Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) acknowledges the importance of biosecurity to farm businesses and primary industry in our region.
Important changes to the Livestock Production Assurance Program (LPA) introduced on 1 October 2017 require livestock producers to have a Farm Biosecurity Plan. These extra measures are designed to reduce the risk of transmission of infectious diseases, invasive pests or weeds.
For biosecurity requirements and information on the LPA program, please visit the Meat and Livestock Australia website, opens in a new window.
If you have any concerns about biosecurity you wish to discuss with GMW, please phone us on 1800 013 357.
Emergency animal diseases
Australia is experiencing a heightened risk to Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) which have been detected in Indonesia.
These diseases, along with others, are broadly referred to as Emergency Animal Diseases (EAD). FMD and LSD are not human health risks.
Status of Foot and Mouth Disease and Lumpy Skin Disease
As FMD and LSD have not been detected in Australia, there is no immediate risk.
GMW has developed an emergency action plan to ensure we respond appropriately and responsibly to five threat levels of FMD.
We remain at threat level one, where EADs have been detected in animal populations in close proximity to Australia but not within Australia.
However, we are prepared if this threat level changes and will implement our emergency action plan as necessary.
At this stage, we are encouraging our staff to be alert but not alarmed.
FMD is an acute, highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed domestic and wild animals (cattle, pigs, sheep, goat, deer and buffalo). Although it generally does not cause mortality in adult animals, it causes serious production losses.
It is carried by live animals and in meat, dairy products, soil, bones, clothes and footwear and the most common transmission routes are animal to animal, airborne or through the spread of contaminated material (faeces, soil, saliva, swill etc).
LSD is a highly contagious viral disease of cattle and buffalo. It is characterised by fever and the development of large firm skin nodules (up to 5cm) in diameter.
Transmission of LSD is not fully understood, however it has been associated with biting insects and ticks, direct contact between affected animals, contaminated feed/water or through contaminated equipment such as vaccination needles. Infected biting insects can be borne on winds.