FAWC's response, of 21 May 2003 to a Defra consultation on Biosecurity Guidance

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on biosecurity guidance for people coming into contact with livestock.

FAWC welcomes advice to farmers and others to remind them of the need for effective biosecurity. We would like to stress that this strategy should be followed in good times as well as bad; the biosecurity culture developed during Classical Swine Fever and Foot and Mouth Disease should be maintained at an appropriate level. We should be prepared for the next significant disease outbreak but also use the strategy to reduce the effects of ongoing endemic diseases, many of which have severe welfare consequences. Biosecurity is not just for the major outbreaks.

Perhaps the guidance could be presented and distributed in ways that are usable by each sector when they need it. For example, leaflets sent to all farmers, agricultural premises/contractors/suppliers, veterinarians and public servant liable to go onto livestock units and available to the public at relevant outlets (tourist offices, schools, etc.).

Turning to the detail:

On page 1, para 2 it should be added that, as well as prevention of disease entering or leaving premises, it should also be aimed at limiting spread from shed to shed and field to field within the same premises.

Page 2, para 6. Biosecurity does come at a cost since disinfectants and other measures are not free. While one might argue that farmers and others should have been doing such things all along, this is extra to the status quo. One particular financial consideration is the necessary "downtime" for vehicles being cleaned. This may require an additional vehicle to be purchased and possibly lead to poorer quality vehicles being used with welfare consequences for the animals transported therein. Whilst we see no simple solution to this dilemma, it should be borne in mind.

Page 4 of the main guidance, para 5 (c) should "shows" also be listed?

Page 7. Para 2.1.1 add "spraying wheels"

Para 3.1.1 Add that public should not deposit any waste or rubbish and should keep pets under control.

Page 8, para 4.1 (a) Include the footwell in the cleansing process as per Annex A, para 3.

Annex A, Para 1. Include "especially if you have visited another livestock premises in the previous 48 to 72 hours"

Annex A, Para 3. Why the "derogation" that vehicles may not be cleaned and disinfected before moving to another premises. We feel it is an Achilles heel to allow this. Products such as Virkon S can be carried safely in a cab in the dry powder form and water obtained on site, so there should be no exceptions.

We welcome this guidance as a positive step towards better disease control, and therefore towards enhanced welfare protection for our livestock. To be effective, however, it must be rigorously followed and not seen as a cosmetic exercise.