Have you got your biosecurity plan in place?

Beef up your biosecurity – 5 things you need to know

Biosecurity focus is the way of the future for livestock producers. A Johne’s Beef Assurance Score (J-BAS) has been developed to assist beef cattle producers in assessing the risk of Johne’s disease (JD) occurring in a heard.

Cattle producers across Australia are urged to implement an on–farm biosecurity plan in order to maintain their current J-BAS. J-BAS is managed by Animal Health Australia on behalf of the Cattle Council of Australia.

Farm biosecurity is critical in ensuring our properties and livestock are protected from the entry and spread of pest and diseases. Farm biosecurity is your responsibility and that of every person visiting or working on your property.

An on-farm biosecurity plan is a requirement for maintaining a Johne’s Beef Assurance Score (J-BAS) and will be a requirement for the new Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) program required from October 2017. The LPA program is designed to ensure the Australian red meat and livestock industry maintains its global reputation as a world leader in food safety, integrity and traceability.

1. How does the scoring system work?
   The J-BAS system has a set of scores measured off a producer’s previous exposure to JD and their preparedness in managing their risk. Find the Assurance Score here.
2. Is a veterinarian needed?
   To maintain J-BAS 7 or above, producers must have a biosecurity plan overseen and signed by a veterinarian and undertake a ‘check test’ (50 samples) with clear results.
3. How do I get a plan?
   Follow this link to a biosecurity plan template, which can be used to develop an on-farm biosecurity plan that will meet the requirements. The planning template can be used for both the LPA program and J-BAS.
4. What happens if I do nothing?
   From July 1 for any producer without a biosecurity plan, their score will default to J-BAS 6. A plan will need to be completed by October 1 for anyone who wants to remain LPA accredited.
5. Where can I find more information?
   Biosecurity planning resources are available from the AHA. More information can be found on the AHA website.