CEO UPDATE
Another great Member Engagement Week
Thanks to everyone who joined us for another fantastic Member Engagement Week (MEW) in Canberra last month.
The conversations were thoughtful, honest and — at times — challenging. But that’s a good thing. Progress is driven by asking difficult questions, listening to different perspectives and working through issues together.
I want to thank everyone for their input across the week, especially when discussing potential future projects. While consultation has always been a priority for AHA, it’s clear that members want greater clarity about how projects are identified, prioritised and selected, as well as more opportunity to shape those decisions.
We look forward to continuing this conversation as we keep refining our strategic approach.
September’s MEW was also a special opportunity to celebrate AHA’s 30th anniversary. Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate and recognise the many people who have contributed to AHA’s success over the past three decades. Based on the photo booth pictures alone, it was a great night all round!
Representing AHA at the Animal Health Canada Forum
Following MEW, I travelled to Canada to speak at the Animal Health Canada Forum. The event brought together industry, government and veterinary leaders from across Canada and beyond.
I was fortunate to deliver a keynote address on Australia’s approach to animal health and biosecurity, alongside presentations from Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Beth Cookson, and other international speakers.
It was a valuable opportunity to share our experiences and learn from others, and I was delighted to come home with new insights, valuable connections and opportunities for future collaboration.
Thank you to Animal Health Canada for its warm hospitality and for bringing together such a diverse group of stakeholders committed to strengthening animal health systems.
H5 bird flu update
On 16 October, Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer lifted the state’s temporary mandatory poultry confinement requirement.
While there continue to be no detections of H5 bird flu in Australian poultry or livestock, preparedness activities are progressing across government and industry.
Biosecurity remains the best defence against H5 bird flu. Poultry producers are encouraged to maintain strong biosecurity practices across all aspects of their businesses.
The Australian Government has recently expanded the resources available through birdflu.gov.au, including new fact sheets, translated materials and First Nations resources. Please visit the website for the latest H5 bird flu information.
Regards
Dr Samantha Allan
MEMBER UPDATE
Celebrating 30 years of partnership
For 30 years, collaboration between industry and government has helped strengthen Australia’s animal health and biosecurity system. As we celebrate this milestone, we’ve taken the opportunity to reflect on the journey, the key achievements and the partnerships that continue to underpin our success.
EAD training news
Upcoming EAD training opportunities
| Event | Date | Location | Audience | Regos |
| LLI Training | 28 October 2026 | Wollongbar, NSW | Industry | Closed |
| NMG Training Exercise | 17–18 March 2027 | Canberra, ACT | Govt & Industry | Open January 2027 |
| LLI Training | TBC, April 2027 | Victoria | Industry | Open February 2027 |
Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases (CCEAD) Training Exercise
More than 30 participants from industry and government, and allied sectors took part in AHA’s refreshed CCEAD Training Exercise during Member Engagement Week in September.
Using realistic emergency animal disease scenarios, participants practised decision-making, worked through mock CCEAD meetings and explored the complexities of a national response.
Goat industry strengthens emergency response capability
Nine representatives from across the goat industry recently participated in a Livestock Industry Liaison (LLI) Awareness Webinar delivered by Animal Health Australia and the Goat Industry Council of Australia.
As part of the first phase of the GICA LLI Network Project, participants explored Australia’s emergency animal disease response arrangements and the role of LLIs through a hypothetical Screw-Worm Fly outbreak scenario.
AUSVETPLAN updates
Technical Review Group update
AHA chaired AUSVETPLAN Technical Review Group (TRG) Meeting 57.3 on 15 October 2026. Despite the ongoing demands of the H5 bird flu response, the meeting saw strong attendance and engagement from TRG members. Topics of discussion included:
- minor revisions to the avian influenza response strategy and poultry industry enterprise manual
- a new structure for response policy briefs
- movement controls and risk assessments, including milk movements during a foot-and-mouth disease response.
Published AUSVETPLAN response strategies
The revised AUSVETPLAN response strategy Sheep and goat pox was recently published on our AUSVETPLAN page. The updated response strategy Peste des petits ruminants is in the final stages of editing and will be published soon. We thank all those involved in the review and approvals process.
Surveillance news
International expert helps strengthen Australia’s diagnostic capability
Close to 110 members of the veterinary pathology community from across Australia took part in the 2026 Australian Animal Pathology Standards Program (AAPSP) Roadshow, a national training series focused on veterinary ocular pathology.
Led by internationally recognised ocular pathology specialist Dr Leandro Teixeira from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, the workshops provided participants with practical insights into a wide range of eye diseases and diagnostic challenges.
New resource strengthens arbovirus surveillance
The National Arbovirus Monitoring Program (NAMP) has released a landmark identification guide for Culicoides biting midges, bringing together more than 30 years of surveillance knowledge into a single practical resource.
Industry news and events
Have your say on the draft Australian Animal Welfare Strategy
Public consultation is now open on the draft Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (AAWS).
The renewed strategy aims to support modern, sustainable, evidence- and science-based animal welfare practices across Australia. This is the final opportunity to provide feedback before the strategy is finalised.
Consultation closes 5 pm AEDT on 13 November 2026.
Resource of the month
H5 bird flu resources
Birdflu.gov.au brings together the latest H5 bird flu resources for producers, veterinarians, wildlife carers and the community, with new translated materials and First Nations resources now available.