Plan and implement a biosecurity program

Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 3:08 PM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Unit of competency

National Code
AHCBIO403A

State Code
D6701

TGA Status
Replaced

DTWD Status
Replaced

Current Release Number
1.00

Current Release Date
10/06/2011

View on TGA

State Implementation and Classification

Approved Date

13/12/2011

Field of Education

059901 - Pest And Weed Control

Original Release Date

13/12/2011

Nominal Hours

100

Description

This unit covers the planning and implementation of a biosecurity program and defines the standard required to: establish a biosecure area for an animal enterprise; manage visitor access and the storage and movement of inputs and outputs for biosecurity; develop sanitation procedures to reduce the risk of disease; apply integrated pest management practices to control pests in a biosecure area; train staff in biosecurity procedures; review biosecurity status based on records system.

Notes

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Maintain a biosecure area to prevent disease transmission through the use of physical barriers and hygiene practices

1.1. A controlled access perimeter is maintained to funnel authorised traffic through control points.
1.2. Procedures are established and implemented for all staff and equipment to cross the controlled access perimeter into the controlled access zone.
1.3. Entry of workers and equipment into the controlled access zone is restricted by transferring inputs, waste and products through access points on the controlled access perimeter.
1.4. Restricted access perimeters and restricted access zones for each shed are maintained.
1.5. Access to sheds is prioritised, based on the risks and potential impacts of infection being carried to the animals being housed in them.

2. Implement biosecurity procedures to manage visitors

2.1. The risk level of visitors is defined by gathering information before the visit and during sign in.
2.2. Procedures for higher risk visitors such as veterinarians, catchers and vaccinating crews are established.
2.3. Clear signage is maintained to direct traffic and discourage unauthorised visitors.
2.4. The requirements for entry are communicated to visitors before they arrive on site.
2.5. Visitor parking is kept separate so that staff vehicle or traffic ways don't become contaminated.
2.6. A questionnaire is developed to be completed and signed by visitors to establish their risk levels.
2.7. Criteria for banning visitors are set down including those who fail to make pre-arrangements.
2.8. Visitor log books are maintained to allow traceability of any subsequent disease issues.

3. Apply on-farm sanitation practices and personnel movements to reduce the risk of disease

3.1. Drainage is monitored and adjusted to ensure water doesn't collect and stand.
3.2. Hygiene and clothing procedures for entry to the site are put in place and monitored.
3.3. Well-defined transition zones are established and maintained for entering barns or rooms.
3.4. Disinfectants that are appropriate for surfaces and water quality are selected for use.
3.5. Standard operating procedures for cleaning and sanitising facilities, tools and equipment are developed and implemented.
3.6. Staff movements and animal exposures are from most susceptible animals to least susceptible.
3.7. Boot dips are used correctly and recharged frequently.

4. Implement an integrated strategy for pests to reduce the risk of disease

4.1. Facilities are maintained to eliminate potential points of entry for pests.
4.2. All inputs such as feed, animals and bedding are screened to reduce the likelihood of pests being introduced.
4.3. Pest numbers are monitored through the use of counts or other indicators.
4.4. Good sanitation and hygiene is used to break pest cycles and eliminate pest habitat.
4.5. Pests are controlled or excluded from output storage areas.
4.6. Pest numbers are reduced by use of an integrated approach using a combination of biological, chemical, behavioural and mechanical controls.
4.7. Pesticides are rotated periodically to overcome resistance in pest populations.
4.8. Sufficient time is allowed between groups of animals in a shed to break the pest cycle.
4.9. Pest control measures are documented and evaluated in response to effectiveness over time.

5. Manage farm outputs to reduce the risk of disease

5.1. Farm outputs such as garbage, manure and bedding are removed and stored for removal or disposal.
5.2. Storage areas for farm outputs are located in low-traffic areas and managed to prevent cross-contamination and comply with environmental legislation.
5.3. A manure management strategy is put in place with emphasis on sale or recycling.
5.4. A mortality management strategy is implemented using alternatives such as burial, composting, rendering or incineration.

6. Review the implementation of biosecurity measures

6.1. Record keeping of biosecurity procedures is used to reduce risk of disease.
6.2. Effectiveness and progress of control activities are monitored and compared with planned objectives.
6.3. Standards and protocols for the monitoring of sheds and facilities are carried out as part of work duties.
6.4. Issues and concerns with biosecurity are addressed and procedures amended where required.
6.5. Control activities are revised as required to address relevant protocols, maintain cost-effectiveness (including appropriate resource allocation) and contain wider impacts.
6.6. Staff training and induction records are reviewed to ensure they are able to implement all biosecurity requirements appropriate to their position.

RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Animals may include:
pigs
poultry.
Biosecurity may include:
isolation or quarantine through physical barriers as well as hygiene practices to prevent importing pathogens onto the site, or from spreading if they are able to enter the site.

EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:
establish a biosecure area for an animal enterprise
manage visitor access and the storage and movement of inputs and outputs for biosecurity
develop sanitation procedures to reduce the risk of disease
apply integrated pest management practices to control pests in a biosecure area
train staff in biosecurity procedures
review biosecurity status based on records system.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.
Method of assessment
This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge, skill and application using more than one of the following assessment methods: oral/written questions, professional conversations, direct observation, third-party evidence, performance audit and portfolio.
Guidance information for assessment
Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated environments.

Replaced By

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
BAT52	AHCBIO403	Plan and implement a farm or enterprise biosecurity plan	Unit of competency

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
D505	AHC40610	Certificate IV in Production Nursery	Qualification