New Biosecurity Blueprint to protect SA’s livestock industry

The first state-based, industry-led biosecurity plan for livestock has been launched today by Livestock SA, identifying ways to focus biosecurity activities, resources and investment.

The South Australian Livestock Biosecurity Blueprint 2030, launched at the Livestock SA AGM as part of the Growing SA 2022 Conference in Hahndorf, outlines the vision for SA’s livestock industry to have the systems, capability and capacity to minimise the risks of, and maximise preparedness for, endemic and exotic pest, weed and disease incursions.

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven said SA’s $2.1 billion livestock industry is vitally important to the state’s economy and for jobs in regional SA.

“With the recent detections in Indonesia of foot and mouth disease (FMD) and lumpy skin disease (LSD), the emphasis on livestock biosecurity has become paramount,” she said.

“With the heightened risk of emergency animal disease, the timely launch of the South Australian Livestock Biosecurity Blueprint will help to further consolidate our preparedness efforts across the entire supply chain to mitigate the risks these diseases pose to our livestock sector and build on the work already commenced with the respective Sheep and Beef Industry Blueprints.

“The South Australian Government commends Livestock SA for being proactive in taking steps towards improving industry biosecurity initiatives, with the blueprint being an important part of this process.

“We are committed to protecting agricultural industries and way of life and continue to work closely with the Federal Government, interstate counterparts and the local livestock industry to ensure SA stays free from these emergency animal diseases.”

The blueprint is built on five priority areas: enhancing biosecurity culture; unified approach; building capacity across the supply chain; preparedness and prevention; and strong and effective traceability.

Livestock SA President Joe Keynes said the blueprint would encourage both public and private investment into activities and resources identified by industry and government which help to shield SA from increasing threats of serious biosecurity incursions.

“The blueprint is the result of the inaugural Livestock Biosecurity Summit held at Murray Bridge earlier this year, which brought together representatives from across the South Australian livestock supply chain, and subsequent industry consultation,” he said.

“Through both the summit and now the blueprint, our industry has a shared vision which aims to protect all industry participants from any incursions and ultimately maintain market access, contributing to our collective sustainability and profitability.

“The blueprint will improve the industry’s ability to achieve its production targets.”

View a copy of the Biosecurity Blueprint.