CEO UPDATE
This month we shine a light on the key documents and processes that help keep us moving forward — the Annual Report, Strategic Plan, Annual Operating Plan, Member Charter, and our Annual General Meeting. These aren’t just paperwork — they set our direction, keep us accountable, and make sure we continue strengthening Australia’s national biosecurity system.
2024–25 Annual Report – out now
Our 2024–25 Animal Health Australia (AHA) Annual Report is now available. It highlights the progress we’ve made over the past year, including key initiatives and outcomes. Download a copy to see how your contributions have helped strengthen Australia’s biosecurity.
Strategic Plan 2020–25: five years of impact and innovation
We’re closing out the 2020–25 Strategic Plan with a final report reflecting on five years of progress, challenges, and collaboration. It highlights key achievements, lessons learned, and insights to guide our future direction.
Through strong collaboration with our members, we’ve achieved significant progress on the priorities set out in the plan. Together, we’ve strengthened biosecurity systems, deepened member engagement, and delivered national programs that have advanced Australia’s animal health sector.
Annual Operating Plan (AOP) webinar outcomes
Thanks to everyone who joined our AOP Member Webinar on 31 October. The session was designed to help you better understand the AOP process and the pathway for new project proposals. Your engagement and feedback helps us ensure future AOPs reflect both member priorities and AHA’s operational requirements.
As always, if you have any questions, contact Sally Cook, General Manager of Member Engagement and Technical Services, at scook@animalhealthaustralia.com.au.
Member Charter survey reminder
Back in October, we invited you to share your thoughts on the AHA Member Charter as we realign it with our Strategic Plan 2025–30. If you haven’t had a chance yet, please complete the short feedback survey by 1 February 2026. Your input will help shape how we continue working together.
Annual General Meeting (AGM) recap
Our Annual General Meeting was held on 12 November 2025. It was a great opportunity to reflect on AHA’s performance and reaffirm our strategic direction. Thanks to everyone who attended and for your ongoing support.
Regards
Dr Samantha Allan
MEMBER UPDATE
Industry and government test updated AUSVETPLAN policies for avian influenza
AHA led Exercise Flight Path, a Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF)-funded discussion exercise held in Canberra on 28–29 October. The exercise brought together 30 participants from government and the poultry industry to review and validate updated AUSVETPLAN manuals for responding to a high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5 outbreak. AHA was also pleased to welcome two observers from Singapore.
The scenario-based exercise focused on movement controls for live poultry and eggs, and decision-making for destruction of poultry and disposal. The exercise demonstrated that the AUSVETPLAN manuals provide appropriate guidance and policy context for an HPAI response, while also identifying opportunities for future enhancement to further strengthen preparedness.
The exercise was an example of the strong collaboration between AHA, government, and industry, clearly demonstrating the shared responsibility in strengthening HPAI preparedness.
Work is now underway to finalise an exercise report by mid-December, outlining exercise observations and recommendations to inform future actions to enhance preparedness for an HPAI response. Recommendations pertaining to AUSVETPLAN manuals tested during the exercise will be considered in future reviews.
AHA thanks all participants, observers, and the facilitation team for their full engagement and contribution to this important activity.
NAMP update
The National Arbovirus Monitoring Program (NAMP) Steering Committee met on 9 October 2025 to discuss recommendations from the NAMP 5-Year Review report. Consensus was reached on 16 of the 17 recommendations. The remaining recommendation regarding industry cost-sharing proportions is under review by a short-term Steering Committee Working Group chaired by AHA.
The Working Group met on 31 October to review historical industry contributions and discuss individual industry positions on future contributions. They have agreed to meet up to six times to finalise industry cost shares before Christmas 2025. The Working Group next meets on 8 December 2025.
LLI training boosts SA’s EAD preparedness
On 30 October, AHA delivered Livestock Liaison Industry (LLI) training in Adelaide to strengthen South Australia’s emergency animal disease response capability.
Over 20 participants from nine EADRA signatories joined the workshop hosted by SA’s Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), gaining practical insights into the LLI role and scenario-based activities. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 90% agreeing that the training was delivered well and met their needs.
Reminder: review and update your EAD contacts lists
Industry signatories to the Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement (EADRA) should have received an email with their current EAD contact lists and instructions for review. Completing an annual update ensures your representatives’ details are accurate and ready for activation in the event of an EAD incident — a critical step in maintaining preparedness.
National Biosecurity Response Team (NBRT) update
On 4-5 November, AHA welcomed members of the NBRT Advisory Group (AG) to the Canberra office for their quarterly meeting and a 1.5-day planning session for the 2026 NBRT Professional Development (PD) Week workshop.
Representatives from DAFF and jurisdictional agricultural departments met face-to-face to review progress of the 2024-28 NBRT program and map out next year’s PD Week.
The success of the 2025 NBRT PD Week gave the NBRT cohort a fantastic start to their tenure in the program. Building on that momentum, the AG is committed to delivering another valuable NBRT PD Week in 2026.
One Health Surveillance System Project update
AHA participated in the first workshop of the One Health Surveillance System Working Group at the University of Melbourne on October 22-23. The project is sponsored by the Australian interim Centre for Disease Control and led by project partners CSIRO, Australian Institute for Infectious Disease and Biointelect.
The Working Group brings together key stakeholders from human, animal, plant, wildlife and environmental sectors to co-create a nationally integrated One Health Surveillance System for Australia. Over the two days, discussions explored the value of a one health surveillance system for each sector, their potential contributions and preliminary design concepts for a data solution.
AHA at ISVC 2025
Animal Health Australia joined 350+ global experts in Wollongong for the International Sheep Veterinary Congress (ISVC), tackling big issues like emergency animal diseases, ewe mortality, anthelmintic and antimicrobial resistance, and flystrike. We shared insights from the National Sheep Health Monitoring Project and highlighted the vital role of veterinarians for the sheep and wool industries alongside our partners, WoolProducers Australia and Sheep Producers Australia.
Farm Biosecurity Producer of the Year: Ella Matta Pastoral
Congratulations to Ella Matta Pastoral, winners of the Farm Biosecurity Producer of the Year award at the 2025 Australian Biosecurity Awards!
Based on Kangaroo Island, the Heinrich family has built a sheep operation where biosecurity isn’t just a plan — it’s part of everyday life. Every detail, from managing visitors to maintaining flock health, is designed to keep pests and diseases out.
Ella Matta Pastoral also champions animal welfare, holding certification under the Responsible Wool Standard and Livestock Production Assurance program. Their commitment sets a high benchmark for protecting Australia’s livestock industries.
The Australian Biosecurity Awards celebrate outstanding contributions to safeguarding Australia from pests and diseases across nine categories. The Farm Biosecurity Producer of the Year recognises primary producers who demonstrate exceptional on-farm biosecurity practices.
National Biosecurity Forum
The National Biosecurity Forum was held in Canberra from 5–7 November. Invited stakeholders shared insights on challenges and opportunities, including sustainable funding, research priorities, and emergency response arrangements. DAFF will release a communique summarising discussions soon.
Resource of the month
Emergency animal diseases: A field guide for Australian veterinarians
A practical guide to help veterinarians quickly identify and respond to exotic and emerging livestock diseases. This updated edition includes concise information on clinical signs, diagnostic steps, and reporting requirements, supporting early detection and strong biosecurity outcomes for Australia’s livestock industries.