Here you’ll find practical steps to reduce risk - from early illness detection and accurate records to managing new animals, maintaining NAIT compliance, and tackling pests and weeds.
Summary:
New Zealand’s ecosystem is unique but vulnerable. Good biosecurity and disease management protect your herd, your land, and our country.
How to improve biosecurity on your farm
You’re probably already doing some of these things, but here’s a quick checklist to strengthen biosecurity.
- Spot illness early and separate sick animals.
- Use an Animal Wellbeing Plan to manage herd health.
- Keep vaccination and treatment records up to date.
- Prevent nose-to-nose contact with neighbouring stock.
- Control weeds and pests.
- Check the disease status of any new or returning animals.
- Keep NAIT records current.
- Manage Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) – a great starting point for disease control.
What's the opportunity for your farm?
Profitability, Productivity and Animal Health.
Profitability
- New Zealand’s disease‑free status supports global market access.
- BVD can cost $22.22 per peak cow each year in a negative herd.
- Costs are significantly higher in a positive herd.
Productivity
- Healthy herds produce more milk.
- They require less treatment time.
- They generate lower methane emissions.
Animal Health
- Fewer sick animals save money.
- Fewer sick animals help protect human health.
- Fewer sick animals maximise genetic investment.
Next steps - Read, Review and Chat
Read: There are lots of articles and websites about Biosecurity in New Zealand. Here are a few to start:
Review your strategy: Have a look over some of the next steps you could take to increase biosecurity on your farm:
Chat: Start having conversations – with your vet, your friends and your Fonterra Representative.
Need help right now with biosecurity? Talk to us
Customer Service Team
Our Farmer Support Team is available 24/7 for urgent help and immediate guidance.
Local support
The My Co‑op app has contact details for your local Farm Source team for more complex issues.
Chat in person
Your Farm Source store is there for local face‑to‑face support with our team. They’re always happy to help.