Guidance for Issuing Movement Permits

Upon diagnosis of FMD, sheep movements will be halted in an orderly way. Once the initial extent of the outbreak is defined and movement permitting systems are established, sheep movements can restart for premises with no evidence of infection. This is described in more detail in the Managed Movement document. Periods of no animal movement at the beginning of an outbreak will impact producers’ business continuity. Guidance is available in the Contingency Planning for Producers Prior to an FMD Outbreak.

Guidance on issuing movement permits for sheep or semen with no evidence of infection is provided below and in the SSWS Plan.

Conditions to Meet to Request a Permit to Move Sheep or Semen or Embryos

1. Traceability information is available (PIN, GPS Coordinates, and information on type and number of animals/quantity of semen to be moved).
2. Biosecurity measures listed in the Biosecurity Checklist for Sheep Feedlots or Sheep on Pasture/Rangeland are in place and acceptable to Responsible Regulatory Officials.
3. Epidemiological information* is acceptable.
4. Destination premises and State are willing to accept the animals or semen.
5. No evidence of infection based on disease monitoring (surveillance).

*Producers can provide epidemiological information by maintaining accurate records of movement of animals, feed, supplies, equipment, personnel, and visitors. Producers can use the SSWS Practice Questionnaire for FMD Exposure to get a feel for the information they may need to provide in an outbreak.