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Free Qld workshops will outline livestock biosecurity strategies

Sheep Central March 24, 2015

Free biosecurity workshops for livestock producers will be held in south-west Queensland next month.

Leading Sheep and the Livestock Biosecurity Network are holding workshops at Quilpie on April 14 and Cunnamulla on April 16 to help livestock producers protect their businesses from the spread of pests, weeds and diseases that can impact productivity and profitability.

Both workshops will feature presentations by LBN vet Dr Sarah-Jane Wilson, and Murray Wingett and Dr Louise Mullemeister from the Department of Agriculture and Food’s Biosecurity Queensland agency.

Workshops will give practical tips on biosecurity risks

Dr Wilson said the workshops would give producers practical tips and tools to manage biosecurity risks on their properties, ranging from pests, weeds and diseases to chemical residues and animal welfare.

“In the workshop we’ll discuss how to identify key diseases, their spread, impact and management,” she said.

“We’ll provide guidelines to assist producers in developing a practical biosecurity plan for their own business, addressing disease, pest and weed prevention and control.”

Western Queensland diseases can be prevented

Dr Wilson said some diseases that impact western Queensland livestock, such as botulism and pulpy kidney, could be prevented by vaccination.

“Managing biosecurity risk means that any unusual clinical signs or increasing numbers of sick or dead livestock should be investigated,” she said.

“At the workshop we have some local experts in disease investigation who will provide some advice on what to look out for in the livestock and what to do or who to call, if producers notice anything unusual.”

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Leading Sheep extension officer Nicole Sallur said the workshops would provide vital information for all livestock producers.

“I encourage all producers in the region to come to their nearest workshop.

“It’s both a great opportunity to hear from the experts on strategies to protect your business but also to discuss the issue with your neighbours.”

Those wanting to attend should register with Nicole Sallur at DAF Charleville on 07 4654 4220 or visit www.leadingsheep.com.au by April 10.

The Livestock Biosecurity Network is an independent industry initiative established by the Cattle Council of Australia, Sheepmeat Council of Australia and Wool Producers Australia.

Leading Sheep is a joint initiative of Australian Wool Innovation and Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and supported by AgForce. For more information visit www.leadingsheep.com.au

Source: Livestock Biosecurity Network.

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