How long should livestock be quarantined after being purchased to prevent disease in the herd?

The recommended quarantine duration of 10-30 days after purchasing livestock is essential for preventing disease transmission within a herd. This period allows enough time to monitor the new animals for signs of illness or stress that may not be immediately apparent upon arrival. During this time, the livestock can be evaluated and tested for infectious diseases, ensuring that any potential health issues are identified before they have the opportunity to spread to the existing herd.

A quarantine period that is too short may not provide adequate time to detect asymptomatic carriers of diseases, while an excessively long quarantine could be unnecessary and impractical for most farm operations. Thus, the 10-30 days range strikes a balance between thorough observation and operational efficiency, helping to protect both the existing animals and the investment in new livestock.