Health management and biosecurity practices on U.S. ranched-bison operations

The North American ranched-bison industry is a multifaceted business that includes meat production, agritourism, byproduct sales, and conservation of an iconic species. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service... [ view full abstract ]

The North American ranched-bison industry is a multifaceted business that includes meat production, agritourism, byproduct sales, and conservation of an iconic species. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) 2012 Census of Agriculture, there were over 162,000 bison on private operations in the United States. Continued growth within this relatively new livestock sector depends on a healthy herd. Compared with other livestock species, very little information is available on the disease and management practices used on ranched-bison operations. In 2014, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) conducted Bison 2014, the first-ever national study of the U.S. ranched-bison industry. One specific objective of the study was to describe health management and biosecurity practices important for the productivity and health of ranched bison. A total of 2,886 questionnaires were mailed in September 2014 to all producers who reported having bison during the NASS 2012 Census of Agriculture, and a second questionnaire was mailed to non-respondents about 3 weeks later. The questionnaire focused on seven topics. Overall, 632 recipients returned completed questionnaires and 222 reported that they had no bison (response rate: 29.6%). Results focusing on health management and biosecurity practices will be presented, including parasite and fly control methods, possible contact with wildlife and other farmed animals, and health problems present on operations. Full study results will be available and distributed as descriptive reports, conference presentations, information sheets, and journal articles in 2016.