The declaration also contains details of activities in the 12 months prior to sale regarding stock introduced onto the property, any recent footbathing or antibiotics given to sheep or goats and the results of laboratory testing for footrot. Buyers should isolate the purchased sheep and look for signs of footrot. If virulent footrot is found within 14 days of the stock leaving the property, the vendor is required to remove the stock from the purchaser's property within seven days, pay all transport costs and accept that the sale is null and void. The footrot vendor declaration does not guarantee freedom of disease, but gives useful information for buyers to make a more informed decision about stock they are purchasing. This voluntary, industry based scheme is coordinated through livestock selling agents.
Vendors can obtain the declaration forms from most livestock selling agents.
Agents cannot make the declaration on behalf of clients. The declaration must be filled in completely, signed and dated by the vendor of the stock.