There is no doubt large-scale, sector-wide disease outbreaks can have significant economic consequences. Outbreaks can result in not only the loss of production from the disease itself but also the loss of infected animals in situations where it is beneficial or mandated to cull animals as a means of controlling the disease.

Biosecurity measures prevent the spread of disease among animals and humans on the farm.

We have all quoted, or at least heard, the age-old adage: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Attributed to Benjamin Franklin, the old saying is the go-to phrase for opening discussions everywhere regarding biosecurity.

There are few diseases to cross headlines that equally capture the attention of cattle producers and the general public like bovine tuberculosis (TB).

Consumer concerns regarding the potential for antibiotic use in livestock production to result in antibiotic residues in animal products is creating changes in purchasing decisions of many restaurant chains.