CEO UPDATE
Fuel shortages and impacts on regional areas
Current fuel shortages continue to place significant pressure on producers and regional and remote communities.
At AHA, we’re making small, practical operational adjustments, including increased remote working, to reduce demand where we can. We have also updated our disaster relief and recovery resources to include additional mental health support for affected farmers.
Situations like this reinforce the importance of proactive crisis management planning — not only for emergency animal diseases, but for broader disruptions such as supply shortages and weather events.
Strengthening this capability is a key focus of the Crisis Management Planning (CMP) project, with a second workshop planned for late May to further build preparedness and confidence across industry and government. See below for details.
FMD virus serotype SAT1 detected in China
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recently issued an updated alert following reports of detection of the foot‑and‑mouth disease (FMD) virus serotype SAT1 in China. SAT1 is one of several strains of the FMD virus and has not previously circulated widely in Asia, meaning the region has limited prior exposure.
AHA will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with government and industry partners to support preparedness and awareness across the livestock sector.
WagyuEdge ’26 – industry connection and insight
I was delighted to be a guest speaker at WagyuEdge ’26 Conference earlier this month, discussing the important role our national biosecurity arrangements play in supporting the globally respected Australian Wagyu industry, which is worth $2 billion annually.
I took the opportunity to reinforce the importance of on-farm biosecurity as the essential foundation that enables our emergency response system to operate, and to highlight the extensive preparedness and response projects AHA delivers with our members.
Thank you to the Australian Wagyu Association and organisers for a well‑run and engaging event, and to everyone who took the time to share and connect with us.
Queensland livestock movement breaches
Recent enforcement action in Queensland, including a record fine for serious livestock movement breaches, is a timely reminder of how important biosecurity and traceability are to all of us working across the livestock supply chain.
Accurate movement records and timely NLIS notifications are part of the everyday actions that protect animal health, support market access, and help ensure we can respond quickly if a disease outbreak occurs. As always, these systems rely on people doing the right thing to protect us all.
Progressing the 2026–27 Annual Operating Plan (AOP)
Thanks to all members who took time to engage in recent AOP consultations. Your feedback has been extremely valuable and continues to shape a plan that reflects shared priorities and practical needs.
Letters outlining the proposed 2026–27 AOP and subscription amounts have also been sent. As always, we welcome ongoing discussion ahead of the next AHA General Meeting in June.
Regards
Dr Samantha Allan
MEMBER UPDATE
Farm Biosecurity Producer of the Year – Ella Matta Pastoral
AHA was honoured to welcome Jamie Heinrich from Ella Matta Pastoral as a guest speaker at the March Members’ Forum.
Named the 2025 Farm Biosecurity Producer of the Year, Ella Matta Pastoral is a shining example of how practical, well‑planned biosecurity can protect livestock, support day‑to‑day operations and enhance your business.
In a recent AHA interview, Jamie shared how these biosecurity measures work on‑farm and lessons learned along the way.
Crisis Management Planning project update
Work continues on AHA’s Crisis Management Planning (CMP) project, which is strengthening industry preparedness through practical, all‑hazards crisis management tools.
Following recent testing and refinement of CMP templates, planning is now underway for a second workshop in late May to further build awareness, confidence and capability across peak industry body participants.
More details and an invitation will be sent to Industry Forum members in the coming days.
EAD training update
Upcoming change to AHA online training platform
AHA is moving its online training from BOLT (Biosecurity Online Training) to a new learning system, Acorn, from 1 July 2026.
Why we’re moving
Following a review of AHA’s long‑term training needs, we have determined that the Acorn LMS will provide a more cost-effective, stable, and modern training platform now and into the future.
This transition will strengthen our ability to deliver online training, support national preparedness activities, and respond effectively to both routine training needs and periods of increased demand.
What members need to know
- BOLT will close on 30 June 2026
- Acorn will be available from 1 July 2026
- Users will need to create a new login for Acorn
What members need to do
If you or people in your organisation currently use BOLT, further communications will be sent with details about what actions may be required, including key dates and support information.
Questions
For urgent support, email trainingsupport@animalhealthaustralia.com.au.
Upcoming Liaison – Livestock Industry (LLI) training dates
LLI training workshops are scheduled for Western Australia, New South Wales and Victoria coming in 2026 and 2027.
- WA LLI – Wednesday 22 July 2026
- NSW LLI – Wednesday 28 October 2026 (date TBC)
- Vic LLI – Monday 1 March 2027 (date TBC)
We encourage industry members in WA, NSW and Victoria to review their current LLIs and start conversations with existing and potential representatives about attending these workshops.
For more information or to nominate participants, contact the AHA Training Team at trainingsupport@animalhealthaustralia.com.au.
Updated LLI Information Guide
The refreshed LLI Information Guide is now available.
The updated guide reflects insights and recommendations from Exercise Audiatur, HPAI after action reviews, direct member engagement, and recent LLI workshops. These updates ensure the guide continues to support industry and government stakeholders with clear, relevant and practical information.
EADRA update
EADRA Normal Commitments Working Group (WG)
The Normal Commitments WG met on 26 March and discussed cost sharing of leave for staff working in the response and comments on proposed updates to clause 15 and the guidance document on Normal Commitments. The next meeting on 21 May will review legal advice on proposed updates to Schedule 6.3.
EADRA Categorisation WG
The EADRA Categorisation WG meeting 14 will be held on 30 April to discuss the draft Terms of Reference and membership for an Emergency Animal Disease Categorisation Panel.
AUSVETPLAN update
Following endorsement by the Animal Health Committee last month, the updated AUSVETPLAN Response strategy: Classical swine fever has now been published at animalhealthaustralia.com.au/AUSVETPLAN_RS/ClassicalSwineFever.
AHA thanks all government and industry representatives who contributed to the review and update of this strategy.
Resource of the month
Rural Aid Mental Health and Wellbeing Team
Rural Aid counsellors offer free, confidential support to farmers and their families. Call their Counselling Intake Line on 1300 175 594.