Biosecurity

Biosecurity relates to preventive measures designed to reduce the risk of transmission of infectious diseases, invasive pests or weeds.

Good biosecurity practices prevent the spread of infectious disease and invasive pests or weeds between farms as well as protecting Australia from diseases and weeds that occur overseas. Biosecurity procedures address the containment of disease outbreaks when they occur. 

How do producers meet this LPA requirement?

As a livestock producer, you must implement on-farm biosecurity systems to minimise both the risk of infectious diseases being introduced to livestock production properties and the subsequent spread of any such diseases, this includes:

• Have a documented Farm Biosecurity Plan for each Property Identification Code (PIC)
• Ensure all livestock movements onto the PIC have a known health status (e.g. Livestock Health Statement/Declaration or equivalent)
• Inspect all introduced livestock for signs of ill health or disease on arrival and keep in isolation for a minimum period of time
• Regularly inspect livestock for ill health and disease and undertake appropriate action where necessary
• Minimise the risk of livestock straying onto or from the property
• Keep records of livestock movements, as well as vehicle and visitor movements where reasonable and practical.
• Implement other procedures or practices that contribute to minimising the risk or spread of disease.

 

Ensuring your livestock are, and remain, free from serious infectious diseases allows you to maximise farm productivity and minimise animal discomfort, stock losses and medical costs. 

Biosecurity practices are auditable and will be part of the accreditation assessment process.