Biosecurity Webinar for Livestock Producers: December 9

AUGUSTA—The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) invites livestock and poultry producers to a webinar titled Quarantine: Why, What, and How? on Monday, December 9, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM.

The webinar, hosted by Dr. Carolyn Hurwitz, DVM, and Carol Delaney, DACF Livestock Specialist, will explore important biosecurity practices for managing new animals. Participants will learn:

• Why quarantine is critical for new animals.
• How to determine appropriate quarantine duration.
• How to establish an effective quarantine area.

The webinar is designed for multi-species producers, and all livestock and poultry raisers are encouraged to attend.

Registration: To register, email carol.delaney@maine.gov, and you will receive a link to join the webinar. For more details on other workshops visit the new Biosecurity webpage.

About the Biosecurity Planning Assistance Project

The webinar is part of a larger project titled 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 funded by the USDA National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP) and hosted in partnership with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

Why Biosecurity Matters: A 2024 survey of livestock producers revealed a strong demand for training and information on animal health and disease prevention. To address this, DACF offers workshops and resources designed to fill knowledge gaps and support producers in Maine.

Workshop Benefits for Enrolled Participants: In addition to attending workshops, participants who enroll in the project can access:

• Disease testing for livestock and poultry through the UMaine Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (in collaboration with your veterinarian).
• Assistance with developing a Farm Biosecurity Plan with DACF Animal Health staff.
• Supplies to prevent disease spread on the farm.

If a participant does not have a veterinarian, DACF will assist in connecting them with one.

For more information about the project, workshops, and resources, visit the Biosecurity webpage.

Questions? Contact Carol Delaney, Livestock Specialist, at 207-215-4968 or email carol.delaney@maine.gov.

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