title: An introduction to biosecurity of cattle operations.
abstract: Recent world events have heightened awareness for the need to safeguard our livestock industries from disease agents. Biosecurity is the outcome of all activities undertaken to preclude introduction of disease agents into an animal population. The concepts of biosecurity are not new. Activities directed at ensuring biosecurity include controlling exposure and optimizing resistance. Programs for biosecurity must be individually tailored to specific situations to account for varying risks and perceptions of risk by decision makers. It is important for practitioners to take a holistic approach to disease control, considering the epidemiology of the disease in addition to the available vaccines and therapeutics.
authors.affiliation: US Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, Centers for Epidemiology and Animal Health, 555 South Howes Street, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA. David.A.Dargatz@aphis.usda.gov
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Dargatz
authors.forename: Franklyn B
authors.initials: FB
authors.lastname: Garry
authors.forename: Josie L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Traub-Dargatz
mesh_terms: D000820:Animal Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000592:standards*; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003140:Communicable Disease Control / Q000379:methods; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000635:transmission / Q000662:veterinary*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012308:Risk Management