Biosecurity practices for animal health: guidance

Biosecurity is a set of management practices that collectively reduce the potential for the introduction or spread of animal disease-causing organisms onto and between farms.


Feed and water

Various diseases can be spread by contaminated feed and water. The following list is not exhaustive but there are known disease links with:

  • salmonella
  • leptospirosis
  • toxoplasmosis abortion
  • tuberculosis
  • foot and mouth disease
  • cryptosporidiosis

The risk is reduced by:

  • using mains water wherever possible
  • have water bowls or drinkers above the level for faecal contamination
  • avoid contamination of watercourses
  • clean feed and water troughs regularly
  • discourage dogs and cats from walking in feed troughs
  • keep feed in a clean, dry store
  • keep feed stores covered and shut to ensure no access by dogs, cats, vermin and wildlife
  • dispose of old or soiled feed safely
  • swill feeding is banned by The Animal By-Products (Scotland) Regulations 2003 (SSI 2003/411)

Contact

E-Mail: animal.health@gov.scot

Tel: 0300 244 9874
Fax: 0300 244 9797

Scottish Government
Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate
Animal Health and Welfare
P Spur
Saughton House
Broomhouse Drive
Edinburgh
EH11 3XD

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