Make a statement about goat health
04 January 2016
One of the best forms of defence against new pests or diseases being introduced into goat herds is the National Goat Health Statement which can be requested from vendors when buying or agisting animals.
The National Goat Health Statement is a nationally agreed declaration form that requires producers to provide details about the history of their herd. It asks for information regarding a number of significant diseases and parasites including Johne’s disease, footrot, Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis (CAE) and lice, as well as drenching and vaccination history.
Prospective buyers and agistors of goats are able to assess the risk a herd of goats presents to their own herd using the Goat Health Statement. Buying or agisting goats without a National Goat Health Statement is considered a risky business as very little may be known about the health status of the animals.
“Goat producers should be using health statements as a default setting in their biosecurity regime when moving or introducing stock, just as they would put on a seatbelt before driving out from the farm gate,” said Animal Health Australia’s Manager, Endemic Diseases, Dr Lorna Citer.
“Importantly, the National Goat Health Statement applies to all sectors of the goat industry, whether you’re into milk, meat or fibre. Even if you harvest free range goats, this vital document can still apply.”
“By using and insisting on a National Goat Health Statement you are also reinforcing to your own industry stakeholders that when it comes to biosecurity and the health of your herd, you mean business and that can only be a good thing for the bottom line,” said Dr Citer.
Further information
The National Goat Health Statement can be downloaded from the Animal Health Australia website
View MLA’s webinar about how to develop a farm biosecurity plan
