Emergency response

Under State Emergency Management arrangements the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is the Hazard Management Agency (HMA) for emergency management of significant:

  • animal pest or disease
  • plant pest or disease.

DPIRD has a lead role in emergency prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.

Depending on the type and severity, an outbreak could cause significant damage to property, the environment and harm humans and industry.

Under the State Emergency Management Policy statement 5.9.7, DPIRD also has the role and responsibility for coordinating animal welfare services in emergencies as outlined in the State Support Plan - Animal Welfare in Emergencies (interim).

Articles

  • A national livestock standstill is when it is nationally agreed that specific livestock species affected by an emergency disease must not be moved.

  • Following diagnosis or strong suspicion of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), state and territory governments will implement a livestock standstill across Australia, including in unaffected regions.

  • The Boosting Biosecurity Defences program is a collection of projects and activities that aim to increase Western Australia's capability to prepare for and respond to biosecurity issues affecting W

  • Early recognition of disease is one of the most important factors influencing the control of disease and the reduction of its impact on industry and the community.

  • If an emergency animal disease such as foot-and-mouth disease was found in Australia, a national livestock standstill would be implemented immediately.

  • The Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 requires that certain diseases must be reported to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) if they are kno