Horse Venue Biosecurity Workbook gets a major update!

The Horse Venue Biosecurity Workbook has received a fresh and comprehensive update! Led by a dedicated working group from across the horse industry – including members from the Australian Horse Industry Council, Racing Australia (with representatives from Racing Victoria, Racing Queensland, Racing South Australia, Racing & Wagering Western Australia, and Tasracing), Equestrian Australia, and the Scone Equine Group – this revamped workbook is designed to empower venue managers and owners to establish robust biosecurity practices to protect horses from diseases and pests.

Originally created in 2010, the workbook now reflects the latest in biosecurity standards and practices, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of horse venues today. The updated workbook includes an introduction to essential biosecurity principles and user-friendly tables for event holders to customise based on their venue’s needs. New sections cover important diseases affecting horses and outline biosecurity measures for before, during, and after events.

Topics covered include the management of horses and livestock, staff and volunteers, vehicles, equipment, feed, and bedding. It also offers guidance on venue-specific measures, record-keeping, and training staff and volunteers in biosecurity best practices.

Other key features of the updated workbook:

• Action plan template: Users can fill out an action plan specific to their venue.
• Visitor register, visitor risk assessment, and movement register: Templates to ensure thorough record-keeping.
• Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) preparedness: Practical guidance and an EAD Action Plan template to use in the event of a suspected outbreak.

This updated workbook is available now on the Farm Biosecurity website and will soon be available in a convenient fillable format.

Get ready to put biosecurity front and centre at your venue!