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

Sign up for Email Notifications
Register and Attend a Workshop or Online Training

Workshops are available in in-person and virtual formats, as well as recordings.

Complete the Enrollment Form
Schedule a Farm Visit with DACF Animal Health Staff to discuss your situation and work on your Farm Biosecurity Plan together.
Qualify for Disease Testing (with veterinarian collaboration) and biosecurity supplies.
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	Sponsored by University of Maine Cooperative Extension
	November 24, 2024	Hancock County Extension Office, 63 Boggy Brook Rd., Ellsworth, Maine	Sponsored by University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Livestock Quarantine: Why, What, and How	December 9, 2024 7 to 8:30 PM	Virtual Webinar	Webinar presenters Dr. Carolyn Hurwitz and Carol Delaney DACF Livestock Specialist. Watch Recording.
One-on-One Write your Livestock Biosecurity Plan	January 14-16, 2025	Agricultural Trades Show, Augusta Civic	Even beyond the Ag Trades Show, you are welcome to 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.
Official ID for Goats: Review and focus on Microchipping	February 27, 7 pm	Webinar on MS Teams Register Free	Donna Flint, Animal Disease Traceability Technician, DACF, will provide clarity on what is official Scrapie ID for goats and more detail about Microchips.
Poultry Health Day	March 8, 2025, 9 am–4 pm	University of Maine at Augusta, Randall Student Center (Fireside Lounge) 46 University Drive	Multiple presentations on poultry care, nutrition, biosecurity, diseases and necropsy. More info and register. Cost: $25-$60 (Lunch provided)
Rabbit Health Webinar	March TBD	Webinar on MS Teams, Free	Health topics presented by Dr. Matt Ford, DVM of Southern Maine Hospital for Small Mammals.
Small Ruminant Parasite Management and FAMACHA Certification	April 19, 2025, 12 to 4:40PM	Foxcroft Veterinary Services,1441 Dexter Rd, Dover-Foxcroft, Maine.	Register Sponsored by University of Maine Cooperative Extension
	April 26, 2025, 12 to 4:30PM	UMaine Machias, O'Brien House, 116 O'Brien Avenue Machias, Maine	Register Sponsored by University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Small Ruminant Health Skills with Dr. Matulis, DVM	June 14	Skowhegan Extension Office, 7 County Dr, Skowhegan, Maine	Coming soon.
Carcass Composting	June TBD	TBD
Beef Health	July TBD	TBD
Equine Health	August TBD	TBD

Maine.gov

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry