Australia takes steps to ensure animal safety

Protecting livestock is a national issue, and it seems Australia is making significant progress towards making sure its animals are safe. Not only has a new quarantine booking system been brought in, but veterinary services have been met with praise by overseas evaluators.

Introducing the Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ) facility

The PEQ is designed to make it more convenient for animals to be brought into Australia, while ensuring the risk of infectious diseases and pests is kept to a minimum.

The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources explained that users of the new booking system will be able to provide their information and documents online, as well as make payments.

"Exotic pests and diseases could devastate our $57 billion agricultural industries as well as our unique environment, native flora and fauna, our tourism industries and lifestyle," acknowledged Head of the PEQ Build Colin Grant.

He stressed that it is the department's responsibility to make sure biosecurity risks are minimised when animals are imported into the country. This will also offer some reassurance to agricultural businesses, who may be less likely to make a claim on their farm insurance if risks are controlled.

Animal health systems met with praise

The World Organisation for Animal Health Performance of Veterinary Services recently carried out a three-week check of Australia's systems - and it was impressed with what it found. Assessors said the country had "performed to a very high level" and showed why it had a "strong sanitary reputation" on the global stage.

Biosecurity risks were once again in the spotlight, as the evaluators said Australia has a sound understanding of the potential problems it faces. Not only this, steps have been put in place to help mitigate the impact of any difficulties.

For peace of mind among your agricultural operations, get in touch with an agent to discuss the benefits a farm insurance policy can bring.