Central Murray BestWool BestLamb has partnered with Western Murray Land Improvement Group (WMLIG) to engage Nathan Scott from Achieve Ag Solutions to present 'The Biosecurity Imperative'. The session included understanding the importance of biosecurity, having a biosecurity plan and the implications of all biosecurity outbreaks. Nathan used the UK FMD outbreak as an example of how an outbreak can impact not only an enterprise, but the entire industry. Nathan explained that the outbreak began with 16 infected sheep being sent to a sale yard. The outbreak required more than 10,000 vets, soldiers and field staff to control it which resulted in slaughtering 4.2 million animals. Which is why it is important "if you see something, say something", the quicker a disease is diagnosed, the quicker the industry can reduce the spread and impact on the industry. Nathan provided attendees with some practical mitigation strategies to prevent a biosecurity disruption to your business, including: The use of Electronic Identification to track livestock. Quarantine and monitor incoming stock for a minimum of seven days. Limit the movement of non-property vehicles. Know who and what comes onto your property. Ensure boundaries are well maintained. Clean your footwear with a footbath, hoof scraper or screwdriver. Soak your boots in citric acid or sodium carbonate (pH increaser for pools) 500g in 20L of water for 15 minutes. Nathan reassured attendees by reiterating to 'be alert, not alarmed' by being a bit more cautious about what you are doing, whether you are on your farm or visiting.