Prevention: hygiene, quarantine, observation

In short

• Every new animal goes into quarantine for at least 30 days.
• Clean first, then disinfect. No disinfectant works on dirt and dung.
• Watch your animals for 2–3 minutes every morning, and count them in the evening. A disease spotted early is easier and cheaper.
• Every change of feed takes 7–10 days. Kitchen waste and meat never go to animals that produce food.
• Q fever, ringworm, salmonella, orf and, in the US and Canada, rabies pass to people. Gloves, hand washing and care for children and pregnant women.
• Agree vaccinations with your vet; some are compulsory by law.

What's inside

Chapters

1. Three rings of biosecurity
2. Hygiene of sheds and equipment
3. Quarantine
4. Daily observation
5. Feed, water and housing as prevention
6. Vaccinations
7. Mixed holdings: species that don't get along
8. Protecting people: diseases that pass from animals
9. A health plan with your vet
10. Common mistakes
11. Printable checklist

Worksheets

• Quarantine sheet
• Weekly observation sheet
• Prevention calendar by species
• Cleaning and visitor log
• Prevention cost calculator
• Contacts and when to call the vet at once