“That work is in its final stages and it will include advice about self-isolating on-farm, how to protect other people on-farm, protecting the milk supply chain and ensuring animals are looked after.”
It will include advice for owner-operators on how to access relief workers and information about necessary hygiene protocols.
The guidelines will build on advice in the public domain already with regard to hygiene, isolation and seeking help where animal welfare becomes a priority.
“Like other businesses, farmers should ensure if they or their staff are ill with covid-like symptoms they do not work. Report the situation to Healthline or local GP. Please telephone – do not arrive in person.
“If someone becomes sick with covid-19 it’s critical they self-isolate, which means stay at home and recover.”
DairyNZ and Federated Farmers have said because covid-19 is a notifiable disease the farm owner and dairy company must be told of a positive result.
New Zealand’s largest dairy company, Fonterra, has already set up guidelines if one of its suppliers gets covid-19.
Farm Source director Richard Allen said the co-operative has set up an information portal containing the Government’s guidelines and how to organise relief milkers or workers if any farmers test positive and need to self-isolate.
“If there is a confirmed covid-19 case on-farm in the first instance we need farmers to let us know as soon as possible by calling our service centre on 0800 65 65.
“We ask that they keep clear of the milk vat and controls and do not go within 25 metres of any tanker operator. We will still collect milk but will organise collection to ensure there is no risk of farm transfer.
“If we’re advised of a confirmed covid-19 case on farm less than 12 hours prior to pick up, we’ll delay collection until suitable, safe arrangements can be made.”
In the event of a confirmed case Fonterra’s tanker drivers take every precaution, he said.
“They’ve been supplied with disinfecting wipes or sanitiser spray, gloves, hand sanitisers and plastic bags for used gloves. They will put gloves on before exiting the cab, disinfect all contact points, collect the milk as normal and leave the docket in a safe alternative location without entering the shed.”
Another dairy company emailed its suppliers saying any dairy farmers confirmed or suspected to have covid-19 who want to continue to be present at or near the farm dairy must contact the company and seek advice for the appropriate actions to be taken.
“Coronavirus is not transmitted via milk, however, farm dairy operators and dairy companies have health and safety responsibilities for all farm staff and for those required to go to the farm dairy as part of their routine activities such as tanker drivers.”
