Opinion
The theme for the Kate Dion’s discussion of the biosecurity research currently in progress could be begin with the end in mind. She describes current work at Iowa State University to understand the rate of disease transmission in growing pigs and associate the timing of disease introduction with <location> biosecurity characteristics or events that could cause those disease introductions.
While a swine topic, some of the phrases in Dion’s article are important for every animal health professional regardless of species-focus. Borrowing from her article we’re sharing phrases that apply to every practice or animal health community business.
- “. . . there is much opportunity to improve disease prevention through biosecurity. . .”
- “. . . we are still learning and trying to understand the most common routes for disease introduction. . .”
- “. . . review all aspects . . . that could result in pathogen spread. . .”
- “. . . educate and train employees <contractors, animal owners> about the importance of biosecurity. . .”
- “. . . help address vulnerabilities to disease introduction. . . “
Our world has spent the better part of two years polarized by Covid-19 transmission and infection concerns. Ask yourself:
- Have we learned from our Covid experience and then changed our behaviors?
- Are infection control protocols reviewed, adjusted, and re-trained every quarter?
- Are we forth coming with infection control concerns for animal owners who present sick critters?
- Are infection control protocols part of vendor or service agreements?
- Do we check with and help each other remain diligent to infection control standards?
Source: National Hog Farmer, November 2, 2021. Link.
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