In light of the recent COVID-19 outbreaks and the emergence on the Delta strain, TBA have revised the guidelines that were developed last year for walking-on mares during the breeding season.
The Delta variant is considered more contagious and more resistant to health controls and preventions than previous strains of the virus, and people may be highly infectious before their symptoms show.
Please remember that these guidelines are recommendations only and it is also important to follow any directions given by public health and government officials.
Revised COVID-19 Walk-On Guidelines for 2021 Breeding Season
- All paperwork should be completed beforehand and sent electronically where possible.
- Stallion farms should keep a record of all people visiting their farm and walking on mares. This needs to be done in accordance with the relevant state or territory contract tracing requirements ie. QR code check-ins.
- Those walking on mares should limit their contact with stallion farm staff.
- Consider a mask-wearing policy for those coming with a walk-on mare, as well as for staff working in the covering shed.
- Maintain physical distancing of 1.5m where possible.
- Hand sanitiser should be provided and used by any visitor.
- Stallion farms may ask those coming with a walk on mare to remain in the vehicle and have their staff unload and handle the mare. In which case, all handles on the truck should be sanitised.
- Alternatively, farms may ask those coming with mares to unload the mare and put her in a stable or walk in yard and remove the head collar.
- Where possible farms should set aside a toilet for the use of farm visitors.
- Common areas and equipment that is in regular use should be disinfected often.
We’ve also updated our industry guidelines document to take into account the latest health advice. Although we are all more familiar with COVID-19 and the implications of living with it than we were 18 months ago, we hope that the document provides a handy refresher on how best to keep your staff healthy and safe, and minimise disruption in the workplace.
