The latest animal health, traceability and biosecurity information will be on offer at this year’s Wagin Woolorama, through a collaboration between the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and industry experts.
Department vets will be joined by local private vets at the department shed, on March 8 and 9, to answer producers’ livestock health questions and provide local biosecurity information.
This includes information about common local diseases, lamb survival initiatives, subsidised disease investigations, biosecurity and responsible use of antibiotics in livestock.
Department Narrogin field veterinary officer Anna Erickson said department vets worked closely with private vets on a daily basis to protect Western Australia’s high biosecurity status.
“Producers who visit the department shed at Woolorama can benefit from expert local advice about animal health and biosecurity issues on their property,” Dr Erickson said.
“While at the shed, lamb producers can pick up a free sampling esky and information as part of the lamb deaths surveillance program.
“Producers will also be able to learn firsthand from department Albany vet Andrew Larkins about how the pilot Great Southern Cattle Network SMS project works and how it is benefiting producers and industry.
“The display will also feature information about the importance of safe feed for pigs and how to prevent introducing devastating diseases such as African swine fever or foot-and-mouth disease into Australian livestock.
“Staff from the footrot control program will also be available to discuss the program with producers.”
NLIS operations manager Beth Green said officers would be on hand to help producers and stock agents with meeting their NLIS Sheep database recording requirements.
“The department will be holding regional NLIS Sheep workshops in autumn to assist producers and stock agents. You can find out more about these workshops and register to attend at the department shed,” Ms Green said.
“Integrity Systems Company customer services manager George Basha will also join the biosecurity hub in the department shed again this year.
“George will walk producers through the Livestock Production Assurance accreditation system, including the recently added on-farm biosecurity plans and animal welfare components. He can also assist producers with National Livestock Identification System and National Vendor Declarations queries.”
Staff from the department’s Animal Welfare Regulation team will also be on site to discuss the department’s role in animal welfare, as well as recent and proposed changes to legislation.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development shed is located at Wagin Woolorama, Site 626, Kitchener Street.
Media contacts:
Jodie Thomson/Lisa Bertram, media liaison (08) 9368 3937