AVA meeting with BQ at BSL facility

The AVA QLD Division President, Dr Regan Lynch and AVA Senior Advocacy Officer, Dr Robyn Whitaker, held an in-person meeting with BQ at their BSL facility in Coopers Plains.

BQ Director, Dr Fiona Thompson, and BQ Senior Principal Scientist, Dr Dave Thomson, provided an update on the communications project that AVA are involved with which is aimed at improving the transport of lab samples and enhancing communication with the veterinary profession.

A report on the performance of the communication package’s initiatives is expected later this year.

Other topics included the upcoming release of the “Veterinary and Paraprofessional Surge Capacity Report”, as well as the AVA’s involvement as a stakeholder in EAD exercises, including identifying appropriate training and resources for private veterinarians.

The development of regulations and guidelines around the new “Stronger Dog Laws” was discussed, specifically regarding the processes for declaring dogs as menacing or dangerous and the training and support for those making these assessments.

Concerns were raised about oversight and regulation of Animal Welfare in Rescue, Shelter and Council Facilities. The AVA’s policy on animal shelters and municipal pounds was identified as a useful resource for addressing these concerns.

We thank the BSL facility staff for conducting a highly informative tour of the BSL facilities.