Dairy herd health and biosecurity evaluation : using the NYSCHAP model

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to review, through case example, herd health and biosecurity evaluation of a dairy herd. This review will follow the model established by the New York State Cattle Health Assurance Program (NYSCHAP). The case example involves a 57 head tie-stall commercial dairy in the Southern Tier area of New York State. The producers were motivated to enroll in NYSCHAP due to concerns over Johne's disease and visitor biosecurity. Significant production concerns, biosecurity risks, and poor-management practices were identified throughout all aspects of the operation. Our prioritized target areas included herd identification and records, reproduction, parlor routine, and maternity/calf management. The final herd plan focused on three goals: 1) Develop a herd records system to include incidence of herd diseases, such as mastitis, metritis, ketosis, displaced abomasum, respiratory disease, lameness and reproductive efficiencies; 2) Practice good farm biosecurity; and 3) Prevent the spread of Johne's to future generations.