Why Livestock and Poultry Farmers Must Stay Vigilant—Even Outside Disease Zones

When it comes to protecting the health of livestock and poultry, vigilance isn't just important—it's non-negotiable. No matter where a farm is located, the threat of disease introduction is always present. A recent example from Manitoba highlights this reality in stark terms: two new cases of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv) have been confirmed on farms that are nowhere near the zones currently affected by PED in the province.

This development serves as a critical reminder: just because your farm isn't in a disease zone doesn’t mean you’re safe.

Zoning: A Valuable Tool — But Not a Guarantee

Zoning, whether it’s provincial-level mapping for outbreaks like PED or federal zoning for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) managed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), is a useful tool for controlling disease spread and coordinating responses. These zones help officials and producers alike to focus surveillance, restrict movement, and implement response measures where they are needed most.

However, zoning has its limits.

The recent PEDv detections in Manitoba show that disease can jump beyond expected boundaries, likely via indirect transmission—such as contaminated transport trailers, equipment, or even visitors. In the case of HPAI, despite the best efforts at containment and CFIA's rigorous zoning, occasional cases still emerge far from initial outbreak zones.

The message is clear: zoning is a framework, not a fortress.

Biosecurity: Your Best Line of Defense

If zoning isn't a silver bullet, what is? The answer lies in strong, consistent, and well-practiced biosecurity protocols.

Whether you're raising pigs, chickens, or cattle, biosecurity measures are your first and best defense against disease introduction. That includes:

Controlling access to your farm (limit visitors, enforce clean entry procedures)

Thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting equipment and vehicles

Keeping detailed records of movements on and off your property

Training staff to recognize early signs of disease

Separating new or returning animals from the herd or flock until cleared

Good biosecurity isn’t something that can be turned on when an outbreak gets close—it has to be a part of everyday operations. Diseases like PEDv and HPAI don’t follow rules or respect boundaries. They exploit gaps in protocols and human complacency.

Stay Ready, Stay Informed

Disease outbreaks can be emotionally and financially devastating. They can disrupt trade, trigger animal losses, and damage consumer trust. That’s why it’s critical for every livestock and poultry farmer—regardless of location—to stay informed, alert, and prepared.

So even if your operation isn’t in a current PEDv zone, or you’re far from any HPAI-positive farms under CFIA restrictions, don’t relax your guard. Use these zoning alerts as reminders, not reasons to get comfortable.

Because when it comes to disease prevention in animal agriculture, the stakes are always high—and constant vigilance is always worth it.