Movement controls will continue after 72 hours in the areas around infected herds, maybe even an entire state or region. Restarting movement will require a special permit issued by state officials. The permit will be based on the risk of movement. The SBS Plan has guidance for producers who have cattle with no evidence of FMD infection to meet movement permit criteria, such as those listed here: www. securebeef. org / beef-producers / permit-guidance /.
Secure Beef Supply( SBS) Plan
The SBS Plan was written with input from industry, state and federal officials, and university partners. The plan supports FMD control for infected herds and business continuity for uninfected herds. Officials recognize the need to get rid of FMD without destroying the livestock industry, a tough balancing act. The SBS Plan provides resources to help producers voluntarily prepare BEFORE an FMD outbreak. Producers can use the guidance in the SBS Plan to:
• Develop a“ what if” or contingency plan for limited animal movement;
• Limit exposure of their animals to FMD through enhanced biosecurity;
• Learn how to find early signs of FMD;
• Request a movement permit from state officials for healthy animals going to harvest or another premises; and
• Continue to supply safe and wholesome beef to consumers.
Demonstrating“ No Contact” in an Outbreak
To prevent spreading disease, outbreak movement permits will be issued to cattle that were not“ in contact” with infected animals, or those suspected of FMD. Record keeping and traceability to the origin will be needed. Two steps producers can take today are:
• Get a free Premises Identification Number( PIN) and learn how is it used for disasters or animal disease outbreaks. It will be needed to request a movement permit.
• Keep movement records of animals, people and equipment on and off the operation. This allows producers to quickly provide information in an outbreak to prove they were not in contact with other herds.
Biosecurity— Getting Started, Daily and Enhanced
Most producers have not dealt with a new, highly contagious disease like FMD. It will take an enhanced level of biosecurity to keep FMD out of herds. It will be hard for some herds to go from no or little biosecurity to enhanced biosecurity to protect their animals. There are checklists, templates and videos to get started, practice daily, then develop an enhanced plan.
• Getting started: Visit the Center for Food Security & Public Health webpage on biosecurity www. cfsph. iastate. edu / biosecurity /# filter =. beef _ biosecurity
• Daily biosecurity: Utilize Beef Quality Assurance biosecurity practices
• Enhanced biosecurity plan and create a premises map: Find tools at the Secure Beef Supply webpage
Monitor for Disease
Cattle producers feed and care for their animals daily; they watch how well they eat, drink and move. If something is“ off,” they look more closely. Finding FMD early by knowing what is normal and abnormal for a herd is crucial. The three steps to monitor for disease are Observe, Record and Report.
• Observe: Follow the rule,“ See Something, Say Something.”
Producers should have or should set up a relationship with a USDA Category II Accredited Veterinarian. Many livestock veterinarians have this accreditation. These veterinarians can help train caretakers on what to look for. To find an accredited veterinarian, use the USDA Accredited Veterinarian locator online.
• Record: Writing down normal and abnormal findings is important. Forms are available on the SBS website.
• Report: Producers should have a communication plan and report suspicious signs of disease to their veterinarian or officials.
Next Steps
Explore resources to help you protect your animals and business at securebeef. org. Work with your BQA State Coordinator to learn more about all the SBS resources. Email producered @ beef. org and request a one-on-one visit or presentation for your state association from an experienced SBS Trainer. Work with your herd veterinarian to build an enhanced biosecurity plan and contact the office of your State Veterinarian to learn more about your state’ s SBS Plan.
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