Abstract
Introduction:
On-farm biosecurity plays a crucial role in the control of endemic disease and is Australia’s last line for defence against an exotic animal disease incursion. Decisions to implement biosecurity strategies on beef farms are not only influenced by economic utility, but also a farmer’s perception of disease risk and personal values. This study uses a recently published stochastic disease simulation model of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV), the second-most economically important endemic disease of the Australian beef industry, to examine the economic and non-economic value of 23 on-farm biosecurity combinations (including strategic exposure to persistently infected (PI) cattle).
Methods
BVDV introduction into a single-calving, self-replacing beef herd of 300 breeders was simulated through purchased bulls and neighbouring farms. The economic cost-benefit of each control measure was determined using annual gross margins collected over a 15-year period. The number of infected animals was also used to measure the impact on animal welfare, while the sale of PI animals was used to represent the impact of biosecurity combinations further down the beef supply chain. Outcomes were assessed separately for a simulated farm with (N1) and without (N0) a neighbouring PI population to examine the effect of BVDV introduction risk.
Results:
Quarantine of introduced cattle (N0) and quarantine + double-fencing farm boundaries with neighbouring cattle (N1) were the most cost-effective combinations while BVDV-free. Once BVDV was established in the herd, strategic PI exposure (N0) and quarantine + vaccination against BVDV (N1) were the most cost-effective combinations in the first five years of a BVDV outbreak. Vaccination (N0) and double fencing (N1) were responsible for the greatest reduction in infected animals and PI animals sold to other farms. Maintaining a BVDV-free herd was found to be the most effective way to reduce the cost of disease and preserve the welfare of beef cattle in Australia
On-farm biosecurity plays a crucial role in the control of endemic disease and is Australia’s last line for defence against an exotic animal disease incursion. Decisions to implement biosecurity strategies on beef farms are not only influenced by economic utility, but also a farmer’s perception of disease risk and personal values. This study uses a recently published stochastic disease simulation model of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV), the second-most economically important endemic disease of the Australian beef industry, to examine the economic and non-economic value of 23 on-farm biosecurity combinations (including strategic exposure to persistently infected (PI) cattle).
Methods
BVDV introduction into a single-calving, self-replacing beef herd of 300 breeders was simulated through purchased bulls and neighbouring farms. The economic cost-benefit of each control measure was determined using annual gross margins collected over a 15-year period. The number of infected animals was also used to measure the impact on animal welfare, while the sale of PI animals was used to represent the impact of biosecurity combinations further down the beef supply chain. Outcomes were assessed separately for a simulated farm with (N1) and without (N0) a neighbouring PI population to examine the effect of BVDV introduction risk.
Results:
Quarantine of introduced cattle (N0) and quarantine + double-fencing farm boundaries with neighbouring cattle (N1) were the most cost-effective combinations while BVDV-free. Once BVDV was established in the herd, strategic PI exposure (N0) and quarantine + vaccination against BVDV (N1) were the most cost-effective combinations in the first five years of a BVDV outbreak. Vaccination (N0) and double fencing (N1) were responsible for the greatest reduction in infected animals and PI animals sold to other farms. Maintaining a BVDV-free herd was found to be the most effective way to reduce the cost of disease and preserve the welfare of beef cattle in Australia
Original language | English |
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Publication status | Published - 03 May 2022 |
Event | 2nd Australian Biosecurity Symposium - RACV Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast, Australia Duration: 03 May 2022 → 05 May 2022 https://www.biosym.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/2nd-Symposium-Full-Program_v2_220325.pdf (Draft program) |
Conference
Conference | 2nd Australian Biosecurity Symposium |
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Abbreviated title | A decade of biosecurity: turning a moment into a movement |
Country/Territory | Australia |
City | Gold Coast |
Period | 03/05/22 → 05/05/22 |
Internet address |