Issue 16

April 2017

 
 

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

 
 

HOPE EVERYONE HAD AN EGG-CELENT EASTER!

 

JD IN CATTLE UPDATE
With the next phase of the new, national approach to Johne’s disease (JD) in cattle now approaching, AHA has developed a range of tools to help producers manage the transition. This includes state-by-state scenarios outlining what the WA and NT entry requirements mean for the producer. Read our lead article below for more information on the changes.

 

TENDER OPPORTUNITY
AHA is seeking expressions of interest from experienced designers, writers, editors, developers, trainers and facilitators for the provision of services in Australia. AHA wishes to develop a register of consultants interested and able to assist AHA and its members in developing and delivering biosecurity training activities and programs, with an emphasis on animal health. Find out more here.

 

POSITION AVAILABLE

AHA is currently seeking an AUSVETPLAN Veterinary Officer for a short-term contract commencing June/July 2017. Applications close 5 May 2017. Click here for more information.

 

I hope you enjoy reading this month's edition of Animal Health Express.

 
 

​Kathleen Plowman, CEO

 
 
 

LATEST NEWS

 
 

JOHNE'S DISEASE IN CATTLE: THE NEXT PHASE

 

The next phase of the new, national approach to Johne’s disease (JD) in cattle is now approaching, with transitional arrangements for the Johne’s Beef Assurance Score (J-BAS) ending on 30 June 2017.

Most state jurisdictions have removed regulation for JD in cattle, with Western Australia and the Northern Territory having interim arrangements in place at the request of their respective industry bodies.

 

Read more.

 
 

JOHNE’S DISEASE AND MAINTAINING MARKET ACCESS POST JUNE 2017

 

Futurebeef, April 2017

In this webinar, held on 20 April 2017, Rachael O’Brien from the Livestock Biosecurity Network discussed the current situation and what producers need to do to maintain market access post June 2017 to Northern Territory markets.

 

 

DON'T WORRY, BE APPY!

Have you downloaded the FarmBiosecurity planning app yet? If you haven’t and are a little unsure of how it works, why not take a minute and see how. Once you have watched the video, share the link with anyone you know who is looking to implement biosecurity on their farm, because the FarmBiosecurity app is the best place to start!

 

 
 
 

NEW INTERSTATE QUARANTINE WEBSITE

 

If you're travelling or exporting interstate, Plant Health Australia's new interstate quarantine website is a must-visit, to make sure you comply with all stage legislation.

 

Read more.

DOWNLOAD THE MYPESTGUIDE APPLICATION

 

Use the MyPestGuide app to report pests on your property to the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia and get them identified by experts.

 

Read more.

 
 
 
 

ADF WELCOMES NEW CEO

 

ADF media release, 27 April 2017

 

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) is very pleased to announce the appointment of Mr David Inall as the incoming Chief Executive Officer of Australia’s peak dairy farm body.

 

With a strong background working with industry and government on strategic policy matters, including animal welfare and sustainability, Mr Inall comes into the role after four years as the Senior Vice-President of United Egg Producers based in Atlanta, Georgia, United States.
 

 
 
 
 


MEET OUR BOARD

 

David Palmer has been an AHA Director since 2011. Prior to this, David worked in administration and policy development in the Australian beef, sheep meat and goat industries and also operated his own livestock and farming enterprises. This month we caught up with David to chat about his experience on the AHA Board.


What do you like about working on the AHA Board?
I enjoy very much my directorship of AHA as the entity occupies a unique position of trust straddling industry, State jurisdictions and the Commonwealth government. Increasingly the need exists for such organisations to act as an ‘honest broker’ between the three entities. Animal health and overall biosecurity best practice is critical to Australia’s prospects in the international markets and in keeping the confidence of the domestic market (our single largest customer).

 

What has been a highlight for you during your time as an AHA Director?
The creation of the Livestock Biosecurity Network, principally through the Cattle Council was a proud moment for me to chair the entity in its formative years; now integrated into AHA and working alongside Plant Health Australia and the Farm Biosecurity program, the future for farm biosecurity looks assured.

 

Read more.

 
 
 
 

TASMANIAN BIOSECURITY BILL OPENS FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION

 

DPIPWE website, April 2017

 

The Tasmanian Government has released a draft Biosecurity Bill 2017 for public consultation for a six week period from 21 April until 2 June 2017.

 

Under this Bill the elements of Tasmania's biosecurity system will be brought together in a single piece of framework legislation.

 

Read more.

QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO THE HENDRA VIRUS VACCINATION ENQUIRY

 

The Queensland Government has published a response to the Agriculture and Environment Committee's report on the Hendra EquiVac® vaccine and its use by veterinary surgeons in Queensland.

 

Read more.

 
 
 
 

LIVESTOCK DISEASE CONTROL REGULATIONS 2017

 

Agriculture Victoria website, April 2017

 

The Regulations will cease to operate on 18 December 2017. As a consequence, the Regulations are being reviewed to justify that a regulatory approach is the best option to protect Victoria's livestock industries and to maintain and enhance market access for livestock and livestock products.

 

Public comment is now being sought for the RIS to help ensure Victoria's livestock industries remain protected and continue to grow into the future.

 

Read more.

 
 

AHA AND MEMBER UPDATES

 
 

IMPROVED QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM FOR THE EGG INDUSTRY

 

AECL media release, 10 April 2017

 

The Australian Egg Corporation is pleased to announce the release of Egg Standards of Australia, a voluntary quality assurance program for rearing and layer farms, which provides a practical mechanism for egg farmers to demonstrate compliance with egg farming standards.

 

Read more.


 
 
 
 

CALL FOR TENDERS ARE NOW OPEN

 

Australian Pork Limited

 

APL invite researchers to submit tenders that address their research priorities of production and welfare, environmental management and food safety, biosecurity and quality assurance.

 

All tenders must be received no later than COB 22 May 2017.

 

Read more.

 
 
 
 
 

WILD DOGS – YOUR SAY NOW

 

NSW DPI media release, 11 April 2017

 

Local communities, groups and individuals are invited to have their say in developing the NSW Wild Dog Management Strategy 2017-2021 to reduce the impacts of wild dogs.

 

Read more.

 
 
 
 

PERI-URBAN VET E-LEARNING COURSE

 

NSW has recently completed the development of a peri-urban vet e-learning course funded by the National Significant Disease Investigation Program. The next step is to plan appropriate branding and hosting.

 

Read more.

 
 
 
 
 
 

SHEEPMEAT COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA ENDORSES MLA'S DEXA PROPOSAL

 

SCA media release, 31 March 2017

 

The Sheepmeat Council of Australia has given its support to the rollout of objective carcase measurement across Australia’s sheepmeat sector, noting the multiple benefits for producers and the industry.

 

Read more.


 
 
 
 

GIVE YOUR SUPPORT TO EQUESTRIAN SPORT

 

EA media release, 12 April 2017

 

Equestrian Australia is proud to be part of a dedicated fundraising program through the Australian Sports Foundation aimed at boosting financial support in key areas of the sport.


Read more.

 

 
 
 
 

WOOLPRODUCERS AUSTRALIA CONDEMNS ANIMAL CRUELTY

 

WPA media statement, 31 March 2017

 

WoolProducers Australia has come out strongly in response to today’s sentencing of four shearers being convicted of animal cruelty in Horsham’s Magistrate Court.

 

WoolProducers strongly condemns animal cruelty and anybody found committing these offences has no place in the wool industry, as they are jeopardising the reputation of the vast majority of wool growers and shearers who treat animals humanely and with care on a daily basis.

 

 
 
 
 

FARM BIOSECURITY NEWSLETTER

 

The April edition of the Farm Biosecurity e-newsletter is now available. This month features the following articles:

 

Celebrating a decade of grains farm biosecurity

Don't worry, be appy!

Greenhouse management to reduce costs

Biosecurity threats can follow you everywhere

 

 
 

IN BRIEF

 
 

EXPORT OPTIONS GROW AS BIRD FLU INFECTS GLOBAL POULTRY PRODUCTS TRADE

 

Andrew Marshall, The Land, 11 April 2017


Bird flu outbreaks in parts of Asia, Europe, and now the US, are creating some optimistic sales prospects for Australian exports in the competitive poultry products market.

 

Read more.

 
 

Check out Meat & Livestock Australia's video to find out why red meat integrity matters for producers, processors & the industry.

 
 
 
 

NEW TECH TAPS PASTURE, STOCK POTENTIAL

 

Mike Foley, The Land, 23 April 2017

 

A farm management system to enable objective benchmarking is finally coming to the grazing industry.


Maia Grazing is a software package for the farm office and perhaps its most obvious benefit, even for the least tech-savvy farmer, is to match feed potential and seasonal trends with stocking rate, providing an objective guide to approaching drought and destocking decisions.

 

Read more.

 
 
 
 

ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM SET TO LAUNCH

 

MLA news, 11 April 2017


Australia’s agriculture sector is one of the lowest users of antimicrobials in the world, an enviable position which the feedlot industry is determined to reinforce through the impending launch of a new stewardship program.

 

In what is believed to be a first for the feedlot industry anywhere in the world, the Australian industry will have its own Antimicrobial Stewardship Framework to help guide judicious use of antimicrobials - minimising resistance while achieving high levels of animal health.

 

Read more.

 
 

QUICK BITS

 
 

APPLY FOR PRODUCER EVENT SPONSORSHIP

 

If you're hosting a grassroots, producer event in the second half of 2017, MLA sponsorship may be an option for you. Applications close 19 May 2017.

 

Read more.

 

 

TAKE PART IN THE GRAEME ACTON BEEF CONNECTIONS MENTORING PROGRAM

 

Applications are now open to young beef industry participants looking to develop their skills and maximise their potential in the beef industry.

 

Read more.

 

 

AUSTRALIAN FARMER OF THE YEAR AWARD

 

Know someone making a significant contribution to Australian agriculture? Nominate them for an Australian Farmer of the Year Award, hosted by Kondinin Group and ABC Rural.

 

Read more.

 
 
 
 

WORLD VETERINARY DAY 2017

 

Falling on April 29 2017, the theme of this year's World Veterinary Day is "Antimicrobial Resistance - From Awareness to Action."

 

Read more.

AGRIBUSINESS WEBINAR

 

The Agribusiness Development Institute is hosting a free webinar on 3 May 2017 to help agribusinesses prepare for, and rebuild after, drought.

 

Read more.

 

 

 
 

Office location: Level 2, 95 Northbourne Ave, Turner ACT 2612