Bird Flu Preparedness
What Feed Mills Need to Know
For the stockfeed industry, the greatest risk may not be direct infection of livestock, but the operational impacts that accompany an Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) response. If an outbreak occurs nearby, feed mills may be subject to movement controls, permit requirements, restricted access, enhanced biosecurity measures, workforce disruptions and changes to transport arrangements. These controls can apply to businesses operating within declared response, restricted or surveillance zones.
Preparedness
The good news is that avian influenza viruses are relatively fragile in the environment and are readily destroyed by effective cleaning and disinfection. Maintaining high standards of hygiene and using approved disinfectants such as Virkon/Vircon products as directed can significantly reduce risk when combined with sound biosecurity practices.
SFMCA encourages all members to review and strengthen their biosecurity arrangements now rather than waiting for an outbreak to occur.
We recommend members:
> Review the SFMCA Feed Mill Biosecurity Manual
> Complete the Feed Mill Biosecurity Checklist
> Reassess visitor, contractor and vehicle entry procedures
> Verify cleaning and disinfection protocols are current and understood by staff
> Review contingency plans for maintaining operations during movement restrictions
> Ensure all staff know how to identify and report unusual animal disease events
> Maintain close communication with customers, transport providers and regulators during any response event
Follow Official Directions
If your business is affected by an Emergency Animal Disease response, it is essential that you follow the directions of your state or territory authorities. Response arrangements, movement requirements and permit processes may differ between jurisdictions and can change rapidly as an outbreak evolves.
SFMCA is actively monitoring developments and engaging with governments and industry stakeholders to ensure the needs of the stockfeed sector are understood during any emergency animal disease response.