Defra

On farm biosecurity measures

1. Measures taken to prevent disease entering farms from incoming animals
2. Treatment measures undertaken on incoming animals

This indicator has been developed to show the multiple actions which animal keepers may take to ensure that adequate biosecurity measures are in place. Biosecurity has a valuable role in not just preventing major disease outbreaks such as foot and mouth disease, but also in improving overall animal health.

It is also intended to show where animal keepers obtain their information on biosecurity. For example, this may be government, private veterinarians or through trained staff.

The Farm Practice Survey is a statistically derived sample survey drawn from the Defra June Agricultural Census. The sample is conducted as a stratified random sample with a higher sampling rate amongst economically larger holdings. Farm type was included in the stratification to ensure representation across the sample. Resposes were received from 56% of those holdings sent a form. Confidence intervals are supplied at the link below

Regular statistical publications from the Farm Practice Survey are available

• Overall, 19% of respondents used no measures to prevent disease entering the farm from incoming animals
• Overall, 45% of livestock keepers only purchase animals from herds where the disease status is known
• 12% responded that their herd was closed to incoming animals
• Keeping new stock in isolation or quarantine is a common practice with 36% of respondents using isolation and 14% quarantine
• Cattle and sheep holdings in the lowlands are most likely not to take measures to prevent disease (22% of responses) followed by upland cattle and sheep holdings (21% of responses)
• Also asked in the survey was how animal keepers obtain information on bio security. The livestock keeper’s own veterinary surgeon is the main source of information across all sectors. Overall, 87% of livestock keepers will consult a vet to obtain advice on biosecurity
• Defra literature plays an important role with 62% of livestock keepers using this source to aid farm management

• Across all holdings 31% of respondents used no treatments on incoming animals. This is highest in the pig and poultry sector (58%) and also the dairy sector (44%)
• Both sectors have a slightly higher than average practice of purchasing animals from known health status flocks - 51% and 48% respectively - compared with an overall response of 45%
• Dipping of animals is most commonly used on cattle and sheep holdings in the uplands
• Anthelmintic (worming) treatments are the most commonly used treatment across all farm types