Where their paths cross, livestock can be exposed to disease-causing agents carried by wildlife. This may happen at a water source that livestock share with Canada geese or a feed manger that also happens to be home to a family of mice. These are just two examples of where contact and transfer of disease can take place. You need to be aware of the risks posed by wildlife. The three main areas targeted as wildlife biosecurity concerns are feed (particularly feed storage), water sources, and the living space for the herd.
Deer, birds, coyotes, pet dogs and cats, rodents, and insects can be carriers of diseases that affect other animals or humans. Deer carry a worm, Parelaphostrongylus tenuis, or P. tenuis, that can cause fatal meningitis in sheep, goats, or llamas. There are also emerging diseases that have been found in wildlife and may spread to livestock. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is being monitored for this potential. In addition, there are bacteria and other microbial pathogens that live on the farm that do not need wildlife as a host, but can easily be introduced to the herd by way of a contaminated water source. Intestinal diseases such as cryptosporidiosis, Johne’s Disease, and campylobacteriosis can all be spread in this way.
Farm managers and maintenance personnel can reduce the risk of domestic animals’ exposure to these and other harmful diseases. Periodic maintenance of feed storage areas, watering systems, and animal facilities will reduce wildlife biosecurity risks. The feed, water, and facilities maintenance checklists in the next section provide guidelines which can be incorporated into maintenance routines. Regular maintenance will ensure a low risk of exposure to wildlife or other disease vectors and optimize herd health and productivity.
If you have any questions or concerns about wildlife control on your farm, you can call either the rabies hotline at 1-800-4-RABIES, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department at 802-241-3700, or the Vermont office of APHIS Wildlife Services at 802-223-8690. The rabies hotline is cooperatively supported by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, the Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets, Vermont Department of Public Health, and USDA APHIS Wildlife Services. It was developed primarily to field reports of animals exhibiting unusual behavior or exposures to potentially rabid animals, but staff will direct calls on other topics to the appropriate agency or individual.
Last modified August 12 2004 02:38 PM
