Tips to beef up disease defences

EVERY property has different biosecurity risks, which is why no two biosecurity plans are the same, Northern Australia Biosecurity and Extension manager Jess Rummery says.

She urged Far North graziers to follow key steps to beef up their livestock biosecurity and reduce the disease, pest and weed risk to their business.

“Incoming livestock arguably present the biggest risk for the spread of disease on to your property,” she said.

“Keeping new purchases and livestock returning from agistment, shows or events separated on arrival reduces contact with other livestock or animals (the key transmission event for diseases) and allows you to monitor a contained area for signs of disease, weed germination or pest incursion.”

Ms Rummery urged landholders to consider their animal health program and have an access procedure for people and vehicles.

“Know what diseases are endemic to your area, what vaccines and treatments are available and what the treatment history is for purchased livestock,” she said.

Ms Rummery said regular monitoring of stock for signs of disease, pastures for germination of new weeds, and signs of pest animals, could greatly enhance property biosecurity.

“Early detection and reporting in these circumstances will greatly increase Australia’s ability to contain and eradicate an exotic disease outbreak.”

The final tip Ms Rummery had for graziers was keeping good records.

“Records also help you support your food safety requirements,” she said.