CEO UPDATE
National Biosecurity Week: protecting what matters — together
This week is National Biosecurity Week (NBW) — a national initiative to raise awareness of the vital role biosecurity plays in protecting Australia’s environment, industries, and communities.
Now in its second year, NBW is focused on reaching beyond government and industry to engage everyday Australians with the message that biosecurity is something we all have a role in — at home, at work, and in our communities.
As AHA members, you play a key role in amplifying this message. We encourage you to:
- Download and share free NBW digital resources to help spread the word through your newsletters, social media, websites and networks.
- Promote the National Biosecurity Training Hub and the new Youth Biosecurity Hub — free, accessible platforms that help individuals and communities understand their role in safeguarding Australia’s biosecurity.
- Support the “If you see something, say something” message by encouraging vigilance and early reporting of unusual pests, diseases, or animal health concerns.
Together, we can build a culture of shared responsibility and strengthen the biosecurity system we all rely on.
Thank you for your continued leadership in protecting what matters.
Member Engagement Week – 22–25 September 2025
Registrations are now open for our second Member Engagement Week of 2025. This is your chance to come together, connect, and collaborate on the future of national biosecurity and emergency animal disease preparedness.
Held at the Vibe Hotel in Canberra, the week includes a mix of forums, workshops, and networking sessions designed to spark ideas, strengthen partnerships, and deliver practical outcomes.
I look forward to seeing many of you there!
Regards
Dr Samantha Allan
MEMBER UPDATE
Crisis Management Planning (CMP) Workshop update
The CMP workshop, ‘Exercise Multiplex’, was held in Adelaide on 8 August 2025, bringing together representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA), Animal Health Australia (AHA), and multiple peak industry bodies.
During the workshop, participants tested crisis management plan templates developed by Phoenix Resilience in the project’s initial phase. These templates are designed to help peak industry bodies effectively manage crises, particularly emergency animal disease (EAD) outbreaks.
Feedback gathered from the exercise will inform the refinement of the templates before they are shared more broadly across industry bodies. The final phase of the project will focus on developing training materials and establishing a dedicated site to host the templates, ensuring they are accessible and ready for use in future emergencies.
Upcoming AHA training opportunities
| Event | Date | Location | Target audience | Regos |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCEAD Workshop | 24–25 September 2025 | Canberra, ACT | Government & Industry | Close 29 August |
| Liaison – Livestock Industry (LLI) Training | 30 October 2025 | Adelaide, SA | Industry | Open |
For more information, contact trainingsupport@animalhealthaustralia.com.au
Reminder: LLI Network Maintenance Guidelines open for feedback from Peak Industry Bodies (PIBs)
AHA invites PIBs to review the final draft of the Liaison – Livestock Industry (LLI) Network Maintenance Guidelines. This guide supports PIBs in developing and coordinating their LLI networks and aligns with recommendations from Exercise Audiatur and Industry Forum identified priorities.
Your feedback is valuable — comments are still welcome!
To access the draft, please contact trainingsupport@animalhealthaustralia.com.au and share any input before Friday 12 September.
Exercise Flight Path set for October 2025
Exercise Flight Path, a national desktop exercise focused on high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI), is happening this October.
The exercise will kick off with a virtual briefing on 14 October, with a face-to-face desktop exercise scheduled to happen in Canberra on 28–29 October.
Around 35 participants, nominated by Planning Team members, will work through a large-scale HPAI H5Nx clade 2.3.4.4b outbreak scenario involving commercial poultry.
The exercise will test key elements of the AUSVETPLAN Response Strategy: Avian Influenza, along with the Operational Manuals for the Disposal and Destruction of Animals.
Focus areas include decision-making around live bird and egg movements, and destruction and disposal processes.
Exercise Flight Path is a critical opportunity to strengthen national coordination and ensure readiness for future outbreaks.
Free biosecurity workshops for pasture-based poultry producers
The WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is running a series of free half-day workshops for pasture-based poultry producers in Nannup, Bullsbrook, Pinjarra and Mount Barker.
These sessions will help producers develop a tailored biosecurity plan, understand how to reduce disease risks (including avian influenza), and take-home practical resources — including a farm gate sign. Local field vets will be on hand to answer questions, and morning tea and lunch are provided.
Resource of the month
National Biosecurity Week Resources
It’s National Biosecurity Week! Help spread the word about the important role we all play in protecting what matters most — our environment, food, economy, and communities. Download and share these free digital resources today.