News

AHA backs revised FMD response plan

Beef Central, 26/09/2012

A recent high level joint government-industry roundtable, convened by Animal Health Australia, has endorsed Australia’s revised foot-and-mouth disease AUSVETPLAN Disease Strategy.

The AHA’s AUSVETPLAN manager  Dr Peter Dagg said the finalisation of the revised version represented the culmination of more than two years of solid effort to improve Australia’s FMD preparedness.

“As an outbreak of FMD would have very significant consequences for Australia’s livestock industries, the food and retail sectors, the wider community, and the economy, AHA gives high priority to ensuring that the FMD AUSVETPLAN Disease Strategy reflects scientific information as it would apply to the Australian situation,” Dr Dagg said.

“Consequently, AHA has been facilitating the latest review of Australia’s FMD response policy through consultation with national FMD stakeholders.”

Participants at the roundtable renewed their commitment to a response policy of eradication as quickly as possible, and a return to freedom while minimising social and financial disruption.

The revised FMD AUSVETPLAN Disease Strategy includes risk-based recommendations on movement controls for susceptible animals and their products, early consideration of emergency vaccination, and a balance between effective disease control measures and business continuity.

AHA in consultation with Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) will now progress this version of the manual for ministerial endorsement by the end of October 2012.

“AHA acknowledges the valuable contributions made by many AHA members and stakeholders, including DAFF, the state and territory authorities, the livestock and associated industries, and retail organisations, during this review process”, Dr Dagg said.

The roundtable was facilitated by Dr Gardner Murray, and keynote presentations were provided by:

  • Dr Robin Condron, Dairy Australia – progress with dairy provisions for the FMD AUSVETPLAN Disease Strategy
  • Dr Wilna Vosloo, CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory – preliminary report on FMD vaccination efficacy testing in pigs
  • Dr Les Sims, Asia Pacific Veterinary Information Services Pty Ltd – FMD Vaccine Expert Advisory Group update
  • Dr Gardner Murray, Gardner Murray Pty Ltd – Developments in south east Asia

 

More information on the AUSVETPLAN can be found on the AHA website by clicking here.
 

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