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Biosecurity for Sheep and Goat

Producers

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Biosecurity is a series of management practices designed to prevent the

introduction, delivery, and spread of disease pathogens that can harm or adversely

affect livestock, crops, environments, and people. These practices may also help

eliminate or control diseases already existing on the premises.

Below are topics related to biosecurity and APHIS Veterinary Services’ role in

emergency planning and response and public health. Additionally, links to other

sources of information on biosecurity on the farm are included below.

Principles of Biosecurity

Segregation 

Keeping infected animals and contaminated material away from uninfected animals

is the most important and effective part of biosecurity. The following are strategies

you can use to achieve segregation:

Maintain a closed flock. If this is not possible, only purchase animals that

appear healthy and have been inspected by a veterinarian within the last 30
days, and keep them separate from your flock for at least 30 days. 

Restrict access to your premises to employees and service personnel, since

pathogens can be introduced by vehicles, clothing, and equipment. 

Establish a clean/dirty line, where only certain people, vehicles, and equipment

are allowed on the clean side. 

Require a waiting period of 24 to 48 hours between livestock premises visits for

your employees and also your veterinarian. 

To the extent possible, prevent contact between your animals and poultry,

pets, wildlife (particularly ruminants and waterfowl) and rodents. If this is not

practical, it is important to prevent the use of feed and water sources for your

sheep and goats by these other animals. Feed and water receptacles should be

cleaned and disinfected on a frequent basis.

Use insect control measures, as these pests can transmit pathogens. 

Cleaning and Disinfection

Cleaning and disinfection of animal housing facilities, vehicles, and equipment

(including boots and clothing) is a very effective way to minimize disease

transmission to or between your animals. Clean everything that is moved between

livestock premises and within your own premises. Regularly clean production areas

and always clean equipment after use. 

Manure, dirt, and other potentially heavily contaminated materials need to be

cleaned from housing facilities, vehicles, and equipment. Follow these two steps to

ensure proper cleaning:

1. Apply detergents and foaming agents to surfaces before cleaning to help

remove organic matter and debris. 

2. Use hot water to rinse, and if possible, rinse with high pressure. 

After cleaning, let all surfaces dry completely. Then, apply a disinfectant(s) directly

to all cleaned surfaces. The selection and use of disinfectants will depend on many

factors, including corrosive properties and safety, mechanism of action, presence of

organic matter, and the pathogens you are worried about. Rotate the disinfectants

you use to avoid pathogens becoming resistant to the action of a particular

disinfectant’s compounds.

Emergency Management
APHIS’ National Preparedness and Incident Coordination Center develops strategies

and policies for effective animal health incident management and helps coordinate

incident responses. 

Visit Emergency Management for more information about our planning and response

activities. 

Visit Foreign Animal Disease Preparedness and Response to download APHIS animal

incident response and continuity of business plans.

Zoonotic Diseases

Zoonotic diseases are diseases of animals that can infect humans. Humans can

contract zoonotic diseases through direct contact with infected animals, as well as

by consumption of contaminated food or water; inhalation; arthropod vectors (such

as flies, ticks, and mosquitoes); and pests. 

There are several zoonotic diseases of sheep and goats. Protect yourself and your

employees by learning more about these diseases at Sheep and Goat Disease.

More Information for Veterinarians

National Animal Health Emergency Response Corps 

When an animal health emergency occurs, an immediate response is necessary to

protect both animals and people. APHIS will look to many sources to obtain the

veterinary personnel needed to help meet the critical staffing needs of such an

emergency. 

In 2001, APHIS established the National Animal Health Emergency Response Corps

(NAHERC) to respond to exotic disease outbreaks and other disasters that affect

livestock, poultry, companion animals, and wildlife. More volunteers are urgently

needed to assure a decisive response to any potential animal health crises. 

Visit NAHERC to learn more about the program or join as a volunteer

Personal Protective Equipment 
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is safety equipment and defensive tools

developed to protect personnel from the hazards of their job’s environment by

anticipating the unexpected. Using PPE reduces the chance of suffering an injury. 

You can find PPE designed to protect: 

Eyes—goggles, face shields, safety glasses

Face—face shield, protective shields, barriers 

Head—hard hat, bump hat 

Ears—earplugs, earmuffs 

Feet—safety shoes, boots 

Hands and arms—gloves, sleeve guards 

Protective clothing—vests, safety suits, safety jackets

Body—shields, barriers, restraints 

Airways/lungs—respiratory devices 

View more information on PPE (1.8 MB)

Related Links

National Animal Health Emergency Management System: Educational and

Training Materials

American Sheep Industry Association—Biosecurity

Canadian Food Inspection Agency—Biosecurity Standards and Principles

University of Maryland Cooperative Extension—Biosecurity for Sheep and Goats

Presentation

Cooperative Extension—Goat Biosecurity