What is the main purpose of biosecurity in livestock facilities?

• A. To prevent introduction and spread of infectious diseases.
• B. To maximize production speed regardless of disease risk.
• C. To identify animals for sale at slaughter.
• D. To reduce costs by ignoring sanitation.

Answer: (B)

Biosecurity in livestock facilities aims to prevent introduction and spread of infectious diseases. This is achieved through practices like restricting animal movements, quarantining new stock, cleaning and disinfection, proper sanitation, PPE for people, and controlled access for vehicles and equipment. Keeping diseases out protects animal health, reduces treatment costs and production losses, and lowers risks to human health and the broader industry. Pushing for the fastest production regardless of disease risk, focusing on sale of animals at slaughter, or cutting costs by ignoring sanitation would undermine health and can trigger costly outbreaks. Focusing on preventing disease is what keeps the herd healthy and production reliable.