Biosecurity in Alberta

 
   
 
 
 Biosecurity initiative | Promotional products | Brochures | Useful links

"Biosecurity" refers to those precautions taken to reduce the risk of introducing livestock or poultry diseases to a farm or region where they do not already exist.
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Alberta's agri-food industry is constantly improving biosecurity practices to prevent incidental spread of disease among livestock.

Examples of biosecurity practices include:

  • Quarantining new stock
  • Controlling rodents
  • Cleaning footwear
  • Changing coveralls
  • Controlling access of visitors and service people
  • Limiting exposure to wild birds and other wildlife
A complete farm biosecurity program will minimize risks from:
  • Incoming stock
  • Feed and water
  • Pets
  • Pests
  • Farm visitors
Biosecurity Initiative

The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OCPV) has commenced a Biosecurity Initiative. This project is designed to increase the awareness and use of biosecurity practices among Alberta’s livestock and livestock service industries.

The need for a Biosecurity initiave arises from the fact that Alberta producers (all scales/types), livestock haulers, livestock marketers, processors (all scales/types) and veterinarians require support to develop and adopt best practices in biosecurity in order to:
  • Protect their livestock from disease
  • Decrease production losses arising from preventable disease
  • Improve health status
  • Maintain market access by preventing the occurrence of a Foreign Animal Disease (FAD) in Canada and demonstrating best practices in biosecurity

Free Promotional Products

The OCPV has produced a number of free promotional products that can be sent to and used by any of Alberta's agriculture industries in order to enchance their biosecurity awareness.

If you would like to order any of the products or brochures listed on this page, please contact the Office of the Chief Provincial Veterinarian at (780) 422-6630.

  • Backyard Birds and Avian Influenza poster - 11"x17" (130K)
  • Pens (pictured below)
  • Bumper stickers (pictured below)
  • Fridge magnets
  • Litter bags
  • Flashy Stars
  • Note pads (9"x6")
  • Alberta Producer Visitor Log Book
  • On-farm Biosecurity gate signs (6" x 24" - pictured below)
    The signs and decals are made from Yupo TM brand synthetic paper. They combine the attributes of a high quality paper with the added benefits of being wear and tear resistant, thus making them exceptionally durable.



Farm gate sign photo: AF


Bumper sticker, pen and fridge magnet photo: AF

Brochures

Please click on the following brochures for a free download. Alternatively, you may also contact Office of the Chief Provincial Veterinarian at (780) 422-6630.

Biosecurity for Overseas Travelers (78K)
Backyard Birds and Avian Influenza (87K)

Useful Links

Office of the Chief Provincial Veternarian
Food Safety Division
Biosecurity Considerations for Ag Tourism Ventures
Alberta Veterinary Surveillance Network

  
 
 
  For more information about the content of this document, contact Gerald Hauer.
This document is maintained by Sheila Hart.
This information published to the web on April 11, 2006.
Last Reviewed/Revised on August 20, 2007.