Issues and programs: Animal health

Biosecurity and the
Farm Biosecurity program

The Goat Industry Council of Australia (GICA) works closely with Animal Health Australia to administer animal health programs and ensure emergency animal disease preparedness for producers in the case of a disease threat.

As the peak national organisation for the goat industry, GICA views biosecurity as commonsense animal husbandry which producers should use to protect themselves and their neighbours from emergency animal disease.

To minimise the impact of disease outbreaks, a rapid and organised response is vital. Animal Health Australia has been working with the Sheepmeat Council of Australia, WoolProducers, Cattle Council of Australia and GICA to make this possible through the development of biosecurity guidelines and the Farm Biosecurity program.

These bodies have devised a draft industry biosecurity plan that incorporates 25 points and key messages for sheepmeat, wool and goat producers.

Farm Biosecurity program

Australia has an outstanding national quarantine service, but what happens when diseases and pests enter Australia? How do you protect yourself from diseases that are already in Australia? Do you know what practices will keep YOUR property and your livelihood secure

Farm biosecurity brings together a range of practices that aim to keep Australian livestock and crops free of disease, pests and weeds - with a focus on simple measures livestock producers can implement as part of their day-to-day operations.

Keeping diseases, pests and weeds out is important because they can:

• Reduce on-farm productivity
• Affect farm incomes
• Affect animal welfare
• Reduce the value of farming land
• Close markets or reduce prices

You can can protect your farm and Australia by assessing the risks on your property and thinking about ways to minimise them. Think about people movements, animal movements, vehicles and equipment, feed and water, pests and weeds as critical risk areas for the spread of diseases and pests.

For further information about farm biosecurity and tools to help you assess and manage your risks, visit www.farmbiosecurity.com.au