Pig and poultry producers urged to tighten traceability to protect livestock

Pig and poultry producers are being urged to strengthen traceability protocols as part of routine biosecurity, following advice at this year’s Pig and Poultry Fair.

Speaking at the event, Livetec biosecurity advisor Dr Paul Talling said producers should not underestimate the role of accurate visitor and movement records in preventing and managing disease outbreaks.

“Pig and poultry units see a high volume of people movements, including external visitors who may not be familiar with site-specific biosecurity procedures,” said Dr Talling.

“Any lapse in concentration, or bypassing of protocols, can play a role in the spread of disease. Knowing exactly who’s been on site, when, and why, is crucial for planning, protection, and outbreak investigation.”

While paper-based sign-in records remain common, Dr Talling warned they can be unreliable.

“Paper records are often incomplete, incorrect or illegible,” he said. “Digital systems make it easier for visitors to provide the right information, while giving producers clearer, more accurate records.”

He added that robust traceability is particularly important in the event of a notifiable disease outbreak.

“If an outbreak occurs, APHA will require traceability data for people, vehicles and livestock entering and leaving the site,” said Dr Talling.

“Missing or inaccurate information can significantly slow down the response, so having reliable records immediately available is key. The easier the system is to use, the more likely people are to use it properly.”

Livetec’s digital sign-in system, AccessProtect, enables producers to see who is on site, when they checked in and out, the reason for their visit and how long they stayed.

Dr Talling added AccessProtect uses QR codes and can be extended to manage defined access points, such as individual sheds, giving it an additional role in site health and safety. An auto-fill function also makes repeat entry quicker for returning visitors.

“It’s not about policing people, it’s about strengthening the supply chain and helping producers identify where weaknesses may exist before they become a problem.”