Recommended Actions

For Operators of Livestock Auction Markets and Buying Stations

In Response to Orange and Red Threat Warning System

Against a General Terrorism Agent

High Condition (Orange) High Risk of Terrorist Attack

Communication

· Discuss the situation with your veterinarian;

· Review clinical signs of foreign animal diseases (FAD’s) with all employees;

· Contact local industry organizations or State or Federal animal health officials for updates on situations, information, or actions needed; and

· Report any suspicious activity to State or Federal animal health officials.

Physical Security

· Lock gates when possible;

· Move all animals away from pastures located along major roads or areas where they cannot be adequately monitored;

· Move any animals that do not need to be at your operation to another location;

· Consider hiring security for your facility if needed;

· Keep your facility as well lit as possible; and

· Record license plate numbers on unfamiliar trucks and trailers.

Biosecurity

· Place a footbath with APHIS-approved disinfectant at key entry and exit points of your operation;

· Wear rubber boots or disposable boots that can be disinfected;

· Avoid livestock and poultry for at least 10 days after visiting premises with sick livestock or poultry, or after returning from a foreign country;

· Wash clothing and footwear using an APHIS-approved disinfectant after contact with sick livestock or poultry;

· Clean nostrils and fingernails and wash hair thoroughly after contact with sick livestock or poultry;

· Dispose of clothing, shoes, equipment and other items that are difficult or impossible to disinfect;

· Maintain accurate records on farms of origin and keep them in a secure place;

· Keep a record of delivery trucks such as feed, lumber, and rendering trucks that arrive at your operation;

· Control all movements of people, vehicles, and equipment on and off your property to reduce the risk of disease transmission…..this may include measures such as locking unguarded entrances, repairing boundary fences, and enforcing strict biosecurity measures for people, vehicles, and equipment at all times;

· Do not visit other establishments or farms unless absolutely necessary;

· Do not wear items such as jewelry, watches, or glasses when working around animals, since these items cannot be successfully disinfected;

· Do not bring onto your property any meat or animal products used around sick livestock or poultry, or equipment that has been used to treat sick livestock or poultry; and

· Do not use feed equipment to handle manure.

Monitor

· Increase the number of times per day that livestock are observed;

· Report sick animals to your veterinarian or State/Federal animal health official;

· Store chemicals in a secure place and monitor access;

· Check the supply of disinfectant on hand;

· Watch for unusual packages or containers, especially those found in unlikely places;

· Verify the source of all incoming animals, feed, supplements, equipment and individuals prior to moving them into the animal area; and

· Note any deviations from normal activity.

Prepare

· Conduct an operation vulnerability assessment…..look at your operation, determine possible areas of vulnerability, and correct them;

· Review clinical signs of FAD’s and discuss with all employees; and

· Review reporting systems and phone numbers in case of a possible FAD or other emergency – these numbers include those of your State Veterinarian, Federal Area Veterinarian in Charge, local law enforcement, and State and Federal 1-800 hotlines.

Severe Condition (Red) High Risk of Terrorist Attack. Engage in the above activities and, in addition, the following are recommended:

Communication

Frequently check with State or Federal animal health authorities for information on possible specific threats or changing risk levels.

Physical Security

· Consider security patrols for your property, if indicated;

· Do not leave trucks or vehicles loaded with livestock or livestock products unattended at truck stops;

· Do not allow visitors or unknown persons onto your property; and

· Post signs at the entrances to your operations indicating that the operation is under increased surveillance.

Biosecurity

· Minimize local and interstate movement of animals and conveyances until the threat passes; and

· Avoid visiting other farms or areas where animals are gathered.

Monitor

Frequently monitor animals, crops, feedstuffs, and chemicals used at your operation.

Prepare

· Prepare contingency plans in case of attack, quarantines, or stop movement requirements;

· Ensure at least 1 week’s worth of feed and water is on hand in the event animals are quarantined;

· Minimize the number of animals at your operation, especially if a specific threat is received; and

· Keep a week’s supply of USDA-approved disinfectant at your facility.