North Coast Local Land Services District Veterinarian, Sarah Bolton has issued a reminder particularly for horse owners on small acreages.

“Keeping informed about common diseases such as Hendra virus, Tetanus and Strangles as well as other well-known risks to horse health including worms and toxic weeds such as Crofton Weed and Green Cestrum will help keep you and your horses safe.

“Being mindful of biosecurity will also reduce the possibility of a problem spreading to a neighbouring paddock or to horses belonging to friends and others further afield at the next campdraft or pony club event,” Dr Bolton said.

Under the new Biosecurity Act (July 2017), all stock owners have a responsibility to help protect NSW from biosecurity risks; it states that anyone who knows or ought reasonably to know about a biosecurity risk has a duty to prevent, eliminate or minimise that risk as far as reasonably practicable.

Dr Bolton also advises horse owners to be aware of their legal requirements regarding Property Identification Codes (PIC) and Travelling Stock Statements.

“Any property holding stock, even if it’s just one horse, a donkey or an alpaca, must have a PIC.

“Without a PIC, horses and other stock are not legally allowed to take part in shows, exhibitions or other events and a PIC is also required when a horse is bought, sold or agisted.

“If there is a disease outbreak, a PIC is a crucial biosecurity tool as PIC records contain vital details that can help trace horse movements, contain disease spread, and inform warnings and alerts to other horse owners.” Dr Bolton said.

Owners of small acreages can apply for a PIC from any Local Land Services office or online at www.northcoast.lls.nsw.gov.au.

Horse owners will also need a Transported Stock Statement (TSS) in NSW if they move a horse in a vehicle from its home location to a different property.

However, a TSS is not required if a horse is being driven to or from a show, gymkhana, pony club meeting or other event, or if it is being transported for veterinary treatment.

A TSS is also not required when transporting racehorses and working horses.

“A disease like Hendra virus that can spread from animals to humans is a prime example of a potentially deadly health risk that can be prevented through appropriate biosecurity measures such as vaccination and good hygiene.”

Landholders can contact their local District Veterinarian or Biosecurity Officer by contacting North Coast Local Land Services on 1300 795 299.