What role does record-keeping play in sheep biosecurity?

Record-keeping is essential in sheep biosecurity primarily because it monitors health and disease patterns within the flock. By maintaining accurate and detailed records of health-related events, vaccinations, treatment histories, and disease outbreaks, farmers and veterinarians can identify trends and respond proactively to emerging health issues. This process helps in assessing the effectiveness of biosecurity measures and ensures that any necessary adjustments can be made to mitigate risks. Monitoring these patterns not only protects individual animals but also safeguards the entire flock and can prevent the spread of diseases to other farms.

While it is true that record-keeping can support other operational aspects such as feeding programs, genetic history, and shearing schedules, the key focus in the context of biosecurity is on health monitoring. Understanding the health status of the flock contributes significantly to effective disease management and the overall sustainability of sheep farming practices.