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Biosecurity Analysis and Proposal

Name of business and Rancher : Family Farm - Sandra Ceja

Due Date : 04/12/2019

Consultant : Clarissa Rodriguez

Vet Science / Per.3

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Table of contents

Cover Page: (Page 1)

i. Title, “Review and Prospectus for Biosecurity Measures”
ii. Name of business and Rancher (owner) name
iii. Date: Date project is due
iv. Consultant: “Student Name”

Table of contents for the following information: (Page 2)

i. Summary of ranch (Area) (New Page) (Page 3)
1. Number and species
2. Acres
3. Facilities and Equipment
4. Purpose and use
ii. Risk Assessment (New Page) (Page 4)
1. Commendations listed and explained
2. General Recommendation listed and explained
3. Major issues listed and explained
4. Risk Calculation:
a. The potential risk of a pathogen occurring on a farm can be determined
by carrying out a risk assessment
b. ​Risk=(Likelihood of hazard occurring) X (severity)
iii. Proposal (New Page) (Page 5)
1. Biosecurity Procedures
a. Include procedural information for each of the components:
b. Building/Structures, Rodents and pests, staff and equipment, livestock
movement, management procedures, and product
i. Overall ranch generalities
ii. Facility or area specific procedures
iii. Vaccinations and preventative measures

iv. Summary of why your proposal will increase the health of the animal(s) and
efficiency of the ranch or facility. (New Page) (Page 6)

v. Work Cited (Last Page) (Page 7)

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Summary of Ranch

A summary of a ranch will include the number of species along with acres, facilities,
equipment, and the purpose/use. I will be focusing on the environment of goats located at a
family farm owned by my aunt. Overall there is a total of 11 goats. 7 of these are babies and 4
are mature. There goats are specifically Boer goats ranging from 2 months of age as they was
recent birth and 2 years as for the oldest. They were purchased from a former goat breeder
friend. Three out of the 11 are male and the rest are female. They are all in the same enclosed
area and no serious situations have ever occurred between the, but at times, the male goat is very
rude to the rest and head buds them. Besides the goats they also have chickens and dogs.
The area where the goats live in is a 2 acre ranch however they are in an enclosed pin of
about 30 x 30 feet. It is located at the far corner of the ranch and is nearby a separate pin of
horses and goats belonging to a different owner, both along side of the road. The pin is made of
wood and wire containing about 8 wood sticks that are around the pin. The wire used is regular
wire that is thick and forms a square pattern. We have noticed that there is a visible indent in it.
This is from the male goat who rubs against the fence. At one point, two of the goats found a
way out. The area is cleaned once a week. They do cleaning and pick up their droppings.
Equipment for these animals include water and food bucket. Besides this is also a
wooden play area where the goats are able to go on and rest under. Food is given to them every
morning this contains a mixture of hay and other grains that include corn. Apart from this they
are able to graze in the grass when it is growing. Water is given to them from . Besides this there
are no extra supplements or other treats. A major issue is the food tray is never cleaned out and
just continued to feed without cleaning. The water is just dumped and refilled.
In this family farm, the goats aren't going to be used for food. Instead the goats were
another addition to the farm to expand the amount of animals that they have and give experiences
to the family children. The owners are first time goat owners and have no experience regarding
the care of goats. I have been given the opportunity to observe their environment and provide
them with help to improve.
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Risk Assessment

Commendations
1. Water bucket​ - for feed
2. Food bucket ​- for water
3. Playground ​- goats like to jump and this gives them an activity
4. Small porch​ - gives them shade while they are eating

General recommendations
1. Clean food buckets​ - this will help prevent development of mold, bacteria, and diseases
such as cryptosporidium
2. Keeping the food bin closed​ - Groups of mice were found in the feed, if not removed
they can leave droppings and cause health problem and can lead to decaying faster and
getting contaminated
3. Repair fence​ - Having a good repair will prevent the goats from escaping
4. Take care of goats​ - hoof trimming is very much necessary along with coat care and
cleaning there pin of droppings
5. Give medication​ - present diseases can be treated to help prevent fatality especially in
baby goats

Major issues
1. The dogs can attack​ - the dogs roam freely around the farm
2. Goats are untamed ​- Visitors could get hurt in attempt of petting : budding and bitting
3. Food bin is open - ​Rodents get in and cause contamination also making the food quality
not best
4. Buckets not cleaned - ​Equipment material are uncleaned and may develop mold and
bacteria
5. Fecal Transmission -​ with inconsistent cleaning coprophagia is presentable
6. Surrounded by a creek​ - Brings mosquitoes and can cause disease
7. Owner sanitary​ - Going from pin to pin on the same day is not good operating. Other
farm visits will introduce diseases know as fomite.

Risk Calculations
Overall the potential risk of a pathogen occurring on this family farm is at moderate risk. From
observing the environment there are in a good location but their tactics seem to lead to a variety
of possible causing agents. However there is a possibility to reverse these dangers and it is
manageable. On the other hand, people are at low risk. The goats havent bit anyone therefore the
risk is not severe.
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Proposal

I would like to recommend building a shed for the goats. This will help keep them dry on

rainy days and provide shade in the summer. To accomplish this, about ¼ of the enclosed area

must be reserved for this plan. It would be of good use if they also include bedding for both

comfort and collection of urine and feces. Another structure that could be fixed is the fence.

Because of the visible dent, this slight damage could easily be repaired. Another change must be

made to get rid of the rodents and pests. I suggest starting off by closing the food bin or buying a

new one. This is especially to priority because this is one of the higher problems they have. Most

importantly, the staff needs some improvement. They must spend more time caring for their

animals. This includes getting new equipment such as hoof trimmers (they never trimmed their

hooves) and making sure they feed them everyday.

Overall, ranch generalities are well. They obtain a good setup and no changes should be

made. Enough space is given to them making their environment comfortable and moveable.

Although they do obtain a variety of different species on their farm, they all have their distance

and a good separation. Occasionally they are all feed one after another and the owner must know

that he/she must limit animal contact while using the proper clothing when doing so.

Within this area, specific procedures are those of basic knowledge. Now, they must

expand and include cleaning out both the food and water bucket and picking up dropping more

often than they do. During my time at the Zoo we would do this procedure everyday. From what

I seen, I can tell they are not consistent with their routine when it comes to the care of the goats.

In order to improve their Vaccination and prevention measures they should introduce

vaccines. They mentioned that need have never medicated their animals. Adding this will help

the animal’s well being and hopefully prevent certain diseases. For example, Heidi disease (a

very serious and complicated illness of baby goats) can be avoided if treated.
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Summary

As noted above, Biosecurity is a strategic and integrated approach that encompasses the
policy and regulatory frameworks to analyze and manage risks in the sectors of: food safety,
animal life and health, and plant life and health, including associated environmental risks. This
will help increase the health of the animal(s) because as of now, the aren't properly being taken
care of. Most of these things i'm introducing are beneficial and required. The owners don't have
the proper knowledge and lack the basics which I have formulated a plan to correct.
First I have introduced them to proper cleaning. This includes cleaning many parts of the
enclosed area along with the equipment. We want to make sure droppings are cleaned up to
prevent consumption of feces and that food bins maintain closed. Doing so will help get rid of
unwanted mice in the feed. If not removed they can leave droppings and cause health problem in
the consumer. Goats should normally have good clean water access and fresh food daily. With
clean buckets we can prevent the development of mold, bacteria, diseases and contamination in
food such as cryptosporidium. Secondly, building a shed is another formulated plan. Shelter is
very much important. They ​must be protected from weather and climate. A three-sided shelter
with a roof might be all that is required for the best option. ​Within the goat shelter a bedding
material should be used to help soak up urine and to keep the goats from lying directly on the
flooring surface. Straw or pine shavings are frequently used for this purpose because they are
absorbent and inexpensive.
In addition I have also included specific targeting animal care methods. For example,
buying certain tools in grooming care. Usually the main tools used are clippers for their coat
(helps eliminate lice in the spring) and hoof trimmers (to cut nail and prevent foot rot). The end
result will be having clean and healthy animals. Lastly, the use of vaccinations/medications. It is
generally advised for health reasons, for as such present diseases can be treated to help prevent
fatality especially in baby goats. Many suggested antibiotics can be used for variety of
conditions. For instance, C and D antitoxin. This is given to try to save a goat that developed
enterotoxemia (overeating disease). These goats are at higher risk because their diet includes
grain. It’s best to try to prevent the disease by giving a C/D & T shot annually. Five days after
using the C&D Antitoxin, the goat should receive the C/D & T Toxoid to provide long-term
protection.
In conclusion, my plan is achievable, simple, and guaranteed to work. Many times
owners aren't aware of the necessities and help is limited or unreachable. Not only will it help
increase the health of the animal(s) but also the efficiency of the ranch or facility. It will improve
the efficiency of the ranch by keeping it clean and presentable while at the same time being well
structured.
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Work Cited

Basic goat health management: all you 

need to know  
Farmer's Weekly. (2019). B ​ asic goat health  FARM!, W. AND L, C.  
management: all you need to know​. [online]  Goat Starter List 
Available  In-text: (Farm! and L, 2019) 
at:https://www.farmersweekly.co.za/anim Your Bibliography: Farm!, W. and L, C. 
(2019). ​Goat Starter List​. [online] Better 
als/sheep-goats/basic-goat-health-manag
Hens & Gardens. Available at: 
ement-all-you-need-to-know/ [Accessed 
https://www.betterhensandgardens.com/
12 Apr. 2019].  goat-starter-list/ [Accessed 12 Apr. 2019]. 
   
 
Necessary?, V. (2019). ​Vaccinating Goats 
Against Enterotoxemia and Tetanus: Is it 
Necessary? | NC State Extension 
Publications​. [online] 
Content.ces.ncsu.edu. Available at: 
https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/vaccinating-
goats-against-enterotoxemia-and-tetanus
-is-it-necessary [Accessed 12 Apr. 2019].