Why should feed and water sources be considered a risk?
There is a high potential for diseases, pests and weeds to be carried in feed and water supplies. To protect the health of your livestock or crops it is important to minimise the risks associated with feed and water.
What to consider
Purchasing
Ensure all feed purchased is free from unwanted weeds, soil and pests.
- always request a Commodity Vendor Declaration (CVD) and ensure any feed you purchase is fit for purpose
- ensure you know the expiry date of any feed you purchase and use it before that date or dispose of it safely
- ensure that feed does not contain a high ratio of weed seeds that could propagate on the property
Poor feed storage or old or contaminated feed
Poor feed storage encourages pests and diseases which may contaminate feed or reduce its usefulness. Old feed can harbour disease organisms that may be harmful to your livestock.
- keep feed in a clean, dry storage area
- keep feed stores covered to prevent feed from becoming wet and mouldy
- regularly inspect feed supplies to ensure they remain secured and fit for purpose
- clean feed troughs regularly to avoid faecal contamination
- dispose of old or contaminated feed safely, keeping it away from livestock and securing it from pests and diseases
- clean any feed spills promptly to prevent spread around the property by wind or other means (vehicle wheels, clothing etc.)
Restricted Animal Material
Feeding Restricted Animal Material (RAM) to ruminants is illegal in Australia as it is linked to the spread of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE or Mad Cow disease).
- do not feed RAM to ruminants at all
- be aware of all materials on the restricted list
- always check the labels of any feed purchased and ensure it is fit for purpose
- store feed that contains RAM separately from feed that is appropriate for ruminants
- ensure all staff are aware of the RAM ban
- prevent visitors/passers-by from feeding livestock
- always ask for a commodity vendor declaration that states the feed is free of RAM and chemical/physical contaminants
Swill feeding
Swill feeding is a dangerous practice which has led to the spread of diseases such as foot and mouth disease (FMD) in many countries. Swill feeding of pigs is illegal in Australia.
- do not feed pigs swill of any kind
- ensure all staff are aware swill feeding is illegal
- prevent visitors/passers-by from feeding livestock
Water supply and storage
Many pests and diseases can survive for a long time in water until they find another host so it is important to ensure water remains uncontaminated. In addition, diseases, pests and weed seeds are easily distributed by flowing water.
- regularly inspect water sources and ensure they are secure from access by wild/feral animals
- keep water troughs high enough that they cannot be contaminated by animal faeces
- clean water troughs regularly to prevent build up of contaminants
- cover water sources where possible to prevent faecal contamination by wild animals
- don't allow water to stagnate as it may attract insects and other pests that can spread disease
- regularly inspect any water storage tanks to ensure they have not been compromised by wild/feral animals or chemically contaminated
- ensure weed seeds and pests cannot gain access to secure areas of the property through water distribution channels
- check areas around waterways for new weeds
If you see anything unusual on your property call the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888 or the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.