Farmers should review on-farm biosecurity measures

Farmers should review all on-farm biosecurity plans and limit anyone entering the premises to business-critical visitors.

Biosecurity plans are in place on most farms to limit animal disease; small adaptations will make these plans work in light of Covid-19.

• Robust biosecurity starts with visitor management: Limit farm access to essential visitors only.
• Biosecurity protocols have to be clear to all farm staff and communicated to visitors. Most importantly, ensure direct contact is minimised and hands are washed with soap and water regularly and hand sanitizer is used often. Always follow HSE guidelines.
• Place a biosecurity sign at the farm entrance.
• Keep a record of all visitors to the farm.
• Designate an area where visitors are received away from other members of the household with facilities to wash hands and enough room to keep a safe distance of 2 meters. This could be the dairy, the farm office or an equipment shed.
• Wear disposable gloves when touching shared equipment and wash hands thoroughly afterwards.
• DO NOT touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

First Published 16 March 2020