We have all learned a lot recently about how good biosecurity is an important tool to keep disease out. Gypsy Day is just around the corner and this means lots of stock, of all ages, are on the move… is your Biosecurity Plan ready?

“Good biosecurity reduces the risk of introducing or spreading disease, weeds or both between farms and within farm.”

There are a lot of factors to consider when introducing new stock. Anexa vets have a great understanding of what’s important and are here to help you work through the process, whether you want a complete plan or just want some clarification here or there.

Afterall, we all know that ‘prevention is better than cure’, so let’s make sure we prevent any unwanted introductions.

Quarantine

Do you have a plan to ensure new arrivals are kept separate from your current animals for 7 days?

• which paddocks?
• what precautions need to be taken?

Remember: Anexa Vets can examine animals if you have any concerns that they may be unwell after arriving on your property. We can carry out tests or treatments where needed or provide certification, if appropriate.

Parasite control

Reduce the risk of introducing drench resistant parasites to your herd.

• Quarantine drench with a combination product organised for new arrivals? Contact us for further vet advice or the latest drench deals

Animal Health Plan (including vaccinations)

• Do you have copies of all vaccination certificates? Are the animals up to date?
• Do you have an animal health plan in place for each mobs?

Animal Health Plans can be drawn up with your vet and can include drenching, vaccinations, trace element supplements. Vaccinations that may be included in a plan are BVD, Lepto, Salmonella, Pinkeye, IBR (Catarrh), Clostridial diseases (e.g. Blackleg).

• Do you have herd and individual treatment records for all newly introduced stock and understand the implications e.g.
• BVD history – does the stock arriving on your property have lifetime individual BVD testing records e.g. ear-notching? Have all youngstock been vaccinated again BVD before arriving? Can you be sure there are no persistently infected (PI) animals coming in (remember these animals won’t be able to respond to a vaccine so will still shed BVD virus)?

Boundary Fences

• Do your neighbouring properties have stock that may be a disease risk to your herd? Many diseases are spread through direct animal contact, so it is important that you do not graze boundary paddocks at the same time as your neighbour’s stock. Double fencing your boundary (at least 2 meters apart) or hedges are good ways to prevent nose to nose contact.

Equipment and Machinery & Disinfection Planning

• • Is all animal health equipment cleaned between mobs?
  • Is all farm equipment cleaned?
  • Will all borrowed gear & contractors’ equipment be cleaned?
  • Disinfection point planned/set up?
    • remember to check if you need to order product
    • ensure water used to wash equipment does not go into your waterways or wastewater irrigation system as this can spread unwanted weeds and diseases.

There are many points to consider when planning and evaluating risk – If you would like help assessing your farm’s Biosecurity Risk to help prevent disease taking hold on your farm or have any questions, talk to your Anexa Vet, we are here to help.