Strengthening farm biosecurity with quarantine paddocks

We are all familiar with the threat of a computer virus wreaking havoc on our devices and disrupting our daily lives. We take steps to prevent this, like installing antivirus software, avoiding suspicious websites, and developing our cyber awareness.

The same vigilance and proactive approach should be applied to biosecurity on farms to protect our crops and livestock from pests, weeds, and diseases.

Understanding the threat

Pests, weeds and diseases can arrive on a farm through numerous pathways, including:

• storage structures such as sea containers
• grain and livestock handling machinery and equipment
• soil and plant residues
• arriving animals, grain or hay.

Natural pathways, like wind, water, wild birds, insects and feral animals also pose risks that are more challenging to control.

Threats often enter unnoticed during routine farming operations, gaining unrestricted access that allows them to establish in productive areas.

Pre-arrival precautions

Effective biosecurity starts before new arrivals enter the property. Whether you are bringing in fodder or livestock, manage your threat risk by:

• researching pest, weed or disease incursions at the source property, district and region
• requesting pest-free declarations or certifications, proof of on-farm quality assurance programs, and details of monitoring and testing regimes
• inquiring about inspections conducted and health certifications issued according to your state’s biosecurity legislation
• confirming that people, machinery and equipment are clean upon arrival.

By taking these steps and asking the right questions, you can assess the risk of weeds, pests or diseases being introduced to your property with incoming consignments.

Implementing quarantine upon arrival

Managing new livestock arrivals and feeding in imported fodder and grain in isolation or quarantine paddocks is one the most effective biosecurity measures.

This approach provides a physical barrier that prevents entry and establishment of pests, weeds and diseases. It allows time for thorough assessment through vigilant monitoring for anything unusual and enables you to apply any necessary treatments to prevent the spread of diseases to healthy stock, and pests and weeds to the rest of your property.

New animals should be quarantined for at least three weeks, during which their health needs to be closely observed and any unusual signs promptly investigated.

Upgrading your protection

A well-designed quarantine paddock is essential for effective biosecurity. Follow these best practices:

• Location: position the quarantine paddock near the farmhouse or working area, ideally close to handling yards, to minimise movement across the farm.
• Maintenance: thoroughly clean water and feeding points and allow the paddock to rest or be used for cropping after quarantining new stock before reusing it again for grazing.
• Water flow management: ensure water flow from the quarantine area is controlled and directed away from other paddocks to prevent contamination.
• Double fencing: install a double fence around the quarantine paddock to prevent nose-to-nose contact, reducing the risk of disease transmission.
• Regular inspections: routinely inspect boundary fences for security and repair any gaps to ensure they are stock-proof.

A biosecurity mindset

Ballyglunin Park, near Hamilton in Victoria, exemplifies the biosecurity mindset. Operating as a closed farm for livestock, grain, and hay, Ballyglunin Park has had a formalized biosecurity plan in place since 2004.

“The only livestock that are brought onto the farm are stud sires and stud bulls. We can manage their isolation for parasites control and weed control,” explains Michael Blake, owner of Ballyglunin Park and a pioneer in farm quality assurance schemes.

“As an example, we buy bulls from South Australia where there has been paddy melon infestations and we can collect the seed germination from the quarantine pens.”

Michael added that new livestock are always spelled in isolation paddocks and carefully monitored for health problems before being integrated with other livestock.

Boundaries at Ballyglunin Park are well maintained and secure, ensuring all visitors enter the property through one controlled entry/exit point. Visitors must seek permission to enter and have their vehicles washed at the local sale yards and inspected upon entry.

This rigorous approach has earned Ballyglunin Park recognition, including the National Biosecurity Farmer of the Year award in 2007.

A proactive approach to biosecurity is essential for protecting your farm from potential threats. If you see anything unusual, report it to your agronomist or veterinarian, and call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881 or Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 1800 675 888.

For more detailed guidance, refer to the Grains Industry Biosecurity Manual and other resources available from the Farm Biosecurity Program, and Agriculture Victoria.