Visitor biosecurity management
Topics
2 min read
Biosecurity on your farm involves taking measures to protect the health of your animals and prevent the spread of pests and diseases. The page highlights simple controls such as having one clear entry point, displaying biosecurity signage, using a visitor sign-in form, and setting specific rules for overseas visitors. Emphasis is placed on cleaning and disinfection procedures, especially for visitors' boots. Guidelines for creating specific farm policies and procedures are included, and the page outlines the use of red, orange, and green zones to map out and manage risk areas on your farm.
Anyone coming onto the farm is entering your farm ‘bubble’ and may pose a risk to the health of your animals or bring weeds and pests along for the ride.
To reduce the risk, it’s important to set up some simple controls on your farm.
Reduce the risk
Have one clear entry point - this gives you more control over who and what comes onto your farm.
Biosecurity signage - this reminds visitors that they are entering your farm, and your expectations of visitors. Get your visitor sign at dairynz.co.nz/visitor-sign.
A visitor sign-in form - records who has come, when they arrived, and ensures visitors sign out when they leave.
Overseas visitors - anyone who has visited any country that has foot-and-mouth disease should stay away from susceptible animals for one week after arrival into New Zealand.
Farm zone policy for visitors
Use the red, orange, green system to map out zones on your farm.
Cleaning and disinfection
Set up a cleaning and disinfection point. This is vital to prevent the spread of diseases and weeds.
All visitors should clean and disinfect their boots. Hand sanitiser or hand washing facilities are also recommended.
Information for farm visitors
Display all visitor information at entry and exit points.
Biosecurity visitor management plan
PDF
Template
57 KB
Anyone coming onto your farm may pose a risk to the health of your staff or animals and could bring weeds and pests along for the ride. To reduce this risk, it’s important to set up some simple controls.
Biosecurity farm plan
PDF
Template
530 KB
Use this template to create your own farm biosecurity plan and strengthen preparedness for potential threats.
Cleaning and disinfection
When washing boots, ensure that all the visible dirt and muck is removed, and pay special attention to the soles. Disinfectant doesn’t work on dirty boots. Spray a generous amount of disinfectant around the bottom and soles of the boots. It’s a good idea for visitors to clean and disinfect their boots again when they leave.
Video: How to clean and disinfect footwear on farm
Biosecurity policies and procedures
Set up a farm biosecurity policy that keeps animals in the yards for vet visits and routine procedures and have machinery near the visitor parking area. This means contractors and visitors won't need to go out into your paddocks.
Make sure all your staff know the rules about where visitors can go on farm. Talk through these points with your team:
Who has access?
- Do visitors need someone from the farm with them?
- Can non-farm vehicles go on the farm races? You might let some vehicles on (like Transpower contractors getting to pylons) but only on set routes.
Other key areas on farm:
- Where are beehives located?
- Where does pest control work happen?
- Have you marked out the high-risk areas on your farm? For example, keeping all visitors out of calf pens.
The key is having clear rules and making sure everyone on the farm knows them.
How to zone your farm
Below are some examples to show you how to zone your farm.
Additional resources
Biosecurity farm plan
PDF
Template
530 KB
Use this template to create your own farm biosecurity plan and strengthen preparedness for potential threats.
Biosecurity pre-purchase fillable checklist
PDF
Biosecurity
56 KB
A biosecurity pre-purchase checklist for guidance.
Biosecurity visitor management plan
PDF
Template
57 KB
Anyone coming onto your farm may pose a risk to the health of your staff or animals and could bring weeds and pests along for the ride. To reduce this risk, it’s important to set up some simple controls.
Biosecurity visitor sign (A4 version)
PDF
Poster
14 KB
Display this sign at the farm entrance to ensure visitors contact you before entering.
Biosecurity visitor sign (A3 version)
PDF
Poster
18 KB
Display this sign at the farm entrance to ensure visitors contact you before entering.
