Animal handling (also called stockmanship) refers to how humans work, interact with, and control animals, often livestock. Practicing positive animal handling can keep farmers, farm workers, and the animals safe, healthy, and injury free. Because the environment, animals, and people all affect each other, changes in animal production practices that benefit animal health and well-being can also improve worker health and safety and environmental impact.

UMASH has created and compiled resources, including dairy and swine trainings in both English and Spanish, to help promote positive animal handling practices and keep workers safe.

Positive Animal Handling Resources

DAIRY HANDLING

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SWINE HANDLING

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Featured Resources

Biosecurity

Biosecurity is a set of practices used to prevent the diseases and the pathogens that carry them – viruses, bacteria, funguses, parasites and other microorganisms – away from animals, property, and people.

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Needlestick Prevention

Needlestick injuries in agriculture are common although not as recognized as those in human clinical settings. Farmers, ranchers, veterinarians and on site workers are susceptible to needlesticks on the job.

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Farm Safety Check

The UMASH Farm Safety Check is a quick review to identify and fix potential hazards before they cause harm to your family and employees – and your bottom line.

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Because the environment, animals and people all affect each other, the One Health approach is an ideal model for understanding and addressing health and safety in animal agriculture.