AUSTRALIAN Dairy Farmers (ADF) is calling on Southern farmers to familiarise themselves with the industry’s extensive biosecurity plans and protocols and review on-farm biosecurity measures.

The call by ADF president Ben Bennett follows the Federal Government’s $95 million boost to Australia's biosecurity, specifically around preparedness for the H5 strain of avian influenza.

Mr Bennett said while he understands an incursion is likely to impact wild bird populations and the poultry industry, given the crossover of a rare strain of the virus to dairy cattle in the United States, and minor symptoms in humans, the industry is taking the H5 strain of the virus seriously.

He said ADF and the broader dairy sector have been working on an industry-specific response plan in conjunction with Animal Health Australia and other agriculture industries.

“We are working closely with industry and government to further strengthen our biosecurity and ensure we’ve the right support in place," Mr Bennett said.

"In particular, farmers need help to bolster on farm biosecurity and surveillance measures to assist early detection and reporting.

“We also welcome support for increased testing to ensure strain variation identification, and preparation for potential losses, including proper quarantine, decontamination and disposal of milk and impacted birds.

“All farmers should keep the biosecurity hotline (1800 675 888) close to hand and any suspicious cases of sick birds (wild or domestic) should be reported for analysis."