Animal biosecurity
What is animal biosecurity?
Animal biosecurity is all about protecting the economy, human health and the environment from problems associated with pests and diseases of animals and residues in animal products.
The department works with animal owners, animal industries, communities and other stakeholders to keep NSW animals and animal products healthy and safe.
The NSW Animal Biosecurity and Welfare Strategic Plan 2019-2023 guides priority activities to safeguard the NSW economy, environment and community from diseases and pests that affect animals, as well as improve animal welfare outcomes.
The Animal Biosecurity and Welfare Business Plan is an overview of the objectives, strategies, deliverables and Key Performance Indicators that the NSW DPI and LLS alliance is committed to delivering in 2023-2024.
Zoonoses are animal diseases that are transmissible to humans. About 75% of emerging human infectious diseases are thought to have come from animals, including wildlife. People in close contact with animals or animal products are most at risk of these infections. This includes veterinarians, farmers, abattoir workers, shearers, wildlife carers and, of course, pet owners.
Visit the zoonoses page for more information.
Some diseases of wildlife and feral animals can infect domestic animals and humans. For example, bats can carry Hendra virus, which can cause a fatal disease in horses that can, in turn, infect humans. Wild water birds can be a reservoir for infection for avian influenza ('bird flu'). Visit the biosecurity, wildlife and feral animals page for more information on pests and disease of wild animals.
Vets are a crucial link in the biosecurity chain. They collect surveillance information, give expert biosecurity advice to livestock owners and industries and provide a vital front-line resource in the fight against important animal pests and disease. The veterinary practitioner page gives practitioners up-to-date information on animal biosecurity.
Livestock producers and animal owners are in the best position to protect their own animals, and those of their neighbours and the wider livestock industries, by adopting good biosecurity practices.
Simple measures such as:
- checking your own animals regularly and reporting anything unusual;
- introducing only healthy animals and initially isolating them from your own stock;
- taking care when agisting; and
- keeping fences secure;
are all good biosecurity practices.
The NSW DPI livestock page provides producers with information about topics such as:
- enterprise management
- health and disease
- livestock movements
- animal welfare.
DPI has developed a guide for managing animal biosecurity risks during authorised officer farm visits
Download the Guide: Managing animal biosecurity risks during authorised officer farm visits (PDF, 581.8 KB).
The factsheet Slaughter of animals sold for human consumption (PDF, 479.05 KB) provides information about the slaughter of animals where the meat is sold for human consumption in NSW and related biosecurity issues.
Glovebox Guide
Biosecurity, Emergency Animal Diseases and preparing livestock for transport
This guide is designed to provide clear, digestible, contemporary information on the main issues all livestock owners, producers and those involved in the market chain need to be familiar with biosecurity, EADs, and requirements for the safe transport of livestock.
Reporting animal biosecurity emergencies
Some animal pests and diseases, or residues in animal products or stock feed can have serious consequences for trade, production or human health. By remaining vigilant and acting quickly if you suspect a significant animal pest, disease, or residue you may be able to prevent these consequences. Don’t delay! Contact Local Land Services or ring the 24 hour hotline: Emergency Animal Disease Hotline (24 hours) on 1800 675 888.
If you have a particular query or comment, please email the NSW DPI's Biosecurity Branch on animal.biosecurity@dpi.nsw.gov.au
