When an emergency animal disease (EAD) response is underway, effective industry representation can make a significant difference.
To help build that capacity, AHA and the Goat Industry Council of Australia (GICA) recently delivered a Liaison – Livestock Industry (LLI) Awareness Webinar for representatives from across the goat industry.
The webinar formed the first phase of the GICA LLI Network Project and explored Australia’s EAD response arrangements, industry responsibilities and the key role LLIs play during a response.
Exploring industry’s role in a response
AHA Training Head of Program Ben Byrne and Training Manager Narelle Jones introduced participants to Australia’s EAD response arrangements and the critical role industry representatives play in supporting communication, coordination and decision-making during an outbreak.
Participants then explored what the first 72 hours of an outbreak would look like in a hypothetical Screw-Worm Fly detection, facilitated by AHA Head of Program — AUSVETPLAN Dr Andrew Larkins.
Working through these early stages, participants delved into how a response could affect the goat industry, the challenges industry stakeholders may face, and the vital role LLIs play in connecting industry with the national response effort.
Learning from experience
Participants also heard from Dr Alex-Kate Langfield, Senior Veterinarian and Consultant at Hatch House, who shared practical insights from her experience as an LLI in the 2024 HPAI response.
Her firsthand reflections highlighted the value of preparedness, strong industry networks and effective communication in helping industry contribute to a coordinated national response.
The webinar concluded with GICA President and newly appointed Industry Forum Chair John Falkenhagen, who outlined preparedness activities underway within the goat industry and reinforced the important role that LLIs perform in a response.
Building preparedness for the future
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with all participants reporting that the webinar increased their understanding of national EAD arrangements and the role of industry in a response.
One participant described the session as:
“… extremely informative. This was the best webinar I’ve attended on EAD response arrangements in general and really drove home to me the importance of industry representation.”
Explore more EAD training opportunities
AHA provides education and training that builds the biosecurity response capability of members and assists them to meet their responsibilities under the Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement (EADRA).