Biosecurity Queensland is urging horse owners to be aware of new biosecurity laws that will commence on 1 July 2016.

General Manager for Animal Biosecurity and Welfare, Dr Allison Crook, said it was important horse owners understood the new laws. From 1 July 2016, part of Queensland will be designated as the tick free zone and the remainder as the tick infested zone. The tick line has been strengthened and simplified by removing the control zone and aligning the tick line with stronger, double fenced boundaries in some areas.

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The new tick line map can be viewed at www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au

Owners of low risk livestock, such as horses, will have an obligation to only move tick free animals into the tick free zone.

All horse owners will still have an obligation to report the presence of cattle tick in the tick free zone. Cattle tick infested properties in the tick free zone will need to ensure their livestock are tick free before they are moved and will need to eradicate ticks from their property.

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“If you keep a horse you are considered a registrable biosecurity entity and must register your details with Biosecurity Queensland from 1 July 2016.

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You must register if you keep:

• One or more cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, bison, buffalo, deer, members of the camel family, members of the equine family

• 100 or more designated birds– those that are raised for human consumption (poultry) or the production of eggs for human consumption (e.g. chickens), or that have been released into free flight since they started being kept in captivity (e.g. pigeons)

• One or more bee hives.

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“If you keep a horse, when you register as a biosecurity entity a PIC will be issued.

“If you already have a PIC, you’ll be automatically registered as a biosecurity entity on 1 July 2016 and registration will remain effective for three years.”

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The movement record must include:

• where the horses/s are being moved from

• where the horses/s are being moved to and the name of the person receiving the horse/s

• a description of the horse/s including species, breed and any distinguishing feature sufficient to identify the horse/s

• the date of movement

• the person completing the record

• the actions taken to minimise the risk of cattle ticks if moving a horse from the tick infested zone to the free zone, or from infested places in the free zone.

“The person receiving the horse must also create a movement record,” Dr Crook said.

“If you are moving a horse across the tick line or from an infested place in the free zone, the record must be in your possession while travelling.

“A range of methods can be used to record the details of the movement record, including electronic format on a smart device or in writing. As long as it includes the required details, it will be a valid record.

“Organisers of horse events must also keep records of each horse that has attended their event.”

A major theme of the new laws is that of shared responsibility –everyone is responsible for managing their own biosecurity risks.

The laws introduce the general biosecurity obligation, meaning horse owners must take an active role in managing biosecurity risks under their control and must ensure their actions do not spread pests or diseases.

Queensland’s new Biosecurity Act 2014 will commence on 1 July 2016. To find out more about your responsibilities visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.

If you suspect Hendra virus infection in your horse after 1 July 2016, you must still report it to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.

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Property Identification Codes and How to Apply for One

 

For some time now it has been a legal requirement of all horse owners (including owners of one or more head of horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, buffalo, etc.) that you must apply to register your property with Biosecurity Queensland. You will receive a property identification code (PIC). This will assist EQ and Biosecurity Queensland in tracking horse movement should an outbreak occur.

If you do not have one, it can be easily obtained, and could we ask all members that currently do not have a PIC that they start applying for one prior to our renewal period. You will need your lot plan number (found on your rates notice).  

We have been advised that upon application requesting a PIC, it takes approximately five (5) working days to receive notification.

You can register for your PIC online HERE

A fine up to $4000 can be imposed if you are not registered.

If you have any enquiries please do not hesitate to contact the Equestrian Queensland office on (07) 3891 6611

This is EQ Horse Movement App for $5.99 per year.