{"id":17243,"date":"2025-12-03T09:40:53","date_gmt":"2025-12-03T15:40:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.farmjournal.com\/?p=17243"},"modified":"2025-12-03T09:40:55","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T15:40:55","slug":"new-research-exposes-vulnerabilities-in-dairy-biosecurity-plans-and-mounting-threats-for-producers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.farmjournal.com\/new-research-exposes-vulnerabilities-in-dairy-biosecurity-plans-and-mounting-threats-for-producers\/","title":{"rendered":"New Research Exposes Vulnerabilities in Dairy Biosecurity Plans and Mounting Threats for Producers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Kansas City, Mo.,<\/em><\/strong> (Dec. 2, 2025)<\/strong> \u2013  As disease challenges like highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), New World screwworm (NWS) and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) continue to mount, biosecurity remains a critical concern for the U.S. dairy industry. A survey of U.S. dairy farms conducted by Farm Journal gives the industry a chance to elevate its overall biosecurity standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>The new research was presented to nearly 500 dairy producers and industry stakeholders at Farm Journal\u2019s MILK Business Conference today in Las Vegas, igniting a dialogue around the need for better on-farm planning, training, resources and the integration of technology related to biosecurity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>\u201cBy embracing the data and insights unveiled, we can drive meaningful conversation and change, and elevate the overall standards of biosecurity across the industry,\u201d said Karen Bohnert, Farm Journal\u2019s dairy editorial director.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The survey reveals that, even among farms with established biosecurity strategies, commitment to reviewing and adapting these plans is lacking. While 68% of farmers with at least 250 dairy cows report having a biosecurity plan, 34% admit they do not review their plans regularly. Although, 72% of dairy operators with more than 250-plus cows report making improvements to their biosecurity plan compared with 58% of smaller dairy operators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The survey also uncovers significant gaps in fundamental farm security. More than 20% of surveyed dairies neglect to secure access to barns and animal housing. Additionally, 38% fail to control or limit access to areas where feed is stored or provided. This is a notable vulnerability due to the possible exposure to birds and other wildlife in addition to human contact. Visitor access monitoring is also a blind spot for 16% of producers, and only 33% of producers use camera surveillance to oversee their facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additional survey results showed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n