CEO UPDATE
Thirty years of partnership
This week, many of us will come together in Canberra for the second Member Engagement Week of 2026.
Member Engagement Weeks are among the most important on the Animal Health Australia (AHA) calendar. They offer us the chance to connect, share perspectives and discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping Australia’s animal health and biosecurity system.
The Member Engagement Week program is now available, and I encourage you to take advantage of the forums, workshops, training activities and networking opportunities on offer throughout the week.
This event is particularly special as we celebrate 30 years of AHA.
While much has changed since AHA was established in 1996 (then known as the Australian Animal Health Council), the principle at the heart of our organisation remains the same: protecting Australia’s animal health and biosecurity is a shared responsibility best achieved through collaboration between governments and industry.
For three decades, that partnership has strengthened Australia’s preparedness, response capability and national coordination arrangements. More importantly, it has built the relationships and trust that underpin an effective animal health system.
H5 bird flu’s recent arrival to Australia is a timely reminder of why these partnerships matter. As the disease spreads — putting pressure on governments, industry, laboratories, wildlife organisations, vets and communities — we’re seeing first-hand the value of established arrangements, open communication and a willingness to work together to solve complex challenges.
It’s also a reminder that preparedness is more than plans and procedures. It relies on capable people, trusted relationships and systems that can operate effectively when needed most.
As we celebrate AHA’s 30th anniversary, we pause to acknowledge the many people who have contributed to our success. Our members, directors, technical experts, staff and project partners have all played a role in building the organisation and the national system we support today.
On behalf of Animal Health Australia, thank you for your ongoing support, partnership and commitment.
Thirty years is a significant milestone, but it’s not a destination. The risks facing Australia will continue to evolve, and so must we.
I’m confident the partnerships, expertise and shared purpose that have guided us for the past three decades will continue to strengthen Australia’s animal health and biosecurity system for many years to come.
H5 bird flu update and wellbeing support
H5 bird flu continues to be managed across several jurisdictions, with recent detections remaining confined to wildlife. Importantly, there are still no detections in poultry or Australia’s agricultural system. For the latest national developments, visit birdflu.gov.au.
While the risk of H5 bird flu to people remains low, animal welfare concerns and impacts on the environment, livelihoods and communities can affect mental health and wellbeing.
If you or someone you know is feeling worried or overwhelmed, support is available through Medicare Mental Health (1800 595 212), Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 22 46 36) and 13YARN (13 92 76).
Regards
Dr Samantha Allan
MEMBER UPDATE
AUSVETPLAN update
Technical Review Group update
AHA chaired AUSVETPLAN Technical Review Group (TRG) Meeting 57.1 on 18 August 2026. Despite the ongoing demands of the H5 bird flu response, the meeting saw strong attendance and engagement from TRG members.
TRG members supported progressing the 2026-27 workplan where possible, while recognising that competing response priorities may affect capacity and timelines.
Call for nominations – AUSVETPLAN Guidance document: Surveillance
The AUSVETPLAN team is seeking member nominations for a writing group to draft the AUSVETPLAN Guidance document: Surveillance. To nominate, contact your member organisation or email ausvetplan@animalhealthaustralia.com.au with any queries.
Thanks to our contributors
AHA recognises the essential contribution of government and industry representatives to develop technically sound and fit-for-purpose AUSVETPLAN documents. We thank our members for their ongoing contributions.
NAMP update
The National Arbovirus Monitoring Program (NAMP) Technical Committee met in Perth on 26-27 August 2026. The committee brings together veterinary virologists, entomologists, and government and industry policy staff to guide the program and provide technical advice.
The annual meeting reviewed NAMP activities and outcomes from the past year and considered the monitoring strategy for the year ahead. The committee also discussed opportunities to improve program efficiency and cost-effectiveness, including the application of emerging laboratory technologies.
The committee acknowledged the significant publication of the Female Culicoides Identification Key Manual, a significant resource for arbovirus surveillance and vector identification. The manual can be downloaded from the resources section on the NAMP webpage.
EADRA update
2025 EADRA variations published
The latest version of the Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement (version 25) has been published on the AHA website.
Key updates include a new definition of Exceptional Circumstances and provisions that allow the National Management Group (NMG) to approve a Transition to Management when a response is expected to extend beyond 12 months and Exceptional Circumstances apply.
Updated EADRA guidance available
Two EADRA guidance documents have recently been published on the EADRA webpage:
- EADRA Guidance document: Transition to Management (updated version)
- National EAD training roles and responsibilities for EADRA signatories (republished)
These documents support signatories and stakeholders in understanding key EADRA processes and training responsibilities.
EADRA Workshop at Member Engagement Week
The EADRA Workshop will be held on Wednesday 16 September 2026 (8:30am – 12:45 pm) as part of AHA’s Member Engagement Week.
The workshop will provide stakeholders with an opportunity to discuss current EADRA activities and proposed priorities. Virtual participation is available for those unable to attend in person.
For workshop enquiries, contact eadra@animalhealthaustralia.com.au.
EAD training update
Upcoming AHA training opportunities
| Event | Date | Location | Target audience | Regos |
| CCEAD Training Exercise | 16–17 September 2026 | Canberra, ACT | Govt & industry | Closed |
| GICA LLI Awareness Webinar | 14 October 2026 | Virtual | Industry (GICA) | Closes 25 Sept 2026 |
| LLI Training | 28 October 2026 | Wollongbar, NSW | Industry | Open |
| NMG Training Exercise | 17–18 March 2027 | Canberra, ACT | Govt & Industry | Open January 2027 |
| LLI Training | TBC, April 2027 | Victoria | Industry | Open February 2027 |
NSW LLI Workshop strengthens EAD preparedness
Registrations are now open for the NSW LLI Workshop happening in Wollongbar (New South Wales) on Wednesday 28 October 2026
Peak Industry Bodies are encouraged to nominate new LLI candidates and existing representatives who would benefit from a refresher training.
EADRA signatory PIBs must submit nominations by Friday 25 September.
The LLI Maintenance Guidelines and the LLI Checklist can help with reviewing current networks and identifying new candidates.
For more information or to nominate participants, contact the AHA Training Team at trainingsupport@animalhealthaustralia.com.au.
Industry news and events
H5N1 One Health webinar
Join experts from human, animal and wildlife health for the webinar H5N1 – A Medical Focused One Health Perspective on 15 September 2026 (7.00pm-9.00pm).
Hosted by the Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases (ASID), the webinar will explore H5N1 from a One Health perspective and feature speakers from Monash Health, the University of Sydney, Wildlife Health Australia and CSIRO.
Resource of the month
Communicable Diseases Network Australia (CDNA) national guidelines for avian influenza
These national guidelines provide practical advice for employers and managers of bird and wildlife workers to help protect workers from avian influenza.
Upcoming AHA events
Member Engagement Week
59 Cameron Ave, Belconnen ACT 2617