Producer Update – On-farm biosecurity planning

Cattle Council of Australia is continuing to ensure producers are fully aware of their personal on-farm biosecurity responsibilities following the industry led changes to the regulation structures.

With the reduction in regulation producers gained ownership of the management of their on-farm biosecurity.  Responsibilities for managing pests and diseases on-farm are now the producer’s responsibility.

“The industry operates in a free market and producers make commercial decisions about the risks and opportunities associated with the livestock they are thinking of purchasing or selling” said Cattle Council of Australia President, Howard Smith.

“A voluntary set of tools and resources have been created to support producer awareness and importantly cover all disease, weed and other biosecurity risks”.

A key resource to support producer awareness is the seven-page on-farm biosecurity plan which producers are able to work through and gain an understanding of any biosecurity risks and management processes they are now responsible for implementing.

Remember, a ‘no’ doesn’t mean you fail; it simply helps you find ways to improve your biosecurity practices over time.

“The plan is not onerous and provides producers with key information to make them aware of their on-farm biosecurity risks” said Mr Smith.

“These are not ‘rules’ being imposed on producers by some higher body; these are voluntary guidelines for use by producers to support their individual best management practices.  Producers can choose to ignore them, but they may risk restricting their market access as well as the obvious biosecurity risks”.

The plan also underpins upcoming changes required for LPA accreditation from 1 October 2017.  Producers who are part of the Johne’s Disease management program will also need to complete the optional JD section at the end of the plan.

Importantly, without widespread adoption of on-farm biosecurity practices, producers may risk missing out on crucial compensation payments in the event of an emergency disease outbreak.

Further information:

Complete an on-farm biosecurity plan in seven easy steps

1. Download an on-farm biosecurity plan template from Animal Health Australia
2. Fill out the template and answer each question honestly. This will identify the biosecurity strengths and weaknesses of your property.
3. Ensure your family and/or staff are familiar with your plan.
4. If you’re after a score of J-BAS 6, complete the template and file. If you’re after J-BAS 7 or 8, work with your vet to finalise your plan.
5. There is no need to lodge your plan with anyone, but keep it somewhere easily accessible as you may be asked to provide a copy to buyers or LPA auditors.
6. Review and update your plan yearly.
    

Further information:

On-farm biosecurity template – As a producer you are now responsible for implementing an on-farm biosecurity plan.  This template will assist you to meet the industry changes. These records are to be kept on farm, you are not required to be sent these anywhere.  Click Here

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – A set of FAQs for both LPA and Johne’s Disease in beef cattle (JD) are available to assist producers. LPA FAQ   JD in beef cattle FAQ’s

For further details contact Cattle Council of Australia on cca@cattlecouncil.com.au or 02 6269 5600