Livestock diseases are best dealt with at the preventive stage. Proactive programs for several livestock species and specific diseases are available to help with tracing diseases and preventing their spread, as well as continuity of business during an outbreak. This collection contains links to current programs developed through collaboration with the USDA, state and federal veterinarians, various national livestock associations and universities. It also contains important news and notices about legislative actions, including rules pertaining to interstate movement of livestock, including official electronic ID tags.
In Oregon, some OSU Extension Livestock Specialists are trained through the various program collaboratives and are available to assist producers.
- Secure Sheep and Wool Supply Plan - Shelby Filley
- Secure Beef Supply Plan - Sergio Arispe
- Secure Milk Supply - Jenifer Cruickshank
- Secure Goat, Milk & Mohair Supply Plan
- Secure Pork Supply Plan
OSU Extension Service and others have fact sheets on specific highly pathogenic diseases
- The recent incidences of avian influenza in cattle
- Foot and mouth disease in sheep
The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has Foreign Animal Disease Preparedness and Response documents.
The following announcement was shared that will/may affect those of you moving cattle across state lines:
Today, by amending and strengthening its animal disease traceability regulations for certain cattle and bison, the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is putting in place the technology, tools, and processes to help quickly pinpoint and respond to costly foreign animal diseases. See the APHIS web page on Animal Disease Traceability
The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) is responsible for administering the Animal Health, Feeds, and Livestock Identification program in Oregon. See especially the tabs labeled Biosecurity, Secure Food Supply, and Disease Traceability.
Framework for Interstate and intrastate movement decisions during a FMD outbreak in the U.S.
Electronic ID tags are usually provided by through the disease tracking programs. Take advantage of free electronic ID tags as they are very handy for many production and management practices. See:
- Official Animal Identification Number (AIN)
- On-farm Benefits of using EID
- Electronic ID Systems: Can They Pay for Small-Scale Livestock Producers?
Search the web for countless other articles on how you can use EID on your ranch.