Farm Biosecurity: simple fixes for common risks

People, livestock and products are constantly on the move around the country and the world. This movement opens up new challenges for agriculture but also increases the risk of diseases, pests and weeds on Australian properties. Animal Health Australia and Plant Health Australia jointly manage the national Farm Biosecurity program which provides information about farm biosecurity and the prevention of animal disease and plant pests on farm. The program encourages producers to identify risks to their livestock and plant products and minimise those risks through mitigation practices.

The program provides important information about industry risks and appropriate mitigation measures.

A monthly e-newsletter with relevant biosecurity information is distributed to subscribers and there is also a weekly snapshot of biosecurity related media. A regular media program reminds producers of important issues at specific times of the year. The all important hub for the program is the Farm Biosecurity website, www.farmbiosecurity.com.au. The hub contains a variety of biosecurity information, including industry biosecurity plans and tools to get you started.

Using the available tools, producers can assess their properties in relation to five key risk areas and think about ways to reduce some of the risks.

• People movement

People can unintentionally carry diseases, pests and weeds and transfer them without even realising. This means anyone entering your property is a potential risk. Take into account their clothing, boots/shoes and whether they have had recent contact with other livestock etc.

You have the right to refuse entry to anyone who does not wish to comply with your biosecurity measures.

• Product movement

The movement of anything onto, around and off your property increases the risk of transferring diseases, pests and weeds and allowing them to spread.

This means that every time you move livestock, crops, plant materials, or anything that could harbour diseases, pests or weeds, you should consider the risks involved. Consider whether livestock have been exposed to disease, feed contains weed seeds or you are purchasing from a reliable source etc.

• Equipment and vehicles

Equipment and vehicles can carry disease and weed seed laden dirt and faecal matter and can easily distribute them around your property. Vehicles should be kept away from livestock thoroughfares and parked in one designated area. It is important to maintain an adequate level of equipment hygiene and ensure all vehicles that visit your property are clean.

• Feed and water

There is a high potential for diseases to be carried in feed and water supplies, for weed seeds to be distributed in fodder or through water streams and for pests to access feed supplies or contaminate water sources. Feed should be fit for purpose and stored safely and water sources checked regularly to ensure they have not been contaminated.

• Pests and weeds

Pests can bring disease or damage or interfere with livestock and plant products so an effective pest control program is an important part of biosecurity. A weed control program should also be considered for the control of weeds, particularly those that are toxic to animals or inhibit farm production.

If you see anything unusual call the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800675 888 or the Emergency Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

For further information about farm biosecurity and the five key risk areas please visit www.farmbiosecurity.com.au. The website includes information about disease, pest and weed risks, reducing those risks and how to go about it. You can also subscribe to the Farm Biosecurity newsletter for regular updates.