April 6, 2023

Missouri, US university extension provides free biosecurity workshops in coming months

The University of Missouri (MU) Extension (US) is offering free biosecurity workshops in April and May on how to prevent and respond to disease outbreaks in livestock and poultry operations, including backyard flocks.

"The importance of biosecurity came to light again recently as the avian influenza killed nearly 58 million chickens and turkeys in the US, resulting in higher egg prices," said Teng Lim, MU Extension agricultural engineer and a member of the MU Biosecurity Team. This followed the death of nearly 50 million birds in 2014-15.

"Biosecurity protocols are critical to safeguard animal health, food safety, the environment and the economy," said Lim. "Everyone working with livestock and poultry needs to be properly trained on executing biosecurity procedures and be reminded of the potential of disease outbreak."

Topics, which are the same at each of the one-day workshops, include detection and quarantine procedures, mortality management and preparation, record-keeping, disease identification and protocol, livestock insurance and resources, and composting. There also will be a tour of the new mobile biosecurity education trailer.

Workshops are taught by representatives of the MU Extension Biosecurity Outreach Team, Missouri Department of Agriculture, Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

- MU Extension