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East Gippsland Shire Council promotes biosecurity amid Foot and Mouth concerns and possible impacts on farmers

Agriculture Victoria Officers recently briefed the council on the risk and effects FMD could have on the farming industry across Victoria.

By news@gippsland - 28th July 2022 - Back to News

East Gippsland Shire Council has moved to reassure the region's farmers that it has been proactively preparing for any impacts related to the overseas spate of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). Mayor Cr Mark Reeves said council manages the East Gippsland Livestock Exchange and annually reviews and updates its Livestock Standstill Plan as part of its annual auditing process.

The economic effects of an outbreak of FMD, even on a small scale, would be enormous to individuals, East Gippsland farming and its supporting industries

Proactive in outbreak preparation

Cr Reeves said, "The East Gippsland Livestock Exchange prides itself on its biosecurity practices and has been proactive in preparation for any outbreak related to FMD."

"The facility has a saleyard standstill plan and all agents who sell through the yards have been briefed on its details. Staff are in the process of sourcing equipment such as foot baths and PPE to ensure they are fully resourced if an outbreak occurs. We understand the key to our region's biosecurity is livestock traceability; all livestock that are sold or go through our yards in transit are traceable via the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS)," Cr Reeves continued.

Farmers to remain vigilant

Cr Reeves also said, "This ensures the facility is, and remains, one of the safest and most bio-secure facilities in the region. We're also encouraging all farmers to remain vigilant in their NLIS practices and ensure their farm biosecurity plans are up to date. We all need to make sure we're prepared to take the appropriate action when required to protect our livestock industry from an outbreak," Cr Reeves concluded.

For more information about Foot and Mouth Disease and the precautions you can take, please visit the Agriculture Victoria website. For upcoming webinars AgVic webinars on the matter, visit their events page.

Did you know?

Regulations and guidelines to minimise the risk of introducing livestock or plant diseases into Victoria.

• Victoria is the largest producer of food and fibre products in Australia, with a gross value of agricultural production of more $15.9 billion per annum
• Victoria's livestock industries have a high dependence on export markets, with 70 percent of livestock products exported

‍The consequences of a biosecurity emergency can be significant. These include the economic impacts associated with eradicating a pest or disease, loss of access to national and international markets, impacts on agricultural productivity, jobs and employment, communities and natural environments.

Pictures from Victorian Farmers Federation Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com