Biosecurity practices in Central Ethiopian cattle feedlots: Its implication for live cattle export

Abstract, International Journal of Livestock Production, 2014

Biosecurity is the implementation of measures that reduce the risk of the introduction and spread of disease agents. Biosecurity is a cornerstone of herd health maintenance in export-oriented feedlots. The aim of this study was to document current biosecurity practice in export-oriented cattle feedlots in Central Ethiopia and to discuss its implication for live cattle export. In this study 31 export-oriented cattle feedlots found in central Ethiopia were interviewed with structured questionnaire in order to better understand how owners deal with the challenges of introduction or spread of diseases.  Majority of the feedlot operators took little percussions in purchasing and introduction of bulls for their feedlots. This study furthermore indicated that hygienic practice of the feedlots workers and visitors are none existent. Vaccinations of all bulls for six diseases were given in all assessed feedlots. Only 9 (29%) of assessed feedlots used their own veterinarian for the treatment of sick animals. A single needle was used on multiple cattle by all feedlots without disinfection. This study has identified that biosecurity measures in export oriented feedlots to be very low, with majority of them undertaking little or no preventive measures to combat disease transmission either within or between farms.

Key words: Biosecurity, feed lots, Central Ethiopia.