AVA NSW Division President August 2022 Update

I have just attended the inaugural NSW Biosecurity conference at Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo, organised by NSW Department of Primary Industries and Local Land Services. Representatives from Commonwealth and State agencies, animal and plant producer organisations and research development corporations filled the Savannah Room, leading to a number of very interesting conversations over lunch, afternoon tea and late afternoon drinks and canapes.   

You may have seen media reports about the increased funding for the State’s  biosecurity preparedness announced by the Minister of Agriculture, the Hon Dugald Saunders and the Deputy Premier, the Hon Paul Toole. $65 million (added to the existing $164 million already allocated) for ‘on the ground training’ to deliver vaccines and work with stock groups, enhancing livestock traceability, control programs for pest animals capable of infection by FMD and addition funding towards the development of mRNA vaccines. This last part was the media’s view on what the funding was for. 

In reality, the $65 million funding, in the words the Minister (or his media people) will be directed to:

• Drive forward plans for a national mandatory sheep and goat electronic identification system – $3.5 million
• Expand a trained response workforce of at least 2000 people - $26.3 million
• On the ground animal control activities eg funding to control potentially infected properties, increased culling of feral pigs and deer, incentivising farmers to beef up their biosecurity plans - $17.8 million
• Enhance disease surveillance through new intelligence track and trace technology - $9.7 million
• Roll out targeted extension and awareness campaigns to educate livestock owners, handlers, and the community on clinical signs and reporting requirements, as well as how to reduce risks.- $2million. 

An additional $5million was contributed towards the development of mRNA vaccine (in addition to Government funding, there is an increasing list of industry contributors). 

No mention of veterinary involvement? Actually the devil is in the detail.  AVA is already working with  NSW DPI on engaging private veterinarians in emergencies – emergency animal diseases and natural disasters since April this year.  This project will be further enhanced by the extra funding.  Part of the proposed training will involve awareness of what happens during a response and the skills required when working in an emergency response.  

Spoiler alert – most of the required skills are those that veterinarians use everyday.  The UK Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss, via video, told the conference about her experience as a veterinarian working during the 2001 FMD outbreak. Checking the health status of animals which may not have disease (herds and flocks outside of the known infected or restricted zone), giving advice on the husbandry and management of sheep in a quarantine area or  providing information on what will happen during a farm visit.   

There are specific ‘emergency response’ skills that are applicable to both EAD and natural response emergencies. Animal Health Australia has online training programs including a basic awareness course on what happens during an emergency response.  It takes about 2 hours to complete and it is free to access.  Check it out at https://animalhealthaustralia.com.au/online-training-courses/ 

'Till next month 
Regards Diane