N ahms G oat 2019 S tudy - PowerPoint Presentation

1. NahmsGoat 2019StudyAgritourism OverviewValerie A. Koenig, DVMVeterinary Medical OfficerUSDA APHIS Veterinary Services

2. Today’s PresentationDefine Agritourism & describe its growthSpecific focus on the goat industryDiscuss the risks involvedReview risk mitigation recommendationsSummarized key elements of the Compendium Key areas of the agritourism questionnaireThe “whys” behind this important part of the NAHMS study

3. What is Agritourism?A specific type of tourism on agricultural operations where the public is invited to tour a farm or partake in farm-related activities for the purposes of education, entertainment, and direct-to-consumer salesExamples include:Working farm with petting zooFarm toursPick-Your-OwnWinery tours & tastingsCorn maze

4. Why Agritourism?Farmers can market their products directly to consumersCan be more profitable than selling to retail or other indirect meansShift in mindset of the American consumer: locally grown/raised, sustainable food, good welfareConsumers value on-farm experiencesFamily activityEducational opportunityConfidence in “buying local”https://www.agupdate.com/iowafarmertoday/opinion/columnists/farm_and_ranch_life/agritourism-benefits-visitors-and-growing-number-of-farm-hosts/article_36454e6e-a60f-11e8-9e3b-f743c9ba4779.html“According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 1820, 72% of our nation’s workforce was engaged in agriculture…Today, just 2.1% of U.S. residents are engaged in agriculture.”

5. Agritourism: A Growing TrendA rapidly growing trend, especially in the West and NortheastStateFarms in 2007Farms in 2012% IncreaseMA15428786%CT101237135%RI436858%NH88190116%VT10915542%ME112270141%Farmers Marketing. 2012 Census of Agriculture, Highlights. USDA NASS.135%116%141%

6. https://www.discovercentralma.org/articles/why-agritourism-is-a-growing-trend/“Providing a bridge where farmers and consumers can unite, agritourism is a way for people to experience life in the country and learn where their food comes from and how it is processed.”“These activities are not just leisurely pursuits; they also have a significant economic impact on the farmers.”

7. https://www.sfchronicle.com/travel/article/Agritourism-helps-make-small-farms-viable-12841230.phphttp://sfp.ucdavis.edu/agritourism/Case_Studies/agritourSD/“…agritourism provides opportunities for diversification and economic incentives for growers, promotes economic development and helps educate the public about the important contributions of agriculture to the county's economy and quality of life.”

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9. Why Goat Farms?Increased demand and popularity of goat cheese, yogurt, other productsGoat cheese sales “have increased every year since 2011.”The number of herds has increased “61% between 2007 and 2017.” (USDA NASS)“The number of milk goats in the U.S. has more than doubled from 1997 to 2012”Less space demands, mature faster, more progeny than dairy cattlehttps://www.progressivedairy.com/news/industry-news/in-focus-u-s-dairy-goat-numbers-show-continued-growth; http://extension.msstate.edu/news/feature-story/2014/goats-grow-popularity-farmers-diversify: https://www.hobbyfarms.com/usda-census-goats-farms-goat-products-milk-cheese-soap/

10. https://www.progressivedairy.com/news/industry-news/in-focus-u-s-dairy-goat-numbers-show-continued-growth2017 537,799

11. Why Agritourism Goat Farms?Goats are less intimidating in size, thus likely more public interactionIncreasing demand for goat milk and cheeseConsumers want to see where it comes from!Goat contact-related public health events - significantGreater risks to naïve public due to more frequent closer interaction? Especially with younger children?Snuggling baby goats…https://www.progressivedairy.com/news/industry-news/in-focus-u-s-dairy-goat-numbers-show-continued-growth; http://extension.msstate.edu/news/feature-story/2014/goats-grow-popularity-farmers-diversify

12. How Can Agritourism Be “Risky?”Risks from animals to peopleRisks to animals from peoplePathogens can be spread in different ways – many routes of transmission!Can survive on fences, gates, buckets, equipmentVisitors may not be aware of the risks

13. http://www.foodpoisonjournal.com/food-poisoning-information/pennsylvania-department-of-health-warns-visitors-to-heaven-on-earth-farm-of-cryptosporidium-outbreak/#.WYix9f8Uldg

14. Addressing Agritourism Risks“Compendium of Measures to Prevent Disease Associated with Animals in Public Settings”Developed and updated by NASPHVLatest edition released in December 2017Main topic areasInfectious diseases related to public setting animal contactRecommendations for disease preventionCompendium for Animals in Public Settings, NASPHV, JAVMA • Vol 251 • No. 11 • December 1, 2017 , pgs. 1268-1292.

15. Addressing Agritourism Risks (cont.)The Compendium is thorough in information and recommendationsUnderstanding the risks to understand the mitigation stepsSets the “gold standard” for risk mitigationA variety of farm-ready materials derived from this contentInformational handoutsSelf-assessment checklists

16. Compendium Disease InformationHighlights

17. Disease Pathogen OverviewSome are present in many livestock speciesEx. E. coliSome are present in certain ages of livestockEx. Cryptosporidia in dairy calvesMost are spread when we don’t even realize itMicroscopic amounts – hand-to-mouth activitiesKey Enteric Pathogens (% of human cases):Campylobacter spp. (17%)  Salmonella enterica (11%)Cryptosporidum spp. (16%)  E. coli (STEC) (non-O157 8%, O157 6%)Compendium for Animals in Public Settings, NASPHV, 2017; pg. 1270, http://fulperfarms.com/wp-content/uploads/shop-fulper-farms.jpg

18. Pathogen DiscussionEnteric PathogensMainly Bacteria, ParasitesE. coli, Salmonella, CryptosporidiumExposure risk = manure contact or contaminationNon-Enteric pathogensMainly bacteria, viruses, fungiQ fever (Coxiella), Brucella spp., Orf, Rabies, RingwormExposure risk = many routes!Depends on system affected (Reproductive pathogen = shedding in birthing process)

19. Pathogen Discussion (cont.)Key points:Components of pathogens risk: likelihood of exposure, infectivity, severity of illness in peopleNot just manure contamination of concern with public healthSome non-enteric pathogens can be of more concernUnderstand where risks are coming fromHelps to prioritize changes to be most effectiveCannot mitigate risk well without that understanding!

20. “My Animals Look Healthy”Pathogens to people are not always pathogens in animalsHealthy-looking animals can still make people sick!Safe Interactions with Animals at Your Agritourism Business – Minnesota Department of HealthMostly asymptomatic

21. Compendium Risk Mitigation RecommendationsA Common Sense Approach

22. Knowledge is KeyKNOW who is most at-riskYoung children (<5 years), elderly (> 65 years), immunocompromised, pregnant womenKNOW how disease pathogens are spreadWhich animal species can carry which pathogensStressed animals can shed pathogens in high numbersHeat, younger animals, lots of peopleAnimal stress is not our vision of stress!Introduction to new animal group, New enclosure with other speciesCompendium for Animals in Public Settings, NASPHV, 2017; pg. 1277, 1290.

23. Examine your operation for best set-upNon-animal areaOk to consume food and drinkTransition areaHandwashing stationsAnimal areaNo food or drink allowedSigns to designate areasCompendium for Animals in Public Settings, NASPHV, 2013.Farm Layout – Establishing Areas

24. Examples of Signagehttps://www.uvm.edu/vtagritourism/?Page=farm-signage.htmlhttps://safeagritourism.org/resources/

25. Farm Layout – Staffing NeedsExamine best areas to position staffAre staff needed to guide the public?If using tour guides: ensure appropriate ratio of visitors to guidesIf no tour guides: need to have good signage and traffic flowHandwashing stations are key areas*Important Staff Notice*Staff helping with farm animals should NOT be allowed to serve foodDesignate certain employees for farm animals and farm animals ONLYCompendium for Animals in Public Settings, NASPHV, 2017; pg. 1280.

26. Farm Layout – Hand WashingPlacement is key!Exit of animal areas, near food service areas, restroomsNeeds to make sense for visitors to use it

27. Farm Layout – Hand WashingPlacement is key!Exit of animal areas, near food service areas, restroomsNeeds to make sense for visitors to use it

28. Farm Layout – Hand WashingPlacement is key!Exit of animal areas, near food service areas, restroomsNeeds to make sense for visitors to use it

29. Farm Layout – Hand WashingPlacement is key!Exit of animal areas, near food service areas, restroomsNeeds to make sense for visitors to use itVisible, easy to understand signage Hand sanitizer is not a replacement for hand washing

30. The Reality of “Hand Sanitizer”Effective against many pathogens & effective when used correctlyUse guidelines are for health care settings, not livestock operationsPathogens can be protected by oils from animal hair coat, dirtWithout proper handwashing, alcohol is NOT an effective disinfectantCompendium, NASPHV, 2017; Appendix 3, pg. 1291. CDC: Show Me the Science – Hand Sanitizer, https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/show-me-the-science-hand-sanitizer.html.

31. Overall Livestock HealthHusbandry practices to decrease animal stressVentilationStocking densityInterspecies housing arrangementsPublic contact areasExtent of public visitor contactTime limit?Documentation of treatments, vaccinations, other health events – insurance & liability

32. On-Farm ProtocolsDaily animal health assessmentsProtocol in place for animals in public contact areas?If not, work with veterinarian to create oneRemoval of animals with diarrhea, respiratory signs, or abortion to areas with no public contactPen or Barn cleaning - reducing environmental contamination Frequency? Product used? Education on SOP purpose Staff training on the necessary protocols!

33. Birthing ExhibitsHot topic – exciting for visitors, risky for farmersPathogens of concern:Q Fever (Coxiella burnetti)Leptospira spp. Brucella spp.Animal stress concernsHigh stress period of production cyclePotential for more pathogen sheddingRecommendations:No contact with newborns or birthing productsWell-ventilated areaThorough cleaning & disinfection

34. Agritourism QuestionnaireWhy it’s important

35. Applying Risk mitigation principlesFocus AreasAnimal contact areasWhere are they?Who can contact the animals?Food service area placementIncludes food consumption areas! Picnic tables, etc.Not near animals, barns, or any temporary pensTransition in betweenDistinctly marked?Hand washing stations – employee to supervise? Logical to use?Compendium for Animals in Public Settings, NASPHV, 2017; pg. 1281. http://www.steubencountyfarmday.com/sample-locally-grown-food/

36. Examining an Operation – Location?http://www.steubencountyfarmday.com/free-milk-and-cheese/, http://www.steubencountyfarmday.com/pet-friendly-farm-animals/ Hand washing stationProximity of cars to animals

37. Petting/feeding goatsFood samples in very close proximitySome signage…Where are the closest handwashing/ sanitizing stations?Parents may not be aware of all the risks!

38. Knowledge NeededNeed to better understand:Knowledge of farm operators and their employeesAbility to self-assess the risksRisk mitigation practices being utilized

39. Desired AccomplishmentsProvide farms with an understanding of their specific risks & risk mitigation measuresRisk understanding better risk mitigationUnderstand measures implementedEffective?Visitor compliance?Increased safety and public benefit from on farm experiences!

40. All Pieces of a One Health PuzzleFarm viability relies on the success of many parts Animal HealthPublic HealthFarm Health

41. Questions?