ARTICLE FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE January 2026 63 “Disease outbreaks such as FMD and LSD are reminders to us all of the importance of biosecurity on beef and dairy farms. Good biosecurity plans can be our most efficient tool in protecting our farms and the agri-food sector from the risk of disease. One small breach in these biosecurity measures could allow disease to enter our farms.” In the ever-expanding world of agriculture, the health of our animals is integral to our success. Efficient production, greater profits and sustainable agriculture are vital to the future of the livestock sector, and all of these are dependent on the health and vitality of our beef and dairy herds. This is where biosecurity measures are crucial in supporting animal health. To ensure that we are keeping pathogens (disease-causing bacteria) off our farms, there must be stringent biosecurity measures in place. One simple change could mean the difference in protecting the health and the efficiency of your herd, impacting the financial success of the farm enterprise. Farm biosecurity refers to the specific and critical measures farmers can implement to prevent disease and illness from entering their farms and spreading within or beyond the premises. These measures are paramount in supporting animal health, which underpins safe and efficient production, greater profits and the sustainable future of the livestock sector. A single breach in these protocols could allow disease to enter, impacting animal health and herd efficiency and potentially leading to extreme financial and economic disruptions for farm enterprises. Therefore, good biosecurity plans are our most efficient tool in protecting our beef and dairy farms and the agri-food sector from disease risks. DISEASE IMPACTS ON CATTLE HERDS Over recent years, we have seen a resurgence of disease outbreaks amongst our beef and dairy cattle across Europe. These diseases can only remain under control when proper biosecurity measures are in place. Illnesses like cow foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) as well as lumpy skin disease (LSD) are two examples of just how detrimental illness can be to our herds. Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), once known as a disease of the past, has re-emerged in early 2025, with outbreaks occurring in Europe. This illness is highly contagious and economically devastating to agriculture, as it can lead to mass herd culling; outbreaks have caused extreme financial and economic disruptions to the sector in recent years. Symptoms of FMD include skin lesions surrounding the mouth and feet, but a full diagnosis requires specific laboratory testing which can be costly and THE IMPORTANCE OF BIOSECURITY ON BEEF AND DAIRY FARMS Kayla Taitz European Marketing Coordinator Alltech
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