Farm Animal Welfare

Cattle Biosecurity Welfare Disease Prevention

Biosecurity measures that prevent disease introduction protect cattle from preventable illness and reduce the need for antibiotic treatment.

Key Facts

Buying in cattle is the most common route of disease introduction
Quarantine of new cattle for 3-4 weeks is standard biosecurity practice
BVD, IBR, and respiratory disease are most commonly introduced through new animals
Closed herds with no purchased cattle have dramatically lower disease rates
Visitor and vehicle hygiene protocols reduce external pathogen introduction

Welfare Considerations

Preventing disease is a more welfare-effective and humane intervention than treating it. Biosecurity measures that prevent disease introduction protect cattle from the suffering of preventable illness and reduce the use of antibiotics that contributes to antimicrobial resistance. Investment in biosecurity is a sustainable welfare strategy that serves both animal and human health.

What You Can Do

Support biosecurity planning training for cattle producers
Advocate for quarantine requirements when buying in cattle
Learn about biosecurity measures that protect herd welfare