Biosecurity and livestock – Overview

Feb 12, 2025

Overview

Biosecurity refers to practices designed to prevent, reduce or eliminate the introduction and spread of disease. Concerns over the spread of animal diseases, particularly those of foreign origin, are high within the livestock industry.

Livestock diseases can affect any type of operation regardless of size. Biosecurity practices tailored to each operation minimize the introduction and/or transmission of disease:

on a given farm
between farms
between species

Importance of biosecurity

Biosecurity plays a vital role in sustainable livestock production. Principles of biosecurity have become the foundation for animal health which has an associated relationship to food safety, trade, and control of zoonotic diseases. Biosecurity practices are essential to maintaining market access and preventing the occurrence of Foreign Animal Disease (FAD) in Canada.

Biosecurity practices can:

prevent the introduction and spread of disease
protect humans from zoonotic diseases (diseases that are transmissible between animals and humans)
demonstrate commitment to animal health and food safety
be used as a recovery tool if disease incursions occur
save money spent on disease recovery costs

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Video: Evidence-Based PRRS Elimination Methods - Dr. Brent Pepin

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show, Dr. Brent Pepin, Director of Swine Health at the National Pork Board, explains how a systematic review of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus elimination methods is helping shape future herd health strategies. He discusses evidence-based farm and regional approaches, research gaps, and practical guidance to support informed decision-making across the swine industry. Listen now on all major platforms!

Click here to learn more: https://porkcheckoff.org/research/sys...

"Disease status sharing gives producers the opportunity to make real-time decisions that reduce PRRS prevalence and protect regions from new exposure."

Meet the guest: Dr. Brent Pepin / brent-pepin-dvm-ms-7988066b is Director of Swine Health at the National Pork Board. After earning his DVM and M.S. from Iowa State University, he built extensive experience in swine veterinary practice, research, and herd health management. His current work focuses on disease control, traceability, and improving herd health across the U.S. swine industry. Listen to Brent Pepin on The Swine it Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.