Supporting biosecurity from home

WEBINARS are being run by Agriculture Victoria and the RSPCA aiming to educate landholders in regional areas about biosecurity threats.

People with livestock, whether for agricultural purposes or pets, are encouraged to take part and gain an understanding of biosecurity practices they can undertake on their property to keep their land, animals, and region threat-free.

These practices can be undertaken to free livestock of pests and diseases, and support the broader agricultural industry.

Agriculture Victoria program manager for resilience and recovery Melissa Cann said those who take part will learn about their responsibilities and leave with actionable resources.

“Whether you own a small cattle herd, a pig, or even just a pet alpaca or two, implementing the correct biosecurity practices and taking biosecurity responsibilities seriously is vital in protecting your property from pests and diseases,” she said.

“These webinars will help landholders understand what biosecurity is, its importance and why it is necessary to implement biosecurity measures regardless of the size of your property or how many animals you care for.”

Agriculture Victoria regional manager Brett Davidson and RSPCA Victoria education officer Rachael Laukart will lead the one-and-a-half-hour webinar on Wednesday, 5 October from 6.30pm.

RSPCA Victoria manager for education and community outreach Ian Sumpter said the organisation is pleased to offer the valuable support in partnership with the State.

“RSPCA Victoria knows that by providing relevant information, including preventative health measures and tips on biosecurity planning, first time and established farmers will be best placed to protect their animals through appropriate husbandry practices,” he said.

Visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/events to secure a place.