Essential Biosecurity Practices

Animal Handlers

• Wear protective clothing (coveralls and boots that can be disinfected) when handling animals and wash afterwards.
  

• Have separate footwear for indoors and around animals.
  

• Wash your hands before and after handling or caring for animals and between groups.
  

• Prevent or at least control visitor access to your animals.

• Handle young animals first, then healthy adult animals, then new or quarantined animals, then any sick animals.

Animal Health

• Monitor animals closely for poor appetite, looking limp or depressed, or behaving differently in any way.
  

• Contact your veterinarian if signs of illness are observed.

• Implement a vaccination program recommended by your veterinarian.
  

• Do not rely solely on vaccination for disease prevention but continue biosecurity practices daily.
  

• Minimize stress for your animals by providing a clean environment, plentiful and high quality food, fresh air, clean water, and enough space for all animals.
  

• Report any unusual illnesses or deaths to your veterinarian or the Oregon State Veterinarian's Office at 503-986-4711 or email AHHotline@oda.oregon.gov. 
  

• By state law, certain animal diseases must be reported to the State Veterinarians Office. The full list is identified in ODA's Veterinary Disease Reporting Page.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Equipment

Cleaning

• Remove all visible organic debris from items to be disinfected (cages, feeding equipment, waterers, footwear, etc.).

• Wash items thoroughly with soap and water; rinse well and let dry.

• Allow prolonged exposure to sunlight when possible.

• Items made of organic material, such as wood, are best discarded or burned.

Disinfection

• Saturate by submersion or spray with 10 percent bleach (sodium hypochlorite), 1% Virkon®S (DuPont) or other applicable disinfectant per label instructions.

• Allow 10 minutes contact, then rinse and let dry before allowing animal contact.

Controlling Potential Disease Carriers

• Flies, rats, cats, dogs, birds, etc. can move pathogens around on their feet or body, so control or prevent their access to animal areas.
  

• Fence out scavengers and wildlife, including birds.
  

Feeding

• Do not feed animals on the ground. Use an elevated feeder, bunk, or rack.

• Do not allow animals to use hay or feed for bedding.
  

Housing

• When indoors, house animals on a surface that is impermeable and can be disinfected.

• Double fence pastures to avoid direct contact with wildlife and neighboring animals.

• Separate animals by age post-weaning.
  

Isolating New Animals or Animals Returning From a Show or Event

• Isolate new and returning animals in a separate area for 30 days before allowing contact with the main animal group.
  

• Designate one person to care for isolated animals OR designate separate clothing, footwear, and equipment for the two groups.
  

• Care for your main herd before interacting with isolated animals.
  

Sourcing Animals

• Obtain animals from reputable sources.

• Avoid purchasing animals from a livestock auction or online classified advertising if you plan to breed them.

• Conduct species-specific pre-purchase laboratory testing and examination.

• Consult your veterinarian for recommendations of sources of healthy, high-quality animals.