NAHTRG might be a term some of our members are familiar with, but the purpose of the group and what they do may be less known.
The National Animal Health Training Reference Group (NAHTRG) provides advice and helps to identify national EAD and biosecurity emergency preparedness and response training priorities, which is an important part of AHA’s and members’ commitment to fulfilling shared obligations under the EADRA.
NAHTRG meets annually and the group includes one representative from:
- each jurisdiction
- the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
- a Registered Training Organisation (Tocal College)
- the Australian Veterinary Association
- the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness
- Plant Health Australia (observer)
- a representative from industry.
When NAHTRG meets, they consider matters relating to EAD and biosecurity emergency preparedness and response (BEPR) training, within each of their own jurisdictions and organisations, and identify how these matters intersect at a national level. They collaborate to identify issues and opportunities that can bring mutual value in the training space for all AHA members.
The latest meeting (held in May 2023) identified common priorities for jurisdictions:
- ways to continue delivering EAD and BEPR-relevant training to their staff, considering the loss of accredited training through BERTA (Biosecurity Emergency Response Training)
- FMD exercises are a high priority as part of their preparedness training
- training for private veterinarians in EAD response, detection, and diagnostics
- engagement with Industry Forum to help support their (BEPR) resources.
The group will now meet virtually every six months with quarterly touchpoints to ensure the flow of information and resources stays relevant and up to date.