Animal Welfare Advice and Biosecurity

Transporting Livestock

A guide has been developed by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) for the purpose of helping livestock operators meet the Australian Animal Welfare Standards & Guidelines for the Land Transport of Livestock.

The guide below will detail the roles and responsibilities of those in charge of transporting the animals, how to assess if an animal is fit to load, and examples of animals that are deemed unfit to load.

Click here to view the MLA Fit to Load Guide

Emergency Animal Diseases Preparedness Information

Access information and resources from Department of Agriculture to prevent and prepare for emergency animal diseases, including:

  • lumpy skin disease (LSD)
  • foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)
  • African swine fever (ASF)

These have the potential to cause significant and far-reaching impacts to Australia’s livestock industries, including considerable economic losses and restrictions.

Make sure you:

If your livestock are showing signs of foot-and-mouth disease, immediately call the
Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888
(free call within Australia)

Animal Welfare Advice and Biosecurity Statements

  • At the sale on Tuesday 5 November 2024, a number of cattle arrived at the Roma Saleyards carrying ticks.

    Maranoa Regional Council has robust biosecurity management plan in place. This is complemented with a site-specific plan for the Roma Saleyards.  

    Staff immediately reported the detection to Biosecurity Queensland which took control of the biosecurity risk.

    All affected lots were isolated under the direction of Biosecurity Queensland.

    Under this direction, Council took action to cleanse the saleyards.

    In addition to the immediate response by staff to contain any risk, we were advised that the yards are a low-risk environment for further spread.

    Three regular sales have been held since this incident with no further issues identified.

    The Department of Primary Industries is the lead agency in biosecurity matters. After notifying Biosecurity Queensland, Maranoa Regional Council and the Roma Saleyards has acted in accordance with all advice and continues to work closely with the department.

    As lead agency Biosecurity Queensland has been communicating with the affected owners and neighbouring properties to complete surveillance activities, herd inspections and tracing of livestock movements to define the extent of the infestation.

    All properties identified as having an increased biosecurity risk following surveillance and tracing activities will be contacted by Biosecurity Queensland.

    Maranoa Regional Council Mayor and portfolio spokesperson for the Roma Saleyards, Wendy Taylor, said Council has been working closely with the State Government for the safety of the industry.

    “Beef production is one of the Maranoa region’s leading primary industries and is the lifeblood of many residents,” Cr Taylor said.

    “Maranoa Regional Council takes the issue of biosecurity very seriously, and our staff responded immediately and appropriately to ensure the integrity of the Saleyards, and minimise risk to producers.

    “We continue to work closely with the DPI to protect the industry.”

    “As lead agency Biosecurity Queensland has been communicating with owners and property holders, including attending a producer organised information session and I thank them for their efforts to communicate with the industry.”

    “We will be working with the State Government to ensure that appropriate resources are available in the region to manage this incursion.”

Roma Saleyards