As major agricultural events like the Royal Queensland Show (EKKA) approach, livestock exhibitors must take proactive steps to protect their animals from pests and diseases. Bringing animals together from different properties poses a biosecurity risk, but with the right precautions, these risks can be managed effectively.
Why biosecurity matters at events
Agricultural shows bring animals into close quarters, increasing the chance of disease transmission through direct contact, shared surfaces, contaminated equipment, and even human interaction. Livestock can pick up and spread diseases through feed, water sources, and bedding, while pests and weeds can hitch a ride back to farms via contaminated clothing, vehicles, and fodder.
Both event organisers and exhibitors share the responsibility of maintaining biosecurity. Event holders must have a biosecurity plan in place to manage risks, while exhibitors must follow best practices to prevent disease transmission.
Best practices for livestock exhibitors
Before the event
- Only take healthy animals. Animals should be fit to load and show no clinical signs of illness.
- Vaccinate where possible. Consult a veterinarian about vaccinations for common endemic diseases in your region.
- Prepare movement records and health declarations. Many shows require an Animal Health Declaration, which includes disease status, vaccinations, and test results.
- Transport responsibly. If using a third-party transporter, verify their cleaning and hygiene practices to prevent contamination.
At the event
- Isolate your animals from others where possible. Avoid allowing them to graze in shared areas or drink from communal water troughs.
- Keep your stall or pen clean. Remove old bedding, keep manure to a minimum, and ensure a hygienic environment.
- Do not share equipment. If sharing is necessary, disinfect all equipment before and after use.
- Monitor animals for signs of illness. Report any sick animals to event organisers immediately.
- Follow event biosecurity protocols. Be aware of emergency biosecurity procedures in case of an outbreak.
Returning home: preventing disease spread
- Quarantine returning animals for at least 21 – 28 days. This allows time for any disease signs to appear and prevents contamination of the rest of your mob/herd.
- Clean and disinfect transport vehicles. This helps prevent the spread of disease back to the farm.
- Inspect and isolate new fodder. Check for signs of pests or weed germination before introducing it to your property.
- Monitor livestock for any signs of illness. Report concerns to a veterinarian promptly.
For event organisers: strengthening biosecurity measures
Event holders must implement biosecurity plans to manage disease risks effectively. This includes:
- Requiring exhibitors to submit Animal Health Declarations.
- Keeping records of all attending livestock as per state and territory regulations.
- Providing separate housing areas for different species to prevent cross-species disease transmission.
- Having a designated isolation area for sick animals.
- Clearly displaying biosecurity procedures and emergency contact information.
While livestock shows are a highlight of the agricultural calendar, they come with biosecurity risks. By taking simple, proactive steps, such as ensuring animal health, maintaining cleanliness, and quarantining returning animals both exhibitors and event organisers can protect livestock, secure farms, and support a strong agricultural industry.
For more information on show biosecurity best practices see here Livestock-Biosecurity-at-Events-Factsheet.
