Training for abattoir, knackery and saleyard workers

Abattoirs, knackeries and saleyards are on the front line of our efforts to keep NSW free from the impacts of emergency animal disease.

The large number of animals passing through an abattoir, knackery or saleyard means an emergency animal disease outbreak may be first detected in these facilities and workers have a crucial part to play in early identification and reporting.

The below resources have been developed by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and partners including Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Animal Health Australia, Australian Meat Processor Corporation and Meat and Livestock Australia. They are free and aim to build the skills and knowledge of workers who may be amongst the first to detect emergency animal disease.

ResourceRoleQuizSourceDescription
EAD Response Online
  • Quality Assurance
  • Managers
Yes Australian Meat Processor Corporation The aim of this course is to provide participants with an understanding of their role in an emergency animal disease event.
FMD Training for Industry and the Community
  • All
YesQueensland Department of Agriculture and FisheriesThis course will provide those working in the livestock industry with an enhanced understanding of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). It covers FMD identification and reporting requirements.
FMD Training for Vets and Veterinary Paraprofessionals
  • Ante Mortem Inspectors
  • All (optional)
YesQueensland Department of Agriculture and FisheriesThis course provides a practical understanding of what participants can do to prevent an outbreak of FMD, how to recognise signs of FMD and the importance of early reporting.
Community Education FMD Videos
  • All
N/A Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries These videos outline the impacts of an FMD outbreak, why being on the lookout is everyone's responsibility, how to identify the disease and the process to take if you suspect an animal has FMD.
EAD Foundations Online
  • Ante Mortem Inspectors
  • Post Mortem Inspectors
Yes Animal Health Australia This video outlines how to identify the symptoms of FMD, how to make a report if you suspect the disease, the process and procedure if symptoms are detected and how to identify diseases with similar symptoms to FMD.
FMD Awareness Video
  • All
N/A Animal Health Australia

This course will provide an enhanced understanding of what can be done to prevent FMD, what to look out for, what to do if you suspect an animal has FMD and what will happen if an emergency response occurs.

FMD Awareness Online Course
  • All
Yes Animal Health Australia Upon completion of the course, you will have a better understanding of what can be done to help prevent the FMD, clinical signs to look for, what to do if the disease is suspected and what would happen if an emergency response occurred.
WHS in a Biosecurity Emergency Response
  • All
Yes Animal Health Australia

This induction is aimed at those who will be working in a biosecurity response. It will increase participants' understanding of safety issues in the workplace.

Vets, hobby farmers and backyard livestock
  • Ante Mortem
  • All (optional)
Yes NSW Department of Primary Industries

This course provides the tools to improve engagement with hobby farmers, small landholders and clients with backyard livestock. The course aims to improve biosecurity outcomes by encouraging the early detection of disease.

Transportation Advice
  • Ante Mortem
  • All (optional)
N/A Meat and Livestock Australia

This course aims to ensure appropriate animal welfare standards and outlines roles and responsibilities when loading livestock.