Biosecurity for safe keeping

Livestock producers are being supported to prepare farm biosecurity plans before industry introduces changes from October.
Livestock Health and Biosecurity Victoria (LHBV) will run workshops across Victoria to help producers prepare for changes to the Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) program which come into effect from 1 October.
“Our aim is to provide information and tools so producers can develop practical biosecurity plans that will be useful to their farm business,” LHBV project manager Catherine James said.
“For most producers, developing a farm biosecurity plan will simply be capturing the good work they already do to minimise the risk of introducing or spreading diseases, pests and weeds on their properties.
“It also provides a chance to review their current practices and look for opportunities to strengthen them.”
A documented farm biosecurity plan is required for each Property Identification Code (PIC) to meet the new requirements of LPA.
Cattle producers can also use the plan to meet requirements for a Johne’s Beef Assurance Score (J-BAS) if they choose to participate in the Johne’s disease assurance system.
The workshops will include presentations from MLAs Integrity Systems Company and will give producers hands-on experience developing plans.
LHBV will be running events on behalf of Cattle Council of Australia and the Livestock Biosecurity Network at Euroa on Friday 18 August, Sale on Wednesday 30 August, and Hamilton on Wednesday 6 September.
More events and registration details are at www.lhbv.org.au.
For further information, contact Catherine James or Kimberley Henman on 1300 020 163.