New mapping tool helps farmers strengthen disease control plans quickly
Recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry farms across the United States have raised serious concerns about disease control in livestock production. These incidents show how quickly infectious diseases can spread and affect animals, farmers, and even human health.
To address this challenge, experts from the National Farm Medicine Center at Marshfield Clinic Research Institute have developed PremisesMapper, a free online tool designed to improve farm biosecurity planning. Biosecurity refers to all actions taken to prevent harmful organisms such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites from entering farms and infecting animals or people.
PremisesMapper helps farmers create a “premises map,” which is a visual layout of their farm. This map shows important features such as boundaries, buildings, entry points, cleaning stations, and safe routes for removing animal waste. These details are essential during a disease outbreak because they help officials and farmers respond quickly and effectively.
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection played an important role in guiding the development of this tool. Officials emphasize that having a biosecurity plan ready before a disease outbreak can save time and reduce losses.
“In the event of a disease response, many livestock producers are required to submit a premises map to their state animal health office as part of their biosecurity plan,” said Kurt Grajkowski, emergency services coordinator with DATCP. Creating a biosecurity plan and premises map prior to disease outbreak can expedite response efforts and limit negative impacts on producer operations.
Earlier, farmers had to rely on complicated methods such as combining satellite images, screenshots, or even hand-drawn maps. PremisesMapper simplifies this process by allowing users to draw maps, add symbols, and include key information in one place. It also provides a step-by-step guide to ensure that all important elements are included.
“This tool facilitates the development of maps for producers and streamlines the transfer of maps to state officials and emergency response personnel,” said Jakob Hanschu, PremisesMapper product manager.
Since its launch, the tool has received positive feedback. Users report that it saves time and allows quick updates when farm conditions change.
Overall, PremisesMapper is an important step toward improving disease preparedness. Making biosecurity planning easier, it helps farmers protect their animals, maintain business operations, and reduces the impact of future outbreaks.
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