California Department of Food and Agriculture


Biosecurity plans help to keep your animals safe from disease agents by reducing their introduction and spread. Pathogens may be brought onto your facility by cattle, other animals, feed, water, insects, waste material, equipment, people and vehicles. A biosecurity plan evaluates your farm and defines how to minimize risks. Diseases can be devastating to the cattle industry; effective biosecurity will help to improve herd health and increase productivity by protecting your cattle against common diseases (such as salmonella and mycoplasma), exotic diseases (such as foot and mouth disease), toxins and chemicals.

Annually, California is host to many visitors, some traveling from Foot and Mouth (FMD) endemic countries or from countries currently dealing with FMD outbreaks. Producers should take appropriate precautions for farm tours with international visitors, especially those coming from countries experiencing FMD. More information about this disease and ways you can help protect the health of your herd from exotic diseases can be found on the FMD Information page, or in the Traveler Info resources on this page.


  1. Isolate and monitor the health of new cattle before introducing them to your herd.

  2. Minimize the entry of vehicles, contaminated equipment, people, wildlife and other domestic animals.

  3. Use quality feeds and protect stored materials from contamination.

  4. Use clean water sources and protect wells and storage tanks from contamination.

  5. Maintain clean facilities by removing waste materials and reducing insect populations.

  6. Consult your local veterinarian for more useful tips.