CEO UPDATE
AHA 2025–30 Strategic Plan and 2025–26 Annual Operating Plan — out now
We’re pleased to officially launch Animal Health Australia’s 2025–30 Strategic Plan and 2025–26 Annual Operating Plan (AOP) — two key documents that will guide our work in the years ahead.
Developed in close collaboration with members, the Strategic Plan sets out a clear roadmap for building a more connected, proactive, and prepared biosecurity system.
Complementing this, the AOP outlines our goals, key performance indicators, and budget for the year ahead.
Together, these documents ensure we remain ready and agile to support the delivery of transformative animal health and biosecurity systems — now and into the future.
Save the date: AHA Member Engagement Week | 22–25 September 2025
Join us at the Vibe Hotel in Canberra from 22 to 25 September for the second AHA Member Engagement Week of 2025.
Once again, we’ll be welcoming members from across government and industry to connect, collaborate, and contribute to shaping Australia’s national biosecurity and emergency preparedness systems.
Full event and registration details will be shared with members in the coming weeks. I look forward to seeing many of you there.
Hendra virus confirmed in a south-east Queensland horse
On 6 July 2025, Biosecurity Queensland has confirmed a case of Hendra virus in an unvaccinated horse in south-east Queensland. The unvaccinated horse died on the property after its condition rapidly deteriorated.
Biosecurity Queensland officers are working closely with Queensland Health and the property owner to manage the situation and reduce any potential risk.
Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect horses from Hendra virus. Horse owners are strongly encouraged to vaccinate their animals and take precautionary measures to safeguard themselves from infection.
For information about Hendra virus prevention and biosecurity protocols, visit the Business Queensland website.
Regards
Dr Samantha Allan
MEMBER UPDATE
EADRA updates
2025 EADRA variations meeting
This year’s virtual EADRA variations meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday 19 November from 1-3pm AEDT. EADRA stakeholders will soon receive a formal calendar invite for the meeting.
AUSVETPLAN updates
The AUSVETPLAN team has had a productive 2025, welcoming Dr. Natarsha Williams and progressing key manual reviews. Read about the latest news in the latest AUSVETPLAN Quarterly Communique.
Upcoming AHA training opportunities
| Event | Date | Location | Target audience | Regos open |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCEAD Workshop | 24–25 September 2025 | Canberra, ACT | Government & Industry | July 2025 |
| Liaison – Livestock Industry (LLI) Training | 30 October 2025 | Adelaide, SA | Industry | August 2025 |
For more information, contact trainingsupport@animalhealthaustralia.com.au
LLI Network Coordination Guide – final draft available for PIB review
AHA has developed a guide to support peak industry bodies (PIBs) in coordinating their Liaison – Livestock Industry (LLI) networks, aligned with the Industry Forum Paper on LLI development. It also provides a pathway for PIBs to implement relevant recommendations from Exercise Audiatur.
We invite PIBs to review the final draft and share feedback. To access the draft or for more information, contact trainingsupport@animalhealthaustralia.com.au.
Queensland Liaison – Livestock Industry (LLI) workshop summary
In June, AHA and Qld DPI hosted a collaborative workshop in Brisbane to strengthen LLI roles in emergency animal disease response.
National Biosecurity Week 2025
National Biosecurity Week (NBW) is on again from 25–31 August 2025.
Now in its second year, NBW highlights the importance of shared responsibility in safeguarding Australia’s environment, food supply and way of life. This year, there’s a renewed focus on engaging the broader community and encouraging practical everyday biosecurity actions.
Members are encouraged to share NBW messaging to raise awareness of biosecurity and advocate for the adoption of good biosecurity practices.
For more details or to download free digital resources, visit bioweek.org.au.
ALFA Biosecurity EAD Preparedness Workshop
Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA) is hosting a national series of workshops to help feedlot operators and service providers prepare for Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) incursions. Topics include biosecurity best practice, NFAS enhancements, EAD action planning, and more.
Presenters: Rachael O’Brien (ALFA) & Jeff House (ALFA/MLA)
Locations: WA, SA, NSW, Qld, Vic + Online
Dates: August–October 2025
These workshops are supported by Animal Health Australia, with the Bendigo session proudly backed by the Victorian Government.
Future-ready animal health surveillance for a safer Australia
Animal Health Australia is leading a national initiative to co-design a future-ready animal health intelligence platform.
In June and July, we engaged with over 100 stakeholders from government, industry, technical and research sectors through strategic consultations, a national survey, and three virtual workshops. These sessions identified shared priorities, data needs, and integration barriers to guide the development of a more coordinated and forward-looking animal health surveillance system for Australia.
We thank all members for their time, expertise, and valuable contributions.
US beef access to Australia
The Australian Government has completed a comprehensive, science-based risk assessment (initiated in 2019) of beef processed in the United States from cattle sourced in Canada or Mexico. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has confirmed that these imports meet Australia’s strict biosecurity and food safety standards, paving the way for these products to enter the Australian market.
The final risk assessment report is available now on the DAFF website.
Resource of the month
National Biosecurity Training Hub
The National Biosecurity Training Hub offers free, high-quality training for individuals and organisations across Australia. It’s a one-stop platform for building skills in emergency animal disease response, biosecurity planning, and more.