Tennessee’s livestock industry is a cornerstone of the state’s agricultural economy, and protecting it starts with one fundamental responsibility: biosecurity. In today’s interconnected world, the movement of animals and animal products across farms, states, and countries increases the need for strong disease prevention measures. Whether you raise cattle, swine, poultry, sheep, or goats, understanding and following Tennessee’s biosecurity requirements is not optional — it is the difference between a healthy operation and a devastating outbreak.
This guide walks you through every major biosecurity obligation Tennessee livestock producers face, from registering your premises and isolating new animals to managing visitors, controlling wildlife, and disposing of carcasses lawfully. Use it as a practical compliance reference alongside guidance from your herd veterinarian and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA).
Pro Tip: Bookmark the TDA Biosecurity and Disease Emergency Preparedness Resources page for official videos, secure supply plans, and downloadable biosecurity materials updated by the state.
What Is Livestock Biosecurity and Why It Matters in Tennessee
Biosecurity is a set of practices designed to prevent disease introduction and control the spread of infectious agents on farms. In practical terms, it covers everything from how you handle incoming animals to how you clean your boots after walking between pens. Livestock biosecurity involves a series of proactive measures designed to prevent the introduction and spread of infectious diseases, including new animal quarantine protocols, safe livestock drinking water treatment, and overall farm hygiene — all with the primary goal of ensuring animal health and welfare, which directly impacts your farm’s productivity and profitability.
Tennessee has particular reason to take biosecurity seriously. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza was reported in nine different flocks in Tennessee in recent years, the first case of Theileria orientalis ikeda was detected in a cattle herd in the summer of 2022, and three horses tested positive for Equine Infectious Anemia in 2021. The impending arrival of African Swine Fever and Foot and Mouth Disease into the United States leaves livestock producers facing an ongoing threat of animal diseases with little to no options for treatment…