Livestock Disease Control Regulations 2017
The Livestock Disease Control Regulations (the Regulations) operate under the Livestock Disease Control Act 1994 (the Act) to:
- provide requirements to protect Victorian livestock from disease
- maintain and enhance domestic and international market access.
The legislation also aims to protect public health:
- by preventing diseases that are transmissible to humans
- by providing compensation for certain livestock losses
- by supporting the operation of livestock traceability systems for the purposes of market access and disease and residue control.
What the Regulations do
The Regulations provide requirements, infringement offences and penalties that relate to:
- the testing, notification and prevention of livestock diseases
- the identification and movement of livestock
- the import of livestock, livestock products, fodder and fittings into Victoria
- the seizure and disposal of certain livestock, fodder and fittings
- livestock-related compensation claims.
Who the Regulations apply to
The Regulations affect the following livestock industry stakeholders.
Primary producers
Primary producers, including hobby producers and people who own livestock as pets, are those who breed and raise livestock such as:
- bees
- cattle
- sheep
- goats
- pigs
- chickens
- horses
- alpacas
- camels
- aquaculture.
Stock and station agents
Stock and station agents act as brokers for primary producers and sell livestock via private sales, from farm to farm, private auctions, directly to abattoirs, or through saleyards.
Saleyards
Primary producers and stock agents use saleyards to buy and sell livestock. Livestock can be sold based on weight or numbers.
Abattoirs and knackeries
Abattoirs and knackeries slaughter livestock and process animal carcasses into meat and meat-related products.
Operators of agricultural shows
Operators of agricultural shows work throughout the state at various times throughout the year.
Changes to incorporate the Honey Bee Biosecurity Code of Practice
In support of the Australian honey bee industry and to achieve national consistency, in February and March 2019 Agriculture Victoria consulted with stakeholders about formally adopting the requirements of the Australian Honey Bee Industry Biosecurity Code of Practice (the Code) into Victoria’s apiary legislation.
Feedback received from stakeholders indicated they broadly supported adopting the requirements of the Code.
Changes effective since June 2019
The new Livestock Disease Control Regulations 2017 that incorporate the Code came into effect on 12 June 2019.
The new Regulations incorporate the Australian Honey Bee Industry Biosecurity Code of Practice to support the Australian honey bee industry and to achieve national consistency.
Read more about the recent updates to the Regulations.
If you don't comply
The consequences of not complying with the Regulations can include being issued with an infringement notice, or court action for more serious or repeat offences.
It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the requirements that relate to you or seek assistance if you're not sure.
Benefits to the honey bee industry
Adopting these changes to Victorian legislation will help to ensure the future viability and sustainability of our honey bee and pollination industries.