Biosecurity and Disease Control Policy

Purpose. This policy protects the horses on all three properties from infectious disease brought in by new arrivals, visitors, vehicles and equipment.

1.Purpose

A single case of strangles, equine influenza or a reportable disease can close a property and stop racing for weeks. This policy states the controls the business applies to arrivals, isolation, visitors and hygiene so that disease is kept out or contained quickly.

2.Arrivals and isolation

Every horse arriving from outside the business must go into the isolation yards for a minimum of 14 days unless the Veterinary Liaison and Welfare Manager approves a shorter period in writing. Temperature must be taken and recorded twice daily during isolation. Arrival must be recorded in the Horse Movement and Biosecurity Register on the day.

3.Visitors and vehicles

Visitors must sign in, declare any recent contact with sick horses and use the boot wash at the entry. Floats and trucks from other properties must be cleaned before loading Silverstride horses. Farriers, dentists and veterinarians must follow the property hygiene rules.

• Sign in and declaration at the office
• Boot wash and hand sanitiser at every barn entry
• No shared gear between isolation and main barns
• Vehicle cleaning before entry to the stud

4.Reporting

Signs of infectious disease, including fever, nasal discharge, swollen glands or abortion, must be reported to the Veterinary Liaison and Welfare Manager immediately. Notifiable diseases will be reported to the state agriculture department as the law requires.

5.Responsibilities

The Veterinary Liaison and Welfare Manager owns this policy and the register. Property managers must maintain the isolation yards and wash points. All staff must follow the hygiene rules and report signs of disease.