This focused one-hour session will help organic livestock producers navigate biosecurity in ways that align with organic principles. Drawing from the SSMPA’s Farmed Animal Disease Project and incorporating the principles of beneficial management practices such as rotational grazing, we will explore practical biosecurity strategies for small- and mid-scale farms, especially those raising poultry and pigs. Presenters will share tools and protocols organic producers can use to reduce the risk of disease transmission while maintaining animal welfare and certification integrity.

Topics will include:

• Common disease risks for pasture-based poultry and pig operations
  
• Biosecurity practices that work on small organic farms (e.g., fencing design, flock rotation, wild bird deterrence, visitor protocols)
  
• Lessons learned from African Swine Fever preparedness and feral swine management
  
• Portable infrastructure and hygiene management for field-based systems
  
• Emergency preparedness for livestock depopulation and continuity of care
  

This session will highlight findings from national and international research, and provide access to SSMPA’s new printed and downloadable biosecurity resources for farmers. Participants will be invited to contribute their experiences, challenges, and questions in a moderated group discussion.