Business Conference today in Las Vegas, igniting a dialogue around the need for better on-farm planning, training, resources and the integration of technology related to biosecurity.
“By embracing the data and insights unveiled, we can drive meaningful conversation and change, and elevate the overall standards of biosecurity across the industry,” said Karen Bohnert, Farm Journal’s dairy editorial director.
The survey reveals that, even among farms with established biosecurity strategies, commitment to reviewing and adapting these plans is lacking. While 68% of farmers with at least 250 dairy cows report having a biosecurity plan, 34% admit they do not review their plans regularly. Although, 72% of dairy operators with more than 250-plus cows report making improvements to their biosecurity plan compared with 58% of smaller dairy operators.
The survey also uncovers significant gaps in fundamental farm security. More than 20% of surveyed dairies neglect to secure access to barns and animal housing. Additionally, 38% fail to control or limit access to areas where feed is stored or provided. This is a notable vulnerability due to the possible exposure to birds and other wildlife in addition to human contact. Visitor access monitoring is also a blind spot for 16% of producers, and only 33% of producers use camera surveillance to oversee their facilities.
Additional survey results showed:
• Only 72% of larger dairy operations have handwashing stations as a part of their biosecurity protocol.
• Just 75% of farms surveyed use separate equipment for handling feed and manure.
• More than half of respondents use technology, such as herd activity monitoring systems, to help identify sick animals.
• Just 32% of farms provide training only in response to biosecurity issues, showing a reactive approach to biosecurity.
• Only 30% conduct quarterly meetings with their farm teams, showing a lack of consistent, proactive staff education.
• Only 29% of farmers have collaborated with cybersecurity experts to protect their farm systems and data.
This research serves as a timely reminder that biosecurity and cybersecurity are not one-time tasks, but dynamic, ongoing processes demanding continuous review and proactive management. By embracing this mindset and diligently addressing these crucial areas, dairy producers can fortify their operations, safeguard their herds and secure a resilient future in an increasingly complex and evolving industry. Reviewing existing plans and improving one practice or securing one area can make a big difference in the biosecurity of a dairy.
Read the full story about Farm Journal’s biosecurity research here.
