Biosecurity is a key element in the battle against antibiotic resistance. The goals of biosecurity are focused not only on the reduction or prevention of the introduction of new diseases from outside sources but also on the reduction or prevention of the movement of infectious diseases on the farm. In this regard, the use of antibiotics can be reduced by simple actions such as physically inspecting animals, testing for bovine diseases, vaccination, or quarantine for at least 3 weeks before mixing with the herd of all new additions. All these examples reduce the risk of diseases with germs from outside. This chapter attempts to synthesize the best biosecurity solutions that can be applied in modern dairy farms.
Part of the book: Antimicrobial Resistance
Control of diseases in dairy farms is based on various management factors, such as separation of dairy farms from other domestic and wild animal species, control of human circulation and contact with cows, cleaning and disinfection of vehicles, equipment, surfaces, and other unanimated secondary sources of contamination, feed and water hygiene, waste management, and management of technological processes (e.g., calving management, colostrum management, and milking management). In dairy farms, the milking parlour surfaces should be cleaned regularly and disinfected twice daily to avoid the multiplication of pathogens. Some biosecurity measures that can prevent the spreading of mastitis in dairy farms are the use of personal protective equipment (e.g., milkers’ gloves and milker overall), treatment of all infected quarters at the end of lactation (blanket dry cow treatment), removal of udder hair (shaving or singeing), and washing unclean udders. This chapter details biosecurity and hygiene solutions in the cattle milking parlour.
Part of the book: Recent Developments on Bovine Mastitis