ANIMAL WELFARE:
Livestock care and handling responsibilities are covered by Australian Law with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1985 legally binding on all who work with animals.
The Australian Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals sets minimum standards of stock management and in practice this means that all Australian farmers must provide their goats with a healthy and safe environment.
In all livestock management situations you need to ensure all procedures are performed competently and hygienic precautions are taken so that animal health is not endangered. All procedures that are used must ensure minimum stress or discomfort to the animal.
HUMAN HEALTH PRECAUTION:
If you work with animals, including sheep or goats, it is a good idea to be vaccinated against some diseases. Vaccination against Q fever which is a minor disease in goats but very serious in affected people, is recommended for all goat owners.
Tetanus could occur if a puncture wound becomes contaminated with dirt or goat faeces and this is readily prevented with vaccination.
A animal owner or breeder should never contact animal body fluids without the protection of gloves that are made specifically for that purpose. Disposable gloves are the best way to maintain a healthy farmer.
CHEMICAL SAFETY:
All uses of farm chemicals should ensure they are familiar with safe handling practices of insecticides, drenches, vaccines, herbicides and other pesticides that they may use on their farm and on their animals.
Farm chemical safety is a person responsibility but one that has very wide ranging implications for the health and safety of all who live and work on the property. The New South Wales Environment protection Agency requires all uses of farm chemicals to complete and accredited farm chemical application. Contact the NSW Department of Primary Industry for further details.
All those involved in the use, handling and storage of any farm chemicals are required to undertake a course in Risk Management in Chemical Application. Contact the DPI or Rural Lands Protection Board for details.
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