Nonsaleable milk should be properly discarded or can be fed to pre-weaned calves. Feed products can be a potential source for the introduction and/or transmission of disease. Purchase feed from reputable vendors with an acceptable quality assurance program and appropriate documentation. This verifies reasonable measures are taken to protect the feed from contamination with potential disease-causing material, including ruminant derived protein. The best feed can become a threat if not handled and stored correctly. Attempt to exclude wildlife from contacting cows and prevent access of wild or feral animals to stored feed and feeding areas. Birds and vermin are effective at transmitting disease and are common in feed storage areas. Recognize that even domestic animals pose risks as dogs, cats, goats, sheep and horses can introduce disease to cows by contaminating feed with urine, feces or other body fluids See for more information. It is important animals be provided fresh feed and that old feed is removed. Piling new feed on top of old presents an ideal environment for proliferation of spoilage and disease organisms (Listeria and mycotoxins) during hot monocytogenes, Clostridium perfringens, weather. Accumulation of old feed also serves as a breeding ground for flies and other pests which can spread disease. sources are another risk factor for oral transmission. Examine and clean troughs, buckets, and automatic waters regularly. Remove all organic debris (manure, feed and other materials) frequently, as this provides a source and sustenance for many pathogens. Regularly inspect and protect the quality. Deep wells and municipal sources afford greater protection from potential contamination. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) recommend annual testing for coliform bacteria to assess the quality of the water source.
Nonsaleable milk should be properly discarded or can be fed to pre-weaned calves. Feed products can be a potential source for the introduction and/or transmission of disease. Purchase feed from reputable vendors with an acceptable quality assurance program and appropriate documentation. This verifies reasonable measures are taken to protect the feed from contamination with potential disease-causing material, including ruminant derived protein. The best feed can become a threat if not handled and stored correctly. Attempt to exclude wildlife from contacting cows and prevent access of wild or feral animals to stored feed and feeding areas. Birds and vermin are effective at transmitting disease and are common in feed storage areas. Recognize that even domestic animals pose risks as dogs, cats, goats, sheep and horses can introduce disease to cows by contaminating feed with urine, feces or other body fluids See for more information. It is important animals be provided fresh feed and that old feed is removed. Piling new feed on top of old presents an ideal environment for proliferation of spoilage and disease organisms (Listeria monocytogenes, Clostridium perfringens, and mycotoxins) during hot weather. Accumulation of old feed also serves as a breeding ground for flies and other pests which can spread disease. sources are another risk factor for oral transmission. Examine and clean troughs, buckets, and automatic waters regularly. Remove all organic debris (manure, feed and other materials) frequently, as this provides a source and sustenance for many pathogens. Regularly inspect and protect the quality. Deep wells and municipal sources afford greater protection from potential contamination. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) recommend annual testing for coliform bacteria to assess the quality of the water source.