The Iowa State University Center for Food Safety and Public Health has developed a series of biological risk management tools for beef and dairy producers. These educational materials are designed to increase awareness about the various ways diseases can enter a cattle facility and spread among the animals. Risk assessment and management recommendations focus on a route of disease transmission approach, rather than focusing on specific diseases.
There are five main routes of disease transmission: aerosol, direct contact, fomite, oral and vector. By targeting disease prevention practices against these five routes, producers can reduce their risk of common, everyday diseases entering their farms and ranches, as well as foreign animal or emerging diseases. Another advantage of this approach is that control measures for one route of transmission can minimize the risk and impact of a number of diseases.
The presentations, handouts, fact sheets and checklists are designed for cattle producers to learn about the various risks, conduct self-assessments of their farm, and implement practical management steps. Resources are available in English and Spanish. Go to www.cfsph.iastate.edu/BRM/beefresources.htm for links to the various materials.
-- Clint Peck