A vet's guide to biosecurity for expanding dairy herds

摘要

With the abolition of milk, quota less than six months away, herd expansion is a hot topic within the dairy industry. Food Harvest 2020 has targeted a 50 per cent increase in milk production by 2020. While dairy farmers are planning for the financial,logistical and labour implications of expansion, veterinary practitioners have a key role to play in providing advice about potential biosecurity risks. a recent Teagasc study found that animal disease was ranked as the second-highest risk (after milk-price volatility) affecting farm profitability by discussion group members.1 This article focuses on the main queries surrounding biosecurity for expanding herds, which include cattle purchases. As herd expansion occurs in the future, other issues, such as contract rearing of replacement heifers, will also be presented to veterinary practitioners for recommendations on biosecurity.