South East Local Land Services is running a series of information sessions to help producers develop a biosecurity plan for their properties. These short sessions introduce producers to the concept of a biosecurity plan, and provide them with a template for meeting their obligation.
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All livestock producers, including those who sell through saleyards and to abattoirs, will need to have a biosecurity plan for their farms in place from October 1 this year as a part of their Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) program accreditation.
Maintaining LPA accreditation is vital to ensuring continued access to the vendor declaration forms required to complete any sales. A biosecurity plan records how livestock producers protect their farm and livestock from diseases and pests, and how they ensure the welfare of their animals.
“There are no wrong answers to the questions in the template,” district veterinarian Helen Schaefer explained.
“No-one is going to give you a score out of 10 for your plan. If you were able to answer ‘Yes’ to all questions, it would be world’s best practice; few enterprises are able to run at that level.
“These sessions will help producers identify how they may be able to improve on what they already do for the biosecurity of their own farm. Biosecurity and animal welfare are increasingly important considerations in livestock trade.
“Any publicity so far has mainly been about cattle. Sheep and goat producers need to be aware that they too require a farm biosecurity plan.”
The sessions will also introduce producers to the new Biosecurity Act and the concept of General Biosecurity Duty.
Farm Biosecurity plan information sessions will be held at:
Alpine Hotel, 170 Sharp St, Cooma, 9am-12pm, Wednesday, August 30
Bombala RSL Club, 156 Maybe St, Bombala, 2-5pm, Wednesday, August 30
Adelaide Hotel, Vulcan St, Moruya, 6-8.30pm, Wednesday September 6
Bega Valley Civic Centre, Zingel Place, Bega, 6-8.30pm, Thursday, September 14
For catering purposes, RSVP to either Cooma (6452 1455) or Bega (6491 7800) Local Land Services offices.