DEFRA ups biosecurity plans

DEFRA HAS stepped up its campaign to promote better biosecurity practice in livestock markets, with a series of roadshows across the country throughout April, May and June.

The campaign aims to remind farmers, livestock dealers, hauliers and the public about the role of biosecurity in preventing endemic problems such as Salmonella and E Coli, as well as major disease outbreaks.

It follows a pilot scheme launched in February by DEFRA minister Ben Bradshaw.

Posters and leaflets promoting the message “Don‘t spread disease – biosecurity protects your business” have been sent to all livestock markets in England.

Market users are reminded not to bring any clothing or vehicles contaminated with animal muck into marts, and to ensure all vehicles are disinfected on leaving.

The campaign has received support from local authorities, the Livestock Auctioneers Association and the NFU, among others.

LAA secretary Chris Dodds acknowledges that many farmers would feel biosecurity reminders were unnecessary, but added: “It‘s better that we‘re constructive and engage with DEFRA over this, so everyone knows where responsibility lies. The markets have welcomed this.”

To find out if DEFRA advisers will be visiting your local market, visit http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/.htm