National committee meeting in Perth sets animal health policy
Animal health experts from across Australia met in Perth in April to discuss policy, research and achievements in the animal health sector.
The Animal Health Committee meets in person twice a year, bringing together Australian and jurisdictional chief veterinary officers, the Australian Animal Health Laboratory manager, and senior policy officials from government and other organisations. The committee also meets with national and local industry representatives.
The three-day meeting in Perth was hosted by the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (now the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development).
Department Acting Executive Director Mia Carbon said the meeting built capacity in the sector.
“The meeting was an excellent opportunity to share knowledge and explore issues affecting animal health, particularly around surveillance for livestock diseases, traceability, and preparedness to respond to an emergency animal disease in Australia,” she said.
“It also allowed committee members to meet with local industry representatives.
“With around 80 per cent of WA livestock and livestock product exported overseas each year, it’s critical that animal health surveillance data is available to uphold Western Australia’s reputation as a provider of high quality, safe product. This relies on our national animal health system, in which producers, industries and private veterinarians play a key role.”
Meeting attendees progressed a range of topics including horizon scanning and foresighting tools for animal health, delivery of the National Animal Health Surveillance and Diagnostic business plan, cost-sharing a national livestock standstill, and the new national approach to Johne’s disease in cattle.
Attendees also joined a field trip highlighting WA’s animal export industry.
For more information about the Animal Health Committee, including its latest communique, visit the Federal Department of Agriculture and Water Resources website.