Western Australia’s livestock industry is urged to review their biosecurity plans and make sure adequate measures are in place to protect against the introduction of an emergency disease.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has been working closely with the WA livestock industry and the Federal Government to ensure WA is prepared to respond to a potential incursion of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) or Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in Australia.
Ensuring good on-farm and supply chain biosecurity practices is a priority for producers and the livestock industry as part of WA’s prevention and preparedness planning.
DPIRD Chief Veterinary Officer Michelle Rodan recommended an extra biosecurity measure to check in with workers returning from holidays who may have been in contact with farm animals while travelling.
“This is particularly important for workers who will be having direct contact with livestock such as farm and saleyard workers, livestock agents and transporters,” Dr Rodan said.
“If there has been contact, consider requesting the worker isolate from livestock for seven days and ensure appropriate border declarations have been made to ensure all footwear, clothing and equipment is free of mud, animal manure and mucus to minimise the risk of introducing a disease.
“Other on-farm biosecurity measures producers can consider include keeping a register of all visitors on the property, farm gate signage, ensuring visiting vehicles don’t have access to areas livestock are in, having footbaths available where practicable, keeping accurate records of livestock movements and isolating any new stock for a period of time.”
Dr Rodan said early detection of FMD and LSD would be key to eradicating the disease and regaining market access as quickly as possible.
“The Industry and Government Preparedness Task Group established by DPIRD is continuing to share information and coordinate Western Australia’s emergency animal disease prevention, preparedness and response capacity,” Dr Rodan said.
“The preparedness task group has been looking at response arrangements, traceability and supply chain continuity and ways to continue to build awareness of FMD and LSD including what to look for and how to report. The group will meet again at the end of the month.
“DPIRD staff have also been engaging with industry across the State through conferences, workshops and meetings to discuss preparedness for FMD and LSD.”
More information on on-farm biosecurity planning is available from www.farmbiosecurity.com.au
Information on the FDM is at DPIRD's designated foot-and-mouth information page.
