Written By:
Lucas Pantaleon DVM MS DACVIM MBA
Senior Clinical Veterinarian Advisor
Virox Animal Health  

Biosecurity and the One Health concept both encompass strategies aimed at protecting animal, human and environmental health. Based on a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach between and within different disciplines, embracing the One Health concept further enhances the efficacy and efficiency for limiting and/or preventing infectious diseases.

A crucial factor for the linkage between Biosecurity and One Health is us, humans. People from different backgrounds (veterinarians, technicians, students, cleaning crew, etc.) are involved with the daily care of animals and all must to be educated about best practices to successfully implement a biosecurity program requirement to prevent the spread of pathogens. Education leads to enhanced compliance, which in turn heightens biosecurity implementation and adherence to the program, leading to improved outcomes and welfare.

Cleaning and disinfection are a key component of biosecurity. Protocol implementation should be tailored to the potential risk of disease. Personnel education should be geared to gain a better understanding on:

• Disease transmission via surfaces and fomites
• Selection on the correct disinfectant based on disease risk
• The importance of disinfectant contact time
• Personnel safety when handling disinfectants, some of which are irritating and/or toxic

Infectious disease outbreaks are costly and can have devastating economic effects. Economic analysis has shown that investing in prevention is less costly than dealing with the consequences of an infectious disease outbreak. Thus, education of personnel is a key factor for preventing outbreaks. When humans that are at the front lines dealing with animals on a daily basis are properly educated and trained, they can recognize the threat of an infectious disease early and implement heightened biosecurity measures (i.e. cleaning and disinfection) promptly, thus playing a fundamental role in preventing and/or limiting its spread. Proper instruction on Biosecurity and One Health will teach animal care givers how to recognize and protect themselves and others from zoonotic diseases.  

The leaders of the organization must give full support and be invested in the successful implementation of a biosecurity program, including cleaning and disinfection. The leadership’s engagement, enthusiasm and commitment to protecting the health of humans, animals and the environment must be a fundamental part of the organizational culture.

Approaching biosecurity, not as a secondary boring issue, but as a key element to maintain the health of the people, animals and environment that we care for would lead to success for all.  Success includes improvements across the board: better patient outcomes, safer working environment for people, improved animal welfare and lowered business operating costs. Furthermore, working in a multidisciplinary cross-functional team learning from other disciplines (One Health), will further add to implementation of better and more innovative biosecurity.

Need more information? Contact your Covetrus representative at 855.724.3461 for other tools and tips about equine care!

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