The Livestock Project has created a Self-Assessment Disease Prevention Checklist for use on organic or alternative livestock and poultry farms. This easy to use checklist can help point out your strengths as well as areas for improvement
This short checklist can be printed and filled out, or filled in online and saved.
If you participate in an organic or alternative program that requires a similar checklist, scan our checklist to see if there are any items that you might want to add to your current program.
Topics are included in the checklist
Protecting the Herd
Because disease can enter from outside sources, limiting entry to your farm is one of the most important things you can do to protect your livestock and poultry.
Vehicles and Equipment
Animal diseases can be spread by dirty or shared vehicles, ATV’s, machinery and equipment. Think about where people drive and park their vehicles and any equipment that is shared with other farms.
Animal Health and Disease Monitoring
Good husbandry combined with disease prevention actions help animals thrive.
Cleaning and Disinfection
C&D is key to disease prevention and can reduce or kill germs that can spread disease to your herd or flock.
Personnel
People who handle animals should be only those with clean clothing, clean footwear and clean hands.
Zoonotic diseases and agritourism
If you host visitors to your farm, they could be at risk for diseases that are spread between animals and humans. Simple practices can help keep visitors safe.
Animal Movement
Animals moving on and off your property can introduce and spread disease. Having ways to separate livestock on your farm can help.
Carcass Disposal and manure management
Do you know your local and state regulations on carcass disposal and manure management? Appropriate disposal protects animal, human and environmental health.
Wildlife and other animal control
Wildlife, rodents, birds and other animals like cats an and dogs can carry disease on their fur, feet, feathers or in their feces. Keeping these animals away from animal areas takes effort!
Feed and Water
Fresh water and clean feed are essential for good animal health.