Dr Mark Schipp (Australian Chief Vet) and Dr Mary Wu and Adam Dawes (representing AHAs Industry Forum) showcasing the Animal Health in Australia 2022 Annual Report in Paris at the World Organisation for Animal Health General Summit (supplied by DAFF).

In its 30th year and to coincide with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) 90th Annual General Session in Paris, the Animal Health in Australia (AHiA) Annual Report has been released showcasing how Australia’s enviable animal health systems are protecting our $34 billion livestock industries and world class animal based products.

The report is a collaboration between Animal Health Australia (AHA) and the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), and outlines key animal health initiatives and developments undertaken in 2022.

Kathleen Plowman, CEO of Animal Health Australia welcomes the latest edition of the report, which showcases an eventful year in animal health and biosecurity history, with notable animal disease threats such as foot-and-mouth diseases and lumpy skin disease getting as close as Indonesia.

“This report highlights our commitment to producing healthy livestock and livestock products as seen through the data and information collected and reported through the national surveillance programs and other animal health related projects,” Ms Plowman said.

“One important aspect of this publication is to highlight the investigations undertaken of nationally notifiable animal diseases during 2022 which are used to support Australia’s disease free status and maintain our international trade and market access”.

Dr Mark Schipp, Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer who is currently sharing the AHiA annual report with the over 180 member representatives at the WOAH Annual General Session feels privileged to have been speaking to the many activities and programs that contribute to maintaining Australia’s robust animal health system.

“It is important that our animal health systems remain resilient and proactive in combating the increased risks of pests and diseases. This report demonstrates the considerable work being done to strengthen our national animal health systems,” Dr Schipp said.

CEO of Australian Chicken Meat Federation, Dr Mary Wu said as the AHA Industry Forum incoming Chair, she believes that to maintain our world class products, we need to showcase our strong animal welfare, health and safety measures.

“The release of this report exemplifies the remarkable strides we are taking to fortify our animal health defenses and combat emerging risks to serve and support our primary producers, export industries and the broader Australian community,” Dr Wu said.

The annual report also highlights:

• Australia’s response to outbreaks of Japanese encephalitis virus, Varroa destructor and white spot disease during the year,
• launch of 2021-2030 as the Decade of Biosecurity, and
• the risk assessment for importation of lumpy skin disease virus and vaccine.

You can download and read the full publication via https://animalhealthaustralia.com.au/AHiA2022 and also find previous editions at https://animalhealthaustralia.com.au/AHiA.