Cattle feeders learn about biosecurity
Bioterrorism is a concern
Cattlemen can take actions which will prevent the spread of infectious diseases among their livestock.
That is the message extension beef veterinarian Larry Hollis of Kansas State University presented to a handful of Marion County cattlemen in a meeting held recently in Marion.
A more sophisticated term for such actions is "biosecurity."
Most of Hollis' presentation was geared to preventing disease in feedlots. He noted that the spread of disease can be intentional or accidental. When a disease gets out of control, it results in catastrophic losses of cattle and money.
Hollis said the 9-11 terrorist attacks of 2001 raised the specter of possible bioterrorism, the intentional introduction of destructive viruses into a cattle herd or large feedlot.
For example, hoof and mouth disease is caused by a virus which is highly infectious, highly contagious, easily transmitted, and affects many animal species. Placed in packets or in a spray bottle, the virus could be introduced to cattle.
Hollis said feedlots which are next to a major highway and/or are close to a large population center are the most vulnerable. Cattle companies which have web sites also are vulnerable.
After discussing the various ways terrorists could spread disease among cattle, the conclusion was that it is impossible to be totally secure against bioterrorism.
"We can't take care of everything. We've got to take care of the obvious things," Hollis said. "We have lots of loopholes, but we can make it inconvenient."
He suggested such things as making space between the road and cattle, keeping the first set of pens empty, keeping the feedlot hidden from public view, and locking entry points.
He also suggested that some employees could be deputized, trained, and armed, to provide an immediate response to a terrorism situation.
"Biosecurity is everyone's responsibility," Hollis said.
He said many people can accidentally introduce disease. These include feedlot workers, veterinarians, feed mills, feed delivery personnel, suppliers, sales people, auction barns, and truckers.
It is important for everyone who works with cattle to have a plan to minimize introduction of disease, Hollis said. Then it is important to know the plan, be alert, and communicate with one another.
