National Biosecurity Manual for Beef Cattle Feedlots

September 2013

Published September 2013

© Animal Health Australia 2013

Disclaimer This publication is published by Animal Health Australia for information purposes only. Information contained in it is drawn from a variety of sources external to Animal Health Australia. Although reasonable care was taken its preparation, Animal Health Australia does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or currency of the information or its usefulness in achieving any purpose.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Animal Health Australia will not be liable for any loss, damage, cost or expense incurred or arising by reason of any person relying on the information in this publication. Persons should accordingly make and rely on their own assessments and enquiries to verify the accuracy of the information provided.

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ISBN 978-1-921958-18-2

AcknowledgementsThank you to the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association for their contributions to the development of this manual.

Table of contentsNational Biosecurity Manual for Beef Cattle Feedlots 2

Biosecurity on the feedlot 2

Main ways disease spreads 4

Definitions of ‘feedlot’ and ‘property’ 5

Levels of biosecurity 6

Routine biosecurity procedures 7

1.0 Manage inputs – stock, water, feed, bedding 7

2.0 Manage the movement of people, vehicles and equipment 10

3.0 Manage production practices 13

4.0 Manage feral animals, pests and vermin 15

5.0 Manage outgoing products 16

6.0 Train – plan – record 17

Appendix 1: Procedures checklist 18

Appendix 2: EAD Action Plan 28

Appendix 3: Visitor Register 30

Appendix 4: Risk Assessment for visitors and staff 31

Appendix 5: Rodent Control Record 32

2

National Biosecurity Manual for Beef Cattle Feedlots

Biosecurity on the feedlot refers to the measures put in place to protect livestock against exposure to endemic and emergency diseases. It also aims to limit the spread of these diseases within livestock and, in the case of zoonotic diseases, human populations. Infectious diseases, whether they cause clinical (obvious) or subclinical (hidden) disease, significantly reduce the productivity, profitability and long term financial viability of a feedlot.

Biosecurity on the feedlot also includes preventing the spread of diseases, pests and weeds to or from other primary industries.

About this manual This biosecurity manual outlines elements of best management practice that should be followed wherever possible

and practicable to achieve the following objectives:

• To protect feedlot operations against thelikelihood of disease entering into andspreading through their cattle populationand being passed to other livestockoperations.

• To minimise the incidence and spreadof microorganisms of public healthsignificance.

By implementing the measures outlined in this manual, feedlot operators not only benefit by reducing the risk of diseases, pests and weeds in the feedlot, but also reduce their liability under the Government and Livestock Industries’ Cost Sharing Deed for Emergency Animal Disease Response (known as the EAD Response Agreement).

As a signatory to the EAD Response Agreement, the Australian feedlot industry

This manual has been produced as a tool that feedlots can use to translate biosecurity practices into operating procedures and work instructions.

Biosecurity on the feedlot

3has developed this biosecurity manual detailing measures which aim to meet the above-mentioned objectives. These measures cover areas of risk common to most cattle feedlots and appropriate measures to minimise these risks.

Major emergency diseases of concern to the beef cattle feedlot industry are for cattle:• foot and mouth disease• bovine spongiform encephalopathy

(BSE)• contagious bovine pleuro-pneumonia• lumpy skin disease• Jembrana disease• rinderpest

for cattle and horses:• anthrax• brucella abortus• screw worm fly• surra• vesicular stomatitis

National Feedlot Accreditation Scheme (NFAS) and risk assessment Many of the practices detailed in this manual are currently covered, in part or in whole, within the requirements of the NFAS. However, NFAS-accredited feedlot operators should ensure that the required linkages are made between current elements of the NFAS and the practices set out in the biosecurity manual.

Additionally, management practices employed will vary from site to site. Thus it is important that a risk assessment be conducted for each enterprise to establish the level of risk that exists in each phase of its operations and to identify and implement control measures appropriate to these risks.

When undertaking the risk assessment to determine the feedlot-specific biosecurity measures, it is important to take into account all factors that may impact on sound biosecurity arrangements. These factors include: • the size of the operation• the location and layout of property and

feedlot • sources of water supply and feed• the disease status of the district• proximity to other feedlots or production

sites with cattle or other livestockpresence and type of wildlife

• customer/supplier interactions (pick-ups,service, trades, industry personnel, contractors, deliveries of livestock and feed, etc.)

• customer requirements• any other operational management

considerations

A biosecurity self-audit checklist sample for continuous improvement is attached at Appendix 1.

Biosecurity is like any other insurance policy and, as such, is a prudent investment.

“”

4

Main ways disease spreads

Cattle and other animals • transfer of cattle from one production

area to another• dead cattle disposal• horse movements•wild birds• feral and domestic animals including

other livestock, predators and pets• insects• rodents e.g. rats and mice• domestic birds e.g. poultry

People • farm personnel and family members living

on site• contractors, maintenance personnel,

neighbours, service personnel and visitors

• disease transmitted by hands, boots, clothing, dirty hair

Vehicles and equipment • utes, bikes, front loaders, trucks,

horse floats• veterinary equipment• spray packs• saddles• boots and clothing

Air • as aerosol or dust particles

Feed and water supply • faeces from avian or other animal species• raw materials used for the production of

feed mix

• post-production contamination or spoilage during transport and storage

• exposure to rodents and birds on the property

• bacteria and mould in poor quality or damaged feed

• restricted animal material (RAM)

5

Definitions of ‘feedlot’ and ‘property’

In this document, the feedlot includes the confined yard areas (cattle pens) with watering and feeding facilities where cattle are completely hand or mechanically fed for the purposes of production (National Guidelines for Beef Cattle Feedlots in Australia, 3rd Edition). It also includes the areas used for feed storage and handling and the area immediately surrounding the pens, including load-out areas.

The property is the land on which the feedlot is located and may include other

farm land used for livestock grazing or cultivation. In some instances the boundary of the feedlot and the boundary of the property may be the same.

Pens refer to those areas capable of and used for holding cattle securely within their perimeter for mechanical feeding. Paddock or grazing area are references to fenced pastures that are, or at times are, accessed by cattle for grazing.

6 Level 1 – Routine biosecurity procedures These procedures should be implemented and followed on a daily basis. They give a high degree of assurance that diseases and pathogens will not be carried into the feedlot and will reduce the risk of transmission between production areas. These should be seen as a minimum requirement.

Action plan for suspected emergency animal diseaseEach owner/manager should establish and document clear guidelines regarding the circumstances when an emergency animal disease alert should be raised (e.g. an unusual increase in mortality or appearance of suspicious or unusual signs of illness in cattle) and who must be informed. The feedlot’s Emergency Animal Disease Action Plan should also clearly state that, if an emergency animal disease is suspected, movements on and off the feedlot and the property must be limited to the absolute minimum and special precautions must be taken as outlined by the plan.

The Australian Veterinary Emergency Plan (AUSVETPLAN) Enterprise Manual for Beef Cattle Feedlots provides a key reference for the development of a feedlot emergency response plan. Appendix 2 provides a pro-forma for such a document.

Level 2 – High risk biosecurity procedures In the event of an outbreak of an emergency animal disease (exotic or serious endemic disease), high risk biosecurity procedures will be implemented under the guidance of the state government department responsible for agriculture, in accordance with other relevant documents (e.g. AUSVETPLAN and standard operating procedures).

Levels of biosecurity

7

Routine biosecurity procedures

Note that, for feedlots accredited under the NFAS, many of these practices are currently covered, in part or in whole, by the NFAS Standards Manual.

1.0 Manage inputs – stock, water, feed, bedding

1.1 Cattle Objective: To manage the introduction and movement of cattle in a way that minimises the risk of introducing or spreading diseases and pests.

1.1.1 Where practicable, purchase feeder stock from preferred suppliers who maintain a quality assurance program that includes a biosecurity component.

1.1.2 Inspect all cattle on arrival at the feedlot to assess their animal health status; ensure that a record of inspection is maintained.

1.1.3 Ensure that the vendor provides a fully completed National Vendor Declaration (NVD) and where possible a National Cattle Health Statement for the consigned cattle.

1.1.4 Ensure all cattle are National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) identified and transferred to the feedlot’s property identification code (PIC) for tracing purposes.

1.1.5 Where possible, minimise the mixing of newly arrived or returning cattle with other stock.

1.2 Horses Objective: To manage the introduction and movement of horses in a way that minimises the risk of introducing or spreading infectious disease to the feedlot or between working horses.

1.2.1 Horses should be retained on the property for a minimum period of two weeks after working with cattle in order to allow any signs of disease to be seen before they are transferred off the property. Alternatively horses should be kept separated from other horses when returning to their home property.

1.2.2 Maintain a horse register to record movement of all horses on and off the feedlot site.

8 1.3 Water Objective: To ensure that drinking water used in the feedlot for cattle is of a suitable quality standard.

1.3.1 The use of a suitable water supply is important for good biosecurity. In general, water with a high level of organic matter is unsuitable. It may be necessary to seek expert advice to ensure a safe water supply.

1.3.2 Drinking water for cattle should meet appropriate standards as recommended by the National Guidelines for Beef Cattle Feedlots in Australia, 3rd Edition.

1.3.3 Seek expert advice on water treatment options if water testing shows the available water to be of unsuitable quality.

1.3.4 If water treatment is used, the method should be regularly monitored for effectiveness.

1.3.5 The treated water supply should be kept in a closed system from the point of treatment to the point of drinking.

1.4 Feed Objective: To manage the introduction and movement of manufactured feed and feed ingredients in a way that minimises the risk of introducing or spreading disease, pests and weeds.

1.4.1 Where practicable, purchase feed commodities from preferred suppliers who maintain a quality assurance program that includes a biosecurity component.

1.4.2 Ensure that the ban on feeding of animal products (ruminant feed ban) to cattle is complied with. Restricted animal material (RAM) must not be fed to cattle (or any other ruminants), especially any material that may contain or may have been in contact with RAM. There are specific regulations in each state prohibiting the feeding of RAM.

1.4.3 Store cattle feed in a manner that reduces contamination by livestock, vermin, insects, wildlife, feral and domestic animals, and other feed types.

91.4.4 Ensure feed commodities are fit for purpose. All purchased feed must be accompanied by a commodity/by-product vendor declaration stating that it is free from chemical residues/contaminants and fit for the purpose of feeding to beef cattle.

1.4.5 Feed spills should be cleaned up as soon as practicable. Spilled and spoiling feed attracts pests and vermin to the feedlot.

1.5 Bedding Objective: To manage the introduction and movement of bedding in a way that minimises the risk of introducing or spreading pests and disease.

1.5.1 Ensure bedding material is fit for purpose.

1.5.2 Areas where bedding is stored should be kept as dry and vermin free as is practically possible.

10 2.0 Manage the movement of people, vehicles and equipment

2.1 Employees and family Objective: To minimise the risk of introduction and spread of disease or contaminants by feedlot employees or family.

2.1.1 Feedlot personnel should wear laundered clean clothes each day at the commencement of their work.

2.1.2 Do not take boots that are worn at the feedlot outside the feedlot unless cleaned, as they are the most likely method of diseases being spread by personnel.

2.1.3 Protective clothing and footwear must be worn in the feedlot hospital pens area at all times and removed prior to exiting.

2.1.4 Hands must also be sanitised on leaving the feedlot hospital pens.

2.2 Visitors, contractors, suppliers and other service personnel Objective: To minimise the risk of introduction and spread of disease or contaminants by contractors, suppliers, service personnel and visitors.

2.2.1 Be aware of the potential for the introduction and transmission of an emergency disease by visitors.

2.2.2 Wherever possible, control the access of visitors/suppliers to the designated feedlot area.

2.2.3 Ensure that all visitors entering the feedlot are directed to a designated meeting place away from the main feedlot area, preferably the office, before access is allowed to the main feedlot area.

2.2.4 Maintain a register of visitors and vehicles (including contractors) to the feedlot (Appendix 3) which includes a record of:•date• time in• name(s)• company

• contact number•motor vehicle

registration number• signature

•biosecurity risk assessment

• time out

112.2.5 Assess all visitors (including contractors) entering the feedlot for their biosecurity risk prior to being granted access to the feedlot complex and surrounds. The risk assessment must consider the potential for visitors to have been previously exposed to a disease and the subsequent potential for them to introduce a disease into the feedlot (Appendix 4).

2.3 Equipment Objective: To prevent the introduction of disease agents and contaminants into the feedlot through the movement of equipment.

2.3.1 Employees and contractors can use their own tools and personal equipment (e.g. laptops, cameras or phones), noting the equipment must be cleaned, ensuring it is free of organic matter.

2.3.2 Be aware of the potential for introduction and transmission of an emergency disease by borrowed/hired equipment.

2.3.3 Wherever possible, do not use the same equipment for handling feed and manure. If you must use equipment for multiple purposes, then wash and disinfect it between uses to ensure that manure does not contaminate feed commodities.

12 2.4 Vehicles 2.4.1 Be aware of the potential for introduction and transmission of an emergency

disease by visiting vehicles and machinery.

2.4.2 Limit the entry of non-feedlot vehicles, machinery and equipment into areas of the feedlot beyond the specified delivery areas.

2.4.3 There must be a designated parking area for vehicles not entering the production area.

2.4.4 All visitors should park their vehicles outside the production area unless it is essential that the vehicle be taken on site; for example, some maintenance contractors. Ensure that all vehicles, machinery and equipment entering the feedlot area are directed to specified locations and delivery areas within the feedlot.

2.4.5 If any vehicle is taken into the production area/s, it needs to be assessed as to its risk and washed and disinfected prior to entry and exit as required.

133.0 Manage production practices

3.1 Livestock monitoring 3.1.1 Undertake routine monitoring of cattle in the feedlot for signs of illness/injury and

maintain records as part of a health management program.

3.1.2 Report cases of unusual illness or death in the feedlot to the consulting veterinarian or the local government veterinary officer. NFAS-accredited feedlots should refer to their EAD Action Plan.

3.1.3 All cattle mortalities and cases of disease should be recorded to assist monitoring for any unusual animal health problems potentially indicating a biosecurity breach.

3.1.4 A record of cattle movements in and out of the feedlot must be maintained to facilitate tracing in the event of an animal health/disease or food safety concern.

3.2 Manure and effluent management 3.2.1 Be aware that manure and effluent pose a potential biosecurity risk.

3.2.2 Record movements of manure and/or compost removed from the feedlot site.

3.2.3 Record dates, areas of manure and effluent application and application rates in accordance with the requirements of the National Beef Cattle Feedlot Environmental Code of Practice.

3.2.4 Be aware that for some emergency disease outbreaks there may be a requirement under AUSVETPLAN for the mass de-contamination and disposal of manure and effluent. Develop a management plan for such an event.

3.3 Dead stock management 3.3.1 Dispose of dead stock in accordance with documented procedures that satisfy the

National Beef Cattle Feedlot Environmental Code of Practice, taking into account environmental and public considerations.

3.3.2 Cover dead stock placed in a pit as soon as possible to eliminate potential problems with feral animal activity.

3.3.3 Develop a management plan for the mass disposal of dead stock. The AUSVETPLAN Disposal and Feedlot Enterprise Manuals provide relevant information in this regard.

14 3.4 Maintenance Objective: To hinder the introduction of disease agents and contaminants into cattle pens and enclosures and reduce the attraction of rodents and birds to production areas.

3.4.1 Grass on and around the feedlot site should be kept cut; long grass attracts rodents and favours the survival of viruses and bacteria.

3.4.2 As much as possible, maintenance should be conducted between feeding groups. Ensure that all hardware is removed in the clean-up.

3.4.3 Ensure feedlot internal fences are adequately maintained to minimise accidental mixing of cattle within the feedlot.

3.4.4 Ensure perimeter fences are adequately maintained to minimise exposure of cattle in the feedlot to stock in adjoining areas.

3.5 Identification Objective: To implement a stock identification system that enables maintenance of appropriate management records, traceability of stock on the feedlot and stock dispatched from the feedlot.

3.5.1 Introduced cattle must be identified within seven (7) days of arrival onto the feedlot.

3.5.2 Ensure that dual identification of individual cattle is conducted to enhance traceability.

3.5.3 Check the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) database to ensure all cattle to be fed are fit for purpose.

3.5.4 Feedlot records regarding cattle entry, identification and exit must be kept.

3.5.5 Adhere to the NLIS legislation of your state/territory at all times.

154.0 Manage feral animals, pests and vermin

4.1 Pests and vermin Objective: To minimise the potential for introducing infectious agents and pathogens by pests and vermin through their presence in the production area.

4.1.1 Implement and maintain a pest and vermin control program.

4.1.2 Bait stations should be checked weekly and fresh baits set as required.

4.1.3 Records should be kept of each inspection and activity noted (see Appendix 5).

4.1.4 Bait stations should be placed away from access by cattle and designed to minimise the opportunity for other animals and birds to access the bait.

4.2 Feral animals and wildlife 4.2.1 Be aware of the potential for introduction and transmission of an emergency disease

by feral animals and wildlife.

4.2.2 Where possible, minimise the potential for introduction and transmission of an emergency disease by feral animals and/or wildlife through control mechanisms.

16 5.0 Manage outgoing products 5.0.1 Only animals that are in a condition fit for travel must be selected to minimise

potential disease and/or contamination spread through transport. Please see Meat & Livestock Australia’s Is it fit to load? guide for relevant information.

176.0 Train – plan – record

6.1 Training Objective: To ensure awareness by and training of all feedlot employees in all relevant biosecurity requirements.

6.1.1 Ensure that all employees involved in the daily monitoring and handling of stock are aware of the importance of early detection of diseases and know what to do if they suspect an animal may be exhibiting symptoms of disease.

6.1.2 All employees involved in the daily monitoring and handling of stock should be aware of the presence of best practice guidelines for specific diseases (e.g. anthrax).

6.1.3 All employees involved in the usage and application of farm disinfectants and herbicides must be competent to do so. Refer to Agchem and Vetchem training.

6.2 Documentation & record keeping Objective: To assist in the early detection of animal health issues and the response to any biosecurity breach.

6.2.1 A sketch or map of the layout of the property, showing the production area, sheds, paddocks, access roads and gates should be created and maintained up to date.

6.2.2 Maintain records and documentation in line with previous sections of this manual.

18

AP

PE

ND

IX 1

: Bio

secu

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self-

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ontin

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imp

rove

men

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0 M

anag

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puts

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, wat

er, f

eed,

bed

ding

Ref

eren

ce1.

1 C

attle

Yes

No

Com

men

ts1.

1.1

Whe

re p

ract

icab

le, i

s fe

eder

sto

ck p

urch

ased

from

pre

ferre

d su

pplie

rs

who

mai

ntai

n a

qual

ity a

ssur

ance

pro

gram

that

incl

udes

a b

iose

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y co

mpo

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?

1.1.

2A

re a

ll cat

tle in

spec

ted

on a

rriva

l at t

he fe

edlo

t to

asse

ss th

eir a

nim

al h

ealth

st

atus

?

Is a

reco

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f ins

pect

ion

mai

ntai

ned?

1.1.

3D

o al

l ven

dors

pro

vide

a fu

lly c

ompl

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Nat

iona

l Ven

dor D

ecla

ratio

n (N

VD)

and

whe

re p

ossi

ble,

pro

vide

a N

atio

nal C

attle

Hea

lth S

tate

men

t for

the

cons

igne

d ca

ttle?

1.1.

4A

re a

ll cat

tle N

LIS

iden

tified

and

tran

sfer

red

to th

e fe

edlo

t’s p

rope

rty

iden

tifica

tion

code

(PIC

) for

trac

e pu

rpos

es?

1.1.

5W

here

pos

sibl

e, is

the

mix

ing

of n

ewly

arriv

ed o

r ret

urni

ng c

attle

with

oth

er

stoc

k m

inim

ised

?

R

efer

ence

1.2

Hor

ses

Yes

No

Com

men

ts1.

2.1

Are

all h

orse

s re

tain

ed o

n th

e pr

oper

ty fo

r a m

inim

um p

erio

d of

two

wee

ks

afte

r wor

king

with

cat

tle in

ord

er to

allo

w a

ny s

igns

of d

isea

se to

be

seen

be

fore

they

are

tran

sfer

red

off t

he p

rope

rty?

Alte

rnat

ively,

are

hor

ses

kept

sep

arat

ed fr

om o

ther

hor

ses

whe

n re

turn

ing

to

thei

r hom

e pr

oper

ty?

1.2.

2Is

a h

orse

regi

ster

mai

ntai

ned

to re

cord

mov

emen

t of a

ll hor

ses

on a

nd o

ff th

e fe

edlo

t site

?

19

Ref

eren

ce1.

3 W

ater

Yes

No

Com

men

ts1.

3.1

Is a

sui

tabl

e w

ater

sup

ply

used

? (In

gen

eral

, wat

er w

ith a

hig

h le

vel o

f or

gani

c m

atte

r is

unsu

itabl

e.)

Has

exp

ert a

dvic

e be

en s

ough

t to

ensu

re a

saf

e w

ater

sup

ply?

1.3.

2D

oes

the

drin

king

wat

er fo

r cat

tle m

eet a

ppro

pria

te s

tand

ards

as

reco

mm

ende

d by

the

Nat

iona

l Gui

delin

es fo

r Bee

f Cat

tle F

eedl

ots

in

Aus

tralia

, 3rd

Edi

tion?

1.

3.3

Is e

xper

t adv

ice

soug

ht o

n w

ater

trea

tmen

t opt

ions

whe

n w

ater

test

ing

show

s th

e av

aila

ble

wat

er to

be

of u

nsui

tabl

e qu

ality

?

1.

3.4

If w

ater

trea

tmen

t is

used

, is

the

met

hod

regu

larly

mon

itore

d fo

r ef

fect

ivene

ss?

1.3.

5Is

the

treat

ed w

ater

sup

ply

kept

in a

clo

sed

syst

em fr

om th

e po

int o

f tre

atm

ent t

o th

e po

int o

f drin

king

?

R

efer

ence

1.4

Feed

Yes

No

Com

men

ts1.

4.1

Whe

re p

ract

icab

le, a

re fe

ed c

omm

oditie

s pu

rcha

sed

from

pre

ferre

d su

pplie

rs w

ho m

aint

ain

a qu

ality

ass

uran

ce p

rogr

am th

at in

clud

es a

bi

osec

urity

com

pone

nt?

1.4.

2Is

the

ban

on fe

edin

g of

ani

mal

pro

duct

s (ru

min

ant f

eed

ban)

to c

attle

co

mpl

ied

with

? Is

rest

ricte

d an

imal

mat

eria

l (R

AM

) not

fed

to c

attle

(or a

ny

othe

r rum

inan

ts),

incl

udin

g an

y m

ater

ial t

hat m

ay c

onta

in o

r may

hav

e be

en

in c

onta

ct w

ith R

AM

?

(The

re a

re s

peci

fic re

gula

tions

in e

ach

stat

e pr

ohib

iting

the

fe

edin

g of

RA

M.)

1.4.

3Is

feed

sto

red

in a

man

ner t

hat r

educ

es c

onta

min

atio

n by

lives

tock

, ver

min

, in

sect

s, w

ildlife

, fer

al a

nd d

omes

tic a

nim

als

and

othe

r fee

d ty

pes?

20

1.4.

4A

re fe

ed c

omm

oditie

s fit

for p

urpo

se?

Is a

ll pur

chas

ed fe

ed a

ccom

pani

ed

by a

com

mod

ity/b

y-pr

oduc

t ven

dor d

ecla

ratio

n st

atin

g th

at it

is fr

ee fr

om

chem

ical

resi

dues

/con

tam

inan

ts a

nd fi

t for

the

purp

ose

of fe

edin

g to

bee

f ca

ttle?

1.4.

5A

re fe

ed s

pills

cle

aned

up

as s

oon

as p

ract

icab

le?

(Spi

lled

and

spoi

ling

feed

at

tract

s pe

sts

and

verm

in to

the

feed

lot.)

R

efer

ence

1.5

Bed

ding

Ye

sN

oC

omm

ents

1.5.

1Is

bed

ding

mat

eria

l fit f

or p

urpo

se?

1.5.

2A

re a

reas

whe

re b

eddi

ng is

sto

red

kept

dry

and

ver

min

free

as

prac

tical

ly as

po

ssib

le?

Com

men

ts:

21

2.0

Man

age

the

mov

emen

t of p

eopl

e, v

ehic

les

and

equi

pmen

t

Ref

eren

ce2.

1 Fe

edlo

t em

ploy

ees

and

fam

ilyYe

sN

oC

omm

ents

2.1.

1D

o al

l fee

dlot

per

sonn

el w

ear l

aund

ered

cle

an c

loth

es e

ach

day

at th

e co

mm

ence

men

t of t

heir

wor

k?

2.

1.2

Are

boo

ts w

orn

at th

e fe

edlo

t not

wor

n or

take

n ou

tsid

e th

e fe

edlo

t un

less

cle

an?

(Thi

s is

the

mos

t lik

ely

met

hod

of d

isea

ses

bein

g sp

read

by

pers

onne

l.)

2.

1.3

Are

pro

tect

ive c

loth

ing

and

foot

wea

r wor

n in

the

feed

lot h

ospi

tal p

ens

area

at

all t

imes

and

rem

oved

prio

r to

exitin

g?

2.

2.4

Are

han

ds s

anitis

ed o

n le

avin

g th

e fe

edlo

t hos

pita

l pen

s?

Ref

eren

ce2.

2 Vi

sito

rs, c

ontra

ctor

s, s

uppl

iers

and

oth

er s

ervic

e pe

rson

nel

Yes

No

Com

men

ts2.

2.1

Is th

ere

an a

war

enes

s of

the

pote

ntia

l for

the

intro

duct

ion

and

trans

mis

sion

of

an

emer

genc

y di

seas

e by

vis

itors

?

2.

2.2

Whe

reve

r pos

sibl

e, is

ther

e co

ntro

l ove

r the

acc

ess

of v

isito

rs/s

uppl

iers

to

the

desi

gnat

ed fe

edlo

t are

a?

2.

2.3

Are

all v

isito

rs e

nter

ing

the

feed

lot d

irect

ed to

a d

esig

nate

d m

eetin

g pl

ace

away

from

the

mai

n fe

edlo

t are

a, p

refe

rabl

y th

e of

fice,

bef

ore

acce

ss is

al

low

ed to

the

mai

n fe

edlo

t are

a?

2.2.

4Is

a re

gist

er o

f vis

itors

and

veh

icle

s (in

clud

ing

cont

ract

ors)

to th

e fe

edlo

t m

aint

aine

d? T

he re

cord

(App

endi

x 3)

sho

uld

incl

ude:

•da

te•

time

in•

nam

e(s)

•co

mpa

ny•

cont

act n

umbe

r•

mot

or v

ehic

le re

gist

ratio

n nu

mbe

r•

sign

atur

e•

bios

ecur

ity ri

sk a

sses

smen

t•

time

out

22

2.2.

5A

re a

ll vis

itors

(inc

ludi

ng c

ontra

ctor

s) w

ho e

nter

the

feed

lot a

sses

sed

for

thei

r bio

secu

rity

risk

prio

r to

bein

g gr

ante

d ac

cess

to th

e fe

edlo

t com

plex

an

d su

rroun

ds?

Doe

s th

e ris

k as

sess

men

t con

side

r the

pot

entia

l for

vis

itors

who

hav

e be

en

prev

ious

ly ex

pose

d to

a d

isea

se a

nd th

e su

bseq

uent

pot

entia

l for

them

to

intro

duce

a d

isea

se in

to th

e fe

edlo

t? (A

ppen

dix

4)

Ref

eren

ce2.

3 Eq

uipm

ent

Yes

No

Com

men

ts2.

3.1

Empl

oyee

s an

d co

ntra

ctor

s ca

n us

e th

eir o

wn

tool

s an

d pe

rson

al

equi

pmen

t (e.

g. la

ptop

s, c

amer

as o

r pho

nes)

, but

do

they

not

e th

at th

e eq

uipm

ent m

ust b

e cl

eane

d, e

nsur

ing

it is

free

of o

rgan

ic m

atte

r?

2.

3.2

Is th

ere

awar

enes

s of

the

pote

ntia

l for

intro

duct

ion

and

trans

mis

sion

of a

n em

erge

ncy

dise

ase

by b

orro

wed

/hire

d eq

uipm

ent?

2.3.

3W

here

ver p

ossi

ble,

is d

iffer

ent e

quip

men

t use

d fo

r han

dlin

g fe

ed a

nd

man

ure?

If th

e sa

me

equi

pmen

t mus

t be

used

for m

ultip

le p

urpo

ses,

are

ha

nds

was

hed

and

disi

nfec

ted

betw

een

uses

to e

nsur

e th

at m

anur

e do

es

not c

onta

min

ate

feed

com

mod

ities?

Ref

eren

ce2.

4 Ve

hicl

esYe

sN

oC

omm

ents

2.4.

1Is

ther

e an

aw

aren

ess

of th

e po

tent

ial f

or in

trodu

ctio

n an

d tra

nsm

issi

on o

f an

em

erge

ncy

dise

ase

by v

isitin

g ve

hicl

es, m

achi

nery

and

equ

ipm

ent?

2.4.

2A

re n

on-fe

edlo

t veh

icle

s, m

achi

nery

and

equ

ipm

ent r

estri

cted

from

ent

erin

g in

to a

reas

of t

he fe

edlo

t bey

ond

the

spec

ified

deliv

ery

area

s?

2.

4.3

Is th

ere

a de

sign

ated

par

king

are

a fo

r veh

icle

s no

t ent

erin

g th

e pr

oduc

tion

area

?

2.

4.4

Do

all v

isito

rs p

ark

thei

r veh

icle

s ou

tsid

e th

e pr

oduc

tion

area

, unl

ess

it is

es

sent

ial t

hat t

he v

ehic

le b

e ta

ken

on s

ite; f

or e

xam

ple,

som

e m

aint

enan

ce

cont

ract

ors?

Are

all v

ehic

les,

mac

hine

ry a

nd e

quip

men

t ent

erin

g th

e fe

edlo

t ar

ea d

irect

ed to

spe

cifie

d lo

catio

ns a

nd d

elive

ry a

reas

with

in th

e fe

edlo

t?

2.4.

5If

any

vehi

cle

is ta

ken

into

the

prod

uctio

n ar

ea/s

, is

it as

sess

ed a

s to

its

risk

and

was

hed

and

disi

nfec

ted

prio

r to

entry

as

requ

ired?

Com

men

ts:

23

3.0

Man

age

prod

uctio

n pr

actic

es

Ref

eren

ce 3

.1 L

ivest

ock

mon

itorin

gYe

sN

oC

omm

ents

3.1.

1D

oes

rout

ine

mon

itorin

g oc

cur o

f cat

tle in

the

feed

lot f

or s

igns

of i

llnes

s/in

jury

and

are

reco

rds

mai

ntai

ned

as p

art o

f a h

ealth

man

agem

ent p

rogr

am?

3.

1.2

Are

cas

es o

f unu

sual

illne

ss o

r dea

th in

the

feed

lot r

epor

ted

to th

e co

nsul

ting

vete

rinar

ian

or th

e lo

cal g

over

nmen

t vet

erin

ary

offic

er?

NFA

S-a

ccre

dite

d fe

edlo

ts s

houl

d re

fer t

o th

eir E

AD

Act

ion

Pla

n.

3.1.

3A

re a

ll cat

tle m

orta

lities

and

cas

es o

f dis

ease

reco

rded

to a

ssis

t mon

itorin

g fo

r any

unu

sual

ani

mal

hea

lth p

robl

ems

pote

ntia

lly in

dica

ting

a bi

osec

urity

br

each

?

3.1.

4Is

a re

cord

of c

attle

mov

emen

ts in

and

out

of t

he fe

edlo

t mai

ntai

ned

to

faci

litate

trac

ing

in th

e ev

ent o

f an

anim

al h

ealth

/dis

ease

or f

ood

sa

fety

con

cern

?

Ref

eren

ce3.

2 M

anur

e an

d ef

fluen

t man

agem

ent

Yes

No

Com

men

ts3.

2.1

Is th

ere

awar

enes

s th

at m

anur

e an

d ef

fluen

t pos

e a

pote

ntia

l bi

osec

urity

risk

?

3.

2.2

Are

mov

emen

ts o

f man

ure

and/

or c

ompo

st re

mov

ed fr

om th

e fe

edlo

t si

te re

cord

ed?

3.2.

3A

re d

ates

, are

as o

f man

ure

and

efflu

ent a

pplic

atio

n an

d ap

plic

atio

n ra

tes

reco

rded

in a

ccor

danc

e w

ith th

e re

quire

men

ts o

f the

Nat

iona

l Bee

f Cat

tle

Feed

lot E

nviro

nmen

tal C

ode

of P

ract

ice?

3.2.

4Is

ther

e aw

aren

ess

that

for s

ome

emer

genc

y di

seas

e ou

tbre

aks

ther

e m

ay

be a

requ

irem

ent u

nder

AU

SVE

TPLA

N fo

r the

mas

s de

-con

tam

inat

ion

and

disp

osal

of m

anur

e an

d ef

fluen

t? H

as a

man

agem

ent p

lan

for s

uch

an e

vent

be

en d

evel

oped

?

Ref

eren

ce3.

3 D

ead

stoc

k m

anag

emen

tYe

sN

oC

omm

ents

3.3.

1H

as d

ead

stoc

k be

en d

ispo

sed

of in

acc

orda

nce

with

doc

umen

ted

proc

edur

es th

at s

atis

fy th

e N

atio

nal B

eef C

attle

Fee

dlot

Env

ironm

enta

l Cod

e of

Pra

ctic

e, ta

king

into

acc

ount

env

ironm

enta

l and

pub

lic c

onsi

dera

tions

?

24

3.3.

2H

as d

ead

stoc

k be

en c

over

ed a

nd p

lace

d in

a p

it as

soo

n as

pos

sibl

e to

el

imin

ate

pote

ntia

l pro

blem

s w

ith fe

ral a

nim

al a

ctivi

ty?

3.3.

3H

as a

man

agem

ent p

lan

for t

he m

ass

disp

osal

of d

ead

stoc

k be

en

deve

lope

d?

(The

AU

SVE

TPLA

N D

ispo

sal a

nd F

eedl

ot E

nter

pris

e M

anua

ls p

rovid

e re

leva

nt in

form

atio

n in

this

rega

rd.)

Ref

eren

ce3.

4 M

aint

enan

ceYe

sN

oC

omm

ents

3.4.

1Is

gra

ss o

n an

d ar

ound

the

feed

lot s

ite k

ept c

ut?

(Lon

g gr

ass

attra

cts

rode

nts

and

favo

urs

the

surv

ival o

f viru

ses

and

bact

eria

.)

3.

4.2

As

muc

h as

pos

sibl

e, is

mai

nten

ance

con

duct

ed b

etw

een

feed

ing

grou

ps?

Is a

ll har

dwar

e re

mov

ed in

the

clea

nup?

3.4.

3A

re fe

edlo

t int

erna

l fen

ces

adeq

uate

ly m

aint

aine

d to

min

imis

e ac

cide

ntal

m

ixin

g of

cat

tle w

ithin

the

feed

lot?

3.4.

4A

re p

erim

eter

fenc

es a

dequ

atel

y m

aint

aine

d to

min

imis

e ex

posu

re o

f cat

tle

in th

e fe

edlo

t to

stoc

k in

adj

oini

ng a

reas

?

R

efer

ence

3.5

Iden

tifica

tion

Yes

No

Com

men

ts3.

5.1

Are

intro

duce

d ca

ttle

iden

tified

with

in s

even

(7) d

ays

of a

rriva

l ont

o

the

feed

lot?

3.5.

2Is

dua

l iden

tifica

tion

of in

divid

ual c

attle

con

duct

ed to

enh

ance

trac

eabi

lity?

3.

5.3

Is th

e N

atio

nal L

ivest

ock

Iden

tifica

tion

Sys

tem

(NLI

S) d

atab

ase

chec

ked

to

ensu

re a

ll cat

tle to

be

fed

are

fit fo

r pur

pose

?

3.

5.4

Are

feed

lot r

ecor

ds re

gard

ing

cattl

e en

try, i

dent

ificat

ion

and

exit

kept

?

3.

5.5

Doe

s th

e fe

edlo

t adh

ere

to th

e N

LIS

legi

slat

ion

of th

e re

leva

nt s

tate

/terri

tory

at

all t

imes

?

C

omm

ents

:

25

4.0

Man

age

fera

l ani

mal

s, p

ests

and

ver

min

Ref

eren

ce4.

1 P

ests

and

ver

min

Yes

No

Com

men

ts4.

1.1

Is a

pes

t and

ver

min

con

trol p

rogr

am im

plem

ente

d an

d m

aint

aine

d?

4.

1.2

Are

bai

t sta

tions

che

cked

wee

kly

and

fresh

bai

ts s

et a

s re

quire

d?

4.

1.3

Are

reco

rds

kept

of e

ach

insp

ectio

n an

d ac

tivity

not

ed?

(see

App

endi

x 5)

4.1.

4A

re b

ait s

tatio

ns p

lace

d aw

ay fr

om c

attle

acc

ess

and

desi

gned

to m

inim

ise

the

oppo

rtuni

ty fo

r oth

er a

nim

als

and

bird

s to

acc

ess

the

bait?

Ref

eren

ce4.

2 Fe

ral a

nim

als

and

wild

lifeYe

sN

oC

omm

ents

4.2.

1Is

ther

e aw

aren

ess

of th

e po

tent

ial f

or in

trodu

ctio

n an

d tra

nsm

issi

on o

f an

emer

genc

y di

seas

e by

fera

l ani

mal

s an

d w

ildlife

?

4.

2.2

Whe

re p

ossi

ble,

is th

e po

tent

ial f

or in

trodu

ctio

n an

d tra

nsm

issi

on o

f an

emer

genc

y di

seas

e by

fera

l ani

mal

s an

d/or

wild

life m

inim

ised

?

C

omm

ents

:

26

5.0

Man

age

outg

oing

pro

duct

s

Ref

eren

ce5.

0 M

anag

e ou

tgoi

ng p

rodu

cts

Yes

No

Com

men

ts5.

0.1

Are

onl

y th

ose

anim

als

that

are

in a

con

ditio

n fit

for t

rave

l sel

ecte

d, to

m

inim

ise

pote

ntia

l dis

ease

and

/or c

onta

min

atio

n sp

read

thro

ugh

trans

port?

(See

Mea

t & L

ivest

ock

Aus

tralia

’s Is

it fi

t to

load

? gu

ide

for r

elev

ant

info

rmat

ion.

)

Com

men

ts:

27

6.0

Trai

n –

plan

– re

cord

Ref

eren

ce6.

1 Tr

aini

ng

Yes

No

Com

men

ts6.

1.1

Are

all e

mpl

oyee

s in

volve

d in

the

daily

mon

itorin

g an

d ha

ndlin

g of

sto

ck

awar

e of

the

impo

rtanc

e of

ear

ly de

tect

ion

of d

isea

ses

and

know

wha

t to

do

if th

ey s

uspe

ct a

n an

imal

may

be

exhi

bitin

g sy

mpt

oms

of d

isea

se?

6.1.

2A

re a

ll em

ploy

ees

invo

lved

in th

e da

ily m

onito

ring

and

hand

ling

of s

tock

aw

are

of th

e pr

esen

ce o

f bes

t pra

ctic

e gu

idel

ines

for s

peci

fic d

isea

ses

(e

.g. a

nthr

ax)?

6.1.

3A

re a

ll em

ploy

ees

invo

lved

in th

e us

age

and

appl

icat

ion

of fa

rm d

isin

fect

ants

an

d he

rbic

ides

com

pete

nt to

do

so?

(Ref

er to

Agc

hem

and

Vet

chem

trai

ning

.)

Ref

eren

ce6.

2 D

ocum

enta

tion

and

reco

rd k

eepi

ngYe

sN

oC

omm

ents

6.2.

1Is

ther

e a

sket

ch o

r map

of t

he la

yout

of t

he p

rope

rty, s

how

ing

the

prod

uctio

n ar

ea, s

heds

, pad

dock

s, a

cces

s ro

ads

and

gate

s an

d is

it

mai

ntai

ned

up to

dat

e?

6.

2.2

Are

reco

rds

and

docu

men

tatio

n m

aint

aine

d in

line

with

all s

ectio

ns o

f the

N

atio

nal B

iose

curit

y M

anua

l for

Bee

f Cat

tle F

eedl

ots?

28

APPENDIX 2: EAD Action Plan

Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Action PlanThis document details the actions (and responsibilities) that are to be undertaken in the

event that an emergency disease outbreak is suspected on-farm.

[A] Important Contact Details

[B] Management CommitmentManagement undertakes that unfamiliar signs of disease be investigated, and the following actions undertaken, without delay, if an emergency disease is suspected.

[C] Action PlanDevelop an action plan allocating responsibilities to relevant personnel.

1 . Contact the relevant authority through the district veterinary officer or the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline 1800 675 888.

Responsibility:

2. Follow all instructions as directed by the relevant authority.

Responsibility:

3. Do not dispatch any livestock from the farm until authorised by the relevant authority.

Responsibility:

4. Ensure suspect livestock are isolated within the farm.

Responsibility:

Name Contact Number

Property name or PIC number

Manager

Person responsible for the EAD Action Plan

Consultant veterinarian

District veterinary officer

Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline 1800 675 888

29

5. Ensure companion animals of the suspect livestock are segregated from other livestock.

Responsibility:

6. Ensure movement of all other livestock within the farm, and surrounds, is restricted.

Responsibility:

7. Delay or halt the shipment of livestock onto the farm.

Responsibility:

8. Delay or halt the delivery of all non-essential commodities.

Responsibility:

9. Secure the farm perimeter, limiting access to the farm and ensuring all vehicles and visitors onlyenter the farm under controlled conditions.

Responsibility:

10. Remove unnecessary personnel and machinery from livestock feeding and holding areas.

Responsibility:

11. Ensure that any personnel, equipment or machinery do not leave the farm until authorised by therelevant authority.

Responsibility:

12. Compile a list of all livestock (number of head, identification and location), personnel andmachinery movements over the past seven days. Prepare a site plan that details currentallocations of livestock.

Responsibility:

13. Ensure all staff are made aware of the actions being taken and their individual responsibilitiestowards the action plan.

Responsibility:

14. Ensure that customers are advised if they are immediately affected by the delay in the supplyof livestock.

Responsibility:

15. If an emergency disease is identified, the farm will follow the requirements of the AUSVETPLAN,and directions from the relevant authority.

Responsibility:

30

AP

PE

ND

IX 3

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31

APPENDIX 4: Biosecurity Risk Assessment for Visitors & Staff1. Have you travelled outside of Australia in the past 30 days? Or are you visiting from an oversees country? If so, what country/s did you travel to?

Or, what country are you travelling from?

Did you visit any livestock premises (including farms) or abattoirs during your travels?

2. Have you visited any farms, abattoirs or livestock premises in Australia during the past 7 days?

Did you have any contact with livestock during your visit?

3. Has your vehicle or equipment been in contact with livestock or manure in the past 7 days?

Name:

Company:

Contact Number:

Signature:

Date:

Visiting:

Time In:

Time Out:

Administration Please refer any visitors or staff to site management if they have answered YES to any of the above questions. Visitors are to report directly to the administration building.

If you see anything unusual on your property call the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888 or the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881

YES No

32

APPENDIX 5: Rodent Control Record

RODENT CONTROL RECORD

Bait Type:

Date Time Bait Station

Number Activity Level

Corrective Action

Name or Initials

0 1 2 3

0 1 2 3

0 1 2 3

0 1 2 3

0 1 2 3

0 1 2 3

0 1 2 3

0 1 2 3

0 1 2 3

0 1 2 3

0 1 2 3

0 1 2 3

0 1 2 3

0 1 2 3

0 1 2 3

Note: For activity level 0 = no activity. 1 = slight activity. 2 = half baits consumed. 3 = all baits consumed

Animal Health Australia

Animal Health Australia is an innovative partnership involving the Australian Government, state and territory governments, major livestock industries and other stakeholders. We work with our members and stakeholders to strengthen Australia’s national animal health system and maximise confidence in the safety and quality of Australia’s livestock products in domestic and overseas markets.

Australian Lot Feeder’s Association

The Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA) is the peak national body for the feedlot industry in Australia. Its mission is to lead the industry in a manner that fosters excellence and integrity; improves the feedlot business environment whilst ensuring its community standing. The Association directly represents its members and does not have State branches or a hierarchical structure. ALFA membership is a cost effective way to participate fully in the industry. ALFA actively advances and promotes the interests of the lot feeding industry; developing environmental and animal welfare standards, quality assurance & training programs and working to keep lot feeders abreast of emerging best management practices.

Farm Biosecurity

The Farm Biosecurity program is a joint initiative of Animal Health Australia and Plant Health Australia on behalf of their members. Its goal is to help producers reduce the risks posed by diseases, pests and weeds to crops and livestock. This national awareness campaign provides information about on-farm biosecurity measures which help prevent emergency animal disease outbreaks and exotic plant pest incursions. It encourages producers to identify risks to their livestock, crops and plant products, and to minimise those risks through good practices.

Animal Health Australia Suite 15, 26-28 Napier Close Deakin ACT 2600

Phone 02 6232 5522 www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au