May 11, 2017
Animal Health Australia – the Federal Government authority responsible for farm biosecurity – is turning its attention to protecting a range of other livestock animals.
It has teamed up with Charles Sturt University to develop “biosecurity resources” and “emergency animal disease preparedness information” for a range of livestock: Alpaca, Buffalo, Camel, Crocodile, Dairy Goat, Dairy Sheep, Deer, Duck, Emu, Game Bird, Goat (Fibre), Kangaroo, Marron, Ostrich, Rabbit, Redclaw and Turkey.
The project is being funded by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) and has begun with research led by Senior Lecturer for Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health, Dr Marta Hernandez-Jover.
Dr Hernandez-Jover said there was a need for better biosecurity information for these industries.
“Our research revealed that most new and emerging industries want biosecurity information, but we need to provide a tailored approach to engaging with and developing materials for them,” Dr Hernandez-Jover said.
AHA’s Executive Manager Biosecurity, Duncan Rowland, said all livestock producers face similar biosecurity risks when it came to stock, vehicles, feed, materials and people moving on and off the property.
“The difference lies in the unique nature of our new and emerging industries which are dotted sparsely across the country, and in some cases face additional or unique risks that are realised as the industry grows,” he said.
“Producers of new and emerging livestock sectors are encouraged to visit the dedicated New and Emerging Industries web page where they can get tips about biosecurity with videos, fact sheets and posters. Producers should also subscribe to the monthly e-newsletter.”
