Increased EAD response powers in SA

The changes improve the state’s capacity to respond to emergency animal disease outbreaks and demonstrates a commitment to addressing the increasing risk that Australia is facing.

The amendments include practical provisions to improve the timeliness and effectiveness of an emergency response in the event of an emergency animal disease outbreak such as giving inspectors powers to:

• construct (or require the construction of) a fence to contain livestock
• disinfect machinery
• take possession of available machinery to assist with livestock disposal activities, or
• stop work or close a place to minimise a biosecurity risk or impact.

Where an increased risk of exotic disease has been declared, inspectors will also have the power to undertake surveillance and testing to prove freedom from disease.

In talking on the passage of the bill, Hon. Clare Scriven MLC (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development) stated, “Impacts of an EAD incursion would be felt well beyond the farm with the loss of international market access with estimates indicating a cost to Australia of $80 to $100 billion over 10 years.”

Stay in touch with AVA activity on EAD across the country here (https://www.ava.com.au/policy-advocacy/disaster-response/emergency-animal-diseases/)