Biosecurity Planning for Livestock Producers

Assistance with Biosecurity Plans and Disease Testing

The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) Animal Health Program has received USDA funding through the National Animal Disease Preparedness Response Program (NADPRP) for the project "Reaching All Farm-Raised Animals: Assessment, Outreach, and Education on Farm Biosecurity and Disease Outbreak Preparedness in Maine for Small and Diverse Livestock Farms." This initiative is in partnership with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

Why This Matters

A 2024 producer survey revealed that livestock producers prioritize training and information on Animal Health. To meet this need, DACF has developed workshops to address knowledge gaps and support producers.

Workshop Participation Benefits

Anyone may attend the workshops, but project participants gain additional benefits:

  • Livestock and Poultry Disease Testing through the UMaine Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) (in collaboration with your veterinarian).
  • Farm Biosecurity Plan Development with DACF Animal Health staff support.
  • Farm Biosecurity Supplies for basic prevention of disease spread.

If you don't have a veterinarian, DACF will help you find one.

Participation is Voluntary and Confidential.

Required Steps for BIOSECURITY PLAN ENROLLMENT

  1. Sign up for Email Notifications
  2. Register and Attend a Workshop or Online Training
    • Workshops are available in in-person and virtual formats, as well as recordings.
  3. Complete the Enrollment Form
  4. Schedule a Farm Visit with DACF Animal Health Staff to discuss your situation and work on your Farm Biosecurity Plan together.
  5. Qualify for Disease Testing (with veterinarian collaboration) and biosecurity supplies.
  6. Complete a Final Survey.

For questions or more information:

Carol Delaney
Livestock Specialist
Maine DACF Animal Health
carol.delaney@maine.gov
(207) 215-4968

Rachel White
Sustainable Agriculture and Livestock Educator,
UMaine Cooperative Extension
rachel@maine.edu
(207) 667-8212

Optional Workshops/Trainings for NADPRP

Select one training to qualify for biosecurity plan enrollment.

Name Date Location Description
Biosecurity in Livestock and Poultry Production: Basic Course  Nov 2024 to Nov 2025 This is online, self-paced training. 

You need to register; it takes about 3 hours and is free. There are quizzes (one can easily retake quizzes during training until correct so don't worry! They want you to learn) and a certificate as proof.

Go to The Center for Food Security & Public Health webpage and "Create a New Account."  Once you log in, chose the Free Course , Biosecurity in Livestock and Poultry Production: Basic Course.

Send the certificate to carol.delaney@maine.gov when finished.
Small Ruminant Parasite Management and FAMACHA Certification November 17, 2024 Wolfe's Neck Center, 184 Burnett Rd, Freeport, Maine

Register

Sponsored by University of Maine Cooperative Extension
November 24, 2024 Hancock County Extension Office, 63 Boggy Brook Rd., Ellsworth, Maine

Register

Sponsored by University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Livestock Quarantine: Why, What, and How December 9, 2024
7 to 8:30 PM

Virtual Webinar. Join before 7pm at

Microsoft Teams Need help? 
Join the meeting  

Meeting ID: 296 842 535 916 

Passcode: Wi2Zk9kb 

Dial in by phone 
+1 207-209-4724,,512620150# United States, Portland 

Phone conference ID: 512 620 150# 

Webinar presenters Dr. Carolyn Hurwitz and Carol Delaney DACF Livestock Specialist.

How to Register: Please complete Registration formbefore OR Send email to carol.delaney@maine.gov to register.
One-on-One Write your Livestock Biosecurity Plan January 14-16, 2025

Agricultural Trades Show, Augusta Civic Center.

Schedule time on Listening Post Booking 

Schedule a 30-minute session with Carol Delaney to help you get on your way to lowering the risk for animal disease on your farm. 
Animal Identification Systems: What's Official and What's Not (all species) TBD TBD Sponsored by Maine DACF Animal Health Program.
Small Ruminant Parasite Management and FAMACHA Certification April 19, 2025 Foxcroft Veterinary Services,1441 Dexter Rd, Dover-Foxcroft, Maine.

Register

Sponsored by University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Small Ruminant Parasite Management and FAMACHA Certification April TBD UMaine Machias, O'Brien House, 116 O'Brien Avenue Machias, Maine

Register

Sponsored by University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Poultry School Spring TBD   Wolfe's Neck Center, 184 Burnett Rd, Freeport, Maine, organized by UMaine Cooperative Extension. Contact Rachel White, rachel@maine.edu
Small Ruminant Health Skills with Dr. Matulis, DVM June 14 Skowhegan Extension Office, 7 County Dr, Skowhegan, Maine  
Carcass Composting June TBD TBD  
Beef Health July TBD TBD  
Equine Health August TBD TBD  
Poultry Health August TBD TBD  

Project Forms & Information

Project Resources for Learning