The industry has solid experience in biosecurity management and integrity systems.
The Cattle Council of Australia and its members are taking active steps to protect the health and safety of its people and the community.
CCA President Tony Hegarty said maintaining health and safety would be vital to keeping the industry open for business.
“This virus is causing uncertainty and the best way we can fight it is staying healthy,” Mr Hegarty said.
“Even though risks are lower on farms, the consequences are severe, so we need to stay vigilant.
“Our members are making sure on-farm practices prevent transmitting sickness between people.
“This includes increased hand washing, self-isolating if sick, sneezing or coughing into an elbow and not touching their face.
“Producers are also taking steps to reduce non-essential contact with others.
“This includes limiting off-farm trips, using e-learning resources for their children’s schooling and not allowing anyone on farm who doesn’t need to be there.
“Our industry has solid experience in biosecurity management and integrity systems.
“We’re working with our partners across the supply chain and governments to keep beef in butcheries and to adapt to the COVID-19 outbreak as it evolves to ensure our supply chain remains open.
“This will make sure high quality and nutritious beef is available to our local and global customers.
“The broader red meat industry employs more than 400-thousand people across Australia – which includes processors in regional towns – so it is important we keep the beef industry strong.”
Cattle Council is part of the Red Meat 2030 partnership which brings together all peak industry and service delivery bodies in the red meat sector.
A factsheet with advice on protecting on-farm health and wellbeing can be found on the Cattle Council’s resources page: https://www.cattlecouncil.com.au/media/resources