Fine issued for footrot quarantine breach
A Western Australian sheep producer was recently prosecuted for failing to comply with a quarantine notice under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management (BAM) Regulations following the detection of virulent footrot in his sheep flock.
The producer, from the Shire of Denmark, pleaded guilty to failing to take adequate precautions to prevent sheep leaving the quarantined property and was given a fine of $900.
The successful prosecution demonstrates the importance of adhering to quarantine notice instructions, which were designed to prevent the further spread of virulent footrot.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development manages the implementation of the State’s Footrot Control Program on behalf of the Sheep and Goats Industry Funding Scheme (IFS).
The department quarantines flocks with virulent footrot to restrict the movement of sheep from these properties until the infection has been eradicated.
When a property is quarantined for footrot, the owner is responsible for ensuring the disease does not spread to neighbouring properties by preventing the sheep from straying. The quarantine notice specifically directs that fence and gate security must be maintained to ensure sheep remain within the quarantined property.
A contribution of 15 cents for every sheep or goat sold in WA is collected by the Sheep and Goats IFS, and used to fund priority industry programs aimed at controlling declared pests and diseases.
On behalf of sheep producers in WA, the Sheep and Goats IFS invests significant funding to control the spread of virulent footrot and to limit the financial and welfare impacts of the disease.
Virulent footrot is a bacterial infection of the skin on sheep’s feet that causes lameness and productivity losses. Movements of infected sheep can spread the disease.
See the virulent footrot webpage for more information or contact Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development veterinary officer Jenny Cotter on +61 (0)8 9841 2707.