Biosecurity

Every visitor to your farm has the potential to inadvertently breach your biosecurity and introduce unwanted disease to the herd. Good farm biosecurity is a critical layer of defence. All Australian livestock owners should know how to protect their livestock and properties from the disease, the signs and symptoms of FMD, and how to report it.

Familiarise yourself and staff with the signs of FMD relevant to the class of livestock on your property. Note that the clinical signs vary between species.
Review and maintain strong biosecurity measures, including keeping accurate records of all visitors.
Update your farm biosecurity plan and ensure all staff are aware and compliant.
Avoid unnecessary livestock movements and keep accurate records to improve traceability.

Prevent visitors or staff from FMD-infected countries to enter the property for at least 7 days.
Ensure all footwear, clothing and equipment of any staff or visitors is clean and free from mud, manure or animal secretions. Implement decontamination protocols on entry/exit to and from the property.
Continue to avoid the illegal feeding of meat, animal products or imported dairy goods to livestock.