CEO Update
Already summer has drawn to a close – the Animal Health Australia (AHA) team in the office had a lovely end-of-summer BBQ to mark its farewell, and Canberra is getting a little chilly in the evenings and mornings. If you’re heading here for Member Engagement Week, be sure to bring a light jumper or jacket!
I recently travelled to Perth to join the AHA Board Directors for the first Board meeting of 2024. Some of the key issues discussed included the next steps for AUSPestCheck, the engagement process for the review of the constitution and planning for the 2024-25 Annual Operating Plan.
Read the rest of the CEO’s message here.
ParaBoss: Leading the charge in parasite management
Over the past three years, ParaBoss, a parasite management website and extension program, has successfully offered comprehensive support and resources tailored to the specific needs of livestock farmers across the country. With flies, lice, ticks, and worms posing constant threats to livestock nationwide, ParaBoss has become a pivotal ally in the landscape where effective parasite management is crucial.
Through hosting 19 tailored webinars and piloting face-to-face workshops, ParaBoss has engaged participants across the country, offering insights and practical guidance. Recognising the economic significance of effective parasite management, ParaBoss aims to empower producers, minimize production losses, and support sustainable livestock production.
Empowering biosecurity excellence
Last month, the National Biosecurity Response Team (NBRT) program hosted a mentor workshop in Sydney, aiming to equip mentors with essential skills for transferring specialized biosecurity knowledge. Dr. Gary Saliba and Rachelle Towart OAM, guest speakers, emphasised inclusivity and decision-making in chaotic environments.
Their insights enriched understanding and encouraged critical thinking. Additionally, a tour of the NSW Rural Fire Services Headquarters provided invaluable behind-the-scenes exposure, fostering connections and illustrating the importance of collaboration among agencies.
This workshop is a strong step towards ensuring the transfer of expertise within NBRT, further strengthening the biosecurity response landscape.
Regan Lynch’s Nuffield journey
Through the Farm Biosecurity program, AHA along with Plant Health Australia are supporting Dr Regan Lynch to achieve her research aspirations through the Nuffield scholarship.
Regan is a senior veterinarian and provides mixed animal veterinary services to northwest Queensland and is also part of the Northern Australian Biosecurity Surveillance Network which focuses on disease surveillance and fostering communication among producers and other veterinarians.
Disease investigation being a large part of Regan’s job led to increased interest in understanding cultural and social attitudes towards biosecurity in the Northern Australian Beef industry. Through her research she aims to address critical questions such as “What does shared responsibility look like to those on the ground?” and “What practically impacts reporting on the ground level?”
With several international trips already under her belt, and upcoming travels to Brazil, UK, and Germany, Regan promises fresh perspectives on biosecurity practices. Don’t miss her findings at Beef Week and the Australian Biosecurity Symposium.
Get ready for Member Engagement Week!
Excitement is building here at AHA as Member Engagement Week approaches! We’re looking forward to seeing all of you and hearing your thoughts on current AHA initiatives and programs such as the 2024-25 AOP, EADRA 5-year review summary and workplan and the latest AUSVETPLAN releases. You’ll also have the opportunity to engage with your counterparts in other jurisdictions and industries and hear from DAFF on important topics such as the Lumpy Skin Disease Action Plan and how everyone plays a part in return to market after an emergency animal disease outbreak.
See you there next week!
Free industry biosecurity response readiness training for Queenslanders!
The QLD Government’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is offering a free industry biosecurity response readiness training for emerging leaders of agricultural peak industry bodies, through face-to-face and virtual sessions.
The comprehensive half-day training will cover:
- how biosecurity incident responses are activated at a state and national level, including management and funding arrangements;
- the role of peak bodies in a biosecurity incident response and how they collaborate with government during an incident;
- the potential impacts of a biosecurity incident for industry stakeholders;
- how industry representative bodies can prepare for their role in a biosecurity incident response.
Face to face sessions are being offered in Bundaberg, Rockhampton and Townsville on the 18, 20 & 22 March and in Brisbane on both 5 and 16 April. All sessions are 9-2pm. Online sessions are also available.
Australian Biosecurity Symposium: Keynote announced!
Adam Ferrier, a clinical psychologist, renowned marketing guru and brand strategist, has been secured as one of the keynote speakers for the 3rd Australian Biosecurity Symposium. Adam’s expertise promises to bring invaluable insights into the realm of biosecurity, leveraging his extensive experience in marketing and consumer behaviour. Attendees can anticipate a thought-provoking session as Adam shares his unique perspective and strategies for enhancing biosecurity awareness and engagement.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Adam – secure your spot at the symposium today!
What’s on at AHA
Member Engagement Week: 18-21 March 2024 (ACT) – registrations have closed, contact Jennifer Sullivan if you haven’t registered, but plan to attend!
Beef Week – AHA Exhibition Booth: 5 -10 May 2024 (Rockhampton QLD)
3rd Australian Biosecurity Symposium: 27-29 August 2024 (Gold Coast QLD)
Recent publications
Tasmanian Livestock Health Report, January 2024
The Tasmanian Livestock Health Report summarises information on livestock diseases and
conditions observed by rural service providers across Tasmania.
National Arbovirus Monitoring Program Report, 2022-2023
The National Arbovirus Monitoring Program (NAMP) Report provides information on the monitoring of the distribution of economically important arboviruses (insect-borne viruses) of ruminant livestock and associated insect vectors in Australia.
Around the traps
- The Victorian government recently simulated a response to the potential entry of foot-and-mouth disease into Australia. This mock exercise aimed to test and enhance preparedness measures in case of an outbreak. Read more.
- The Decade of Biosecurity bulletin February edition is out now! Read it here.
- Discover the Carbon Offsetting Decision Support Tool, a resource developed by the Australian Farm Institute for producers to provide a comprehensive overview of carbon farming opportunities. Read more.
- Participation in the carbon market is already occurring on some farms in Australia; as uptake grows, producers are looking to understand their options and evaluate whether carbon activities are right for their business. Explore the on-farm Carbon management handbook here, which aims to support producers with practical information on the feasibility of carbon sequestration activities on their farm.
- Farmers across Australia can apply for a portion of $4 million in Federal funding, available in the latest round of grants dedicated to enhancing traceability in the agriculture sector. Read more.
- In response to the potential for increased low rainfall events, three local councils have secured $450,000 from the Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program. Read more