Elements and Performance Criteria
- Maintain a biosecure area to prevent disease transmission through the use of physical barriers and hygiene practices
- A controlled access perimeter is maintained to funnel authorised traffic through control points.
- Procedures are established and implemented for all staff and equipment to cross the controlled access perimeter into the controlled access zone.
- Entry of workers and equipment into the controlled access zone is restricted by transferring inputs, waste and products through access points on the controlled access perimeter.
- Restricted access perimeters and restricted access zones for each shed are maintained.
- Access to sheds is prioritised, based on the risks and potential impacts of infection being carried to the animals being housed in them.
- Implement biosecurity procedures to manage visitors
- The risk level of visitors is defined by gathering information before the visit and during sign in.
- Procedures for higher risk visitors such as veterinarians, catchers and vaccinating crews are established.
- Clear signage is maintained to direct traffic and discourage unauthorised visitors.
- The requirements for entry are communicated to visitors before they arrive on site.
- Visitor parking is kept separate so that staff vehicle or traffic ways don't become contaminated.
- A questionnaire is developed to be completed and signed by visitors to establish their risk levels.
- Criteria for banning visitors are set down including those who fail to make pre-arrangements.
- Visitor log books are maintained to allow traceability of any subsequent disease issues.
- Apply on-farm sanitation practices and personnel movements to reduce the risk of disease
- Drainage is monitored and adjusted to ensure water doesn't collect and stand.
- Hygiene and clothing procedures for entry to the site are put in place and monitored.
- Well-defined transition zones are established and maintained for entering barns or rooms.
- Disinfectants that are appropriate for surfaces and water quality are selected for use.
- Standard operating procedures for cleaning and sanitising facilities, tools and equipment are developed and implemented.
- Staff movements and animal exposures are from most susceptible animals to least susceptible.
- Boot dips are used correctly and recharged frequently.
- Implement an integrated strategy for pests to reduce the risk of disease
- Facilities are maintained to eliminate potential points of entry for pests.
- All inputs such as feed, animals and bedding are screened to reduce the likelihood of pests being introduced.
- Pest numbers are monitored through the use of counts or other indicators.
- Good sanitation and hygiene is used to break pest cycles and eliminate pest habitat.
- Pests are controlled or excluded from output storage areas.
- Pest numbers are reduced by use of an integrated approach using a combination of biological, chemical, behavioural and mechanical controls.
- Pesticides are rotated periodically to overcome resistance in pest populations.
- Sufficient time is allowed between groups of animals in a shed to break the pest cycle.
- Pest control measures are documented and evaluated in response to effectiveness over time.
- Manage farm outputs to reduce the risk of disease
- Farm outputs such as garbage, manure and bedding are removed and stored for removal or disposal.
- Storage areas for farm outputs are located in low-traffic areas and managed to prevent cross-contamination and comply with environmental legislation.
- A manure management strategy is put in place with emphasis on sale or recycling.
- A mortality management strategy is implemented using alternatives such as burial, composting, rendering or incineration.
- Review the implementation of biosecurity measures
- Record keeping of biosecurity procedures is used to reduce risk of disease.
- Effectiveness and progress of control activities are monitored and compared with planned objectives.
- Standards and protocols for the monitoring of sheds and facilities are carried out as part of work duties.
- Issues and concerns with biosecurity are addressed and procedures amended where required.
- Control activities are revised as required to address relevant protocols, maintain cost-effectiveness (including appropriate resource allocation) and contain wider impacts.
- Staff training and induction records are reviewed to ensure they are able to implement all biosecurity requirements appropriate to their position.