Issue 28

May 2018

 
 

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

 
 

BIG MONTH OF EVENTS!

 

WORLD ORGANISATION FOR ANIMAL HEALTH
Congratulations to Australia's Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Mark Schipp, on his appointment as the new President of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) World Assembly. An outstanding achievement!
​Read our interview with Mark below to find out his thoughts.

 

BEEF AUSTRALIA 2018 AND THE AVA CONFERENCE

We have recently returned from Beef Australia 2018 in Rockhampton, Queensland and the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) Conference in Brisbane. We had a fantastic time  engaging with a variety of producers and veterinarians - there are so many passionate people working in the agriculture space! 

 

BIOSECURITY IMPORT LEVY
It was pleasing to see the Biosecurity Import Levy, a key recommendation from the Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity review, was included in the May federal budget. The levy, which will commence in July 2019 and be charged on shipping containers, will help generate important funding to help protect Australia's biosecurity system. Click here for more info.

 

NEW PUBLICATION

Next month we launch AHA's brand new publication, The Link. At AHA, we’re lucky enough to see firsthand everyday the amazing work our members, partners and stakeholders do for their industry and Australia’s animal health system as a whole. Now, with the launch of this publication, you can find out about their incredible work too! Find out more about this publication below. 

 

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

 
 

Kathleen Plowman, CEO

 
 
 

MONTHLY CATCH-UP

 
 

This month we caught up with Dr Mark Schipp following his recent appointment to President of the OIE and highlights from his career so far. 

 

What does the appointment to OIE president mean to you?

Becoming the OIE President is an opportunity to showcase Australia’s achievements and approach to animal health and welfare. It provides us with an opportunity to shape the global agenda on animal health and antimicrobial resistance.
For me, it is also an opportunity to represent our region of the Asia Pacific in this international forum. Our region is the most populous and also the most productive in animal agriculture but often lacks a voice in international forums.

 

Read more



 
 

AHA AND MEMBER UPDATES

 
 

Introducing AHA's newest publication!

 

The Link will showcase the efforts and achievements of our members, partners and stakeholders and share what AHA is working on to strengthen the Australian animal health system. We’ll also bring you the latest Australian agricultural news and innovations. All of our members and AHA itself ultimately exist to benefit the producer, which is why we’re passionate about sharing our stories and activities – to provide information that will help Australian farmers get the best possible outcomes on-farm.

If you'd like to subscribe, email us at publications@animalhealthaustralia.com.au

 
 

May 2018 Events 
Beef Week 2018 and Australian Veterinary Association Annual Conference 2018

 
 
 

Sheep Producers Australia starts its search for CEO

 

Sheep Producers Australia, Media Release, 17 May 2018

The Board of Sheep Producers Australia will start its search for a CEO this month to lead the recently formed organisation as it represents the interests of the nation’s lamb and sheepmeat producers both within Australia and overseas.

 

Read more

 
 
 
 

Meat & Livestock Australia seeking non-executive directors

 

Meat & Livestock Australia is seeking to appoint two non-executive directors to its Board.

 

All candidates must have a genuine interest in, and a broad understanding of, the Australian red meat and livestock industry, strong business acumen and financial literacy.

 

For more info, please phone Tracie at Carnovale Recruitment on 0404 979 206 or visit mla.com.au/directorguidelines. Email applications to tracie@carnovalerecruitment.com. 

 

Closing date is on Friday 1 June 2018.

 
 

About Animal Health Australia

Want to know more about AHA and what we do? Check out this short video above!

 

For more information visit https://www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/

 
 
 

Registrations and call for abstracts open!

 

Australian Veterinary Antimicrobial Stewardship (AVAMS) Conference, 18 May 2018

 

Register now for the first AVAMS 2018!

Register before Monday 20th August to receive the Earlybird discount. Click the button below to visit the conference website for more information.

 

Abstract submissions for AVAMS is now open. Submissions will close on the 4th June 2018.  Abstracts must address the following to be considered:

  • Veterinary AMS initiatives
  • Barriers to the progress of AMS
  • Potential solutions to these barriers

Find out more

 
 
 
 

Growing productivity in agriculture

 

The Hon. David Littleproud MP, Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, media release, 11 May 2018

 

The future of Australian agriculture, associated jobs and the economy is being supported through the Coalition Government's investment in productivity and growth in this year's Budget. ​

Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources David Littleproud said agricultural productivity growth was essential for the sector to reach its potential and hit the NFF's ambitious target of becoming a $100 billion industry by 2030.

 

Read more

 
 

Transition to electronic identification of sheep and goats in Victoria
 

Agriculture Victoria, video, 27 April 2018

 

"In January, 2017 with very cost effective tags subsidised by the government. We've moved from there to processors, who are uploading and scanning those electronically tagged sheep and goats. And now we're in a situation where sale yards are meeting those same requirements and farmers, with their private property transfers."

 
 
 

Goat nutrition under the spotlight

 

The Land, 27 May 2018

A four-part series of videos focusing on goat nutrition has been released by Meat & Livestock Australia to help goatmeat producers plan their annual feeding programs.
The videos have been produced in consultation with the Goat Industry Council of Australia as part of a new series of best practice messaging designed to answer commonly asked questions from current and potential goatmeat producers.

To view the videos, click here

 
 
 
 

New cattle surveillance project to support producers limit their losses from endemic disease

 

Animal Health Australia and Cattle Council of Australia, media release, 29 May 2018

 

By the end of 2019 beef cattle producers will be receiving tailored information and resources for tackling disease priorities, which decrease profitability and threaten market access.

Read more

 
 
 
 

The Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines (S&Gs) for Saleyards and Depots have now been finalised.

 

The S&Gs reflect the commitment of jurisdictions to a nationally consistent approach to animal welfare. They promote humane and considerate treatment of livestock handled through Australian saleyards and depots and inform all people responsible for the management of livestock about their responsibilities.

 

For specific information and timelines please contact your relevant state or territory government agency. For more info about the S&Gs click here

 
 
 
 
 

Farm Biosecurity Newsletter

 

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

  • On-farm biosecurity shows its worth in face of disease threat
  • Your biosecurity plan should ‘tick’ all the boxes
  • Peeling back the layers of biosecurity for onion growers
  • Separating the guests from the pests

Click here to download the newsletter. 

 
 

IN THE NEWS

 
 

Look out for wildlife health

 

Wildlife Health Australia, 29 May 2018

 

Have thought about making a tax-deductable donation to Wildlife Health Australia to help us with our work? Wildlife Health Australia is a registered charity and the peak body for wildlife health in Australia. Our 750+ members form a network to help manage the adverse effects of wildlife diseases on Australia’s environment, biodiversity, animal and human health, trade and tourism.

 

Tax-deductible donations to the Wildlife Health Australia Public Fund can be made by visiting the Donation Page on the WHA website. All donations are gratefully received, and will help support WHA working to protect our amazing wildlife for future generations.

 
 
 
 

Hawthorn man survived bite from bat infected with '100% fatal' virus

 

Liam Mannix, WA Today, 10 May 2018


A bat carrying the deadly lyssavirus bit a Hawthorn man trying to come to its aid last month, prompting authorities to put out a public health warning.

Read more

 
 
 
 

Red Centre cattle station finds market for feral camels

 

Katrina Beavan, ABC Rural, 18 May 2018

 

A central Australian cattle station has decided to start trucking camels off the property to manage numbers, selling the animals to contractors.

 

Read more

 
 
 
 

Cattle tick discovery prompts warning

 

Macleay Argus, 14 May 2018

 

North Coast Local Land Services district veterinarians are reminding owners of the importance of having unusual disease events investigated following the recent diagnosis of tick fever on two properties in the Kendall area.

 

Read more

 
 

QUICK BITS

 
 

John Ralph Essay Competiton 2018: Society should determine the right to farm

 

Australian Farm Institute, 22 May 2018
 

The Australian Farm Institute established the annual John Ralph Essay Competition in 2010 to honour John Ralph, who was the inaugural Chairman of the Australian Farm Institute.

 

Read more

Victorian farmers call for action on rural crime following a spike in stock theft

 

Jess Davis, ABC Rural, 21 May 2018
 

A spike in stock theft and rural crime in Victoria is testing the patience of farmers who want tougher penalties and more powers for police to address the growing problem

 

Read more

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UPCOMING EVENTS

 
 
 

23-26

August

 

Australian Alpaca Spectacular

 

Save the date – The Australian Alpaca Spectacular is a huge event to celebrate and promote the achievements of Australian Alpaca Association members, educate and inspire anyone with an interest ​in alpacas, and encourage further investment into the industry in Australia.

 
 
 
 
 
 

11-13

November

 
 

Save the date - The Australian Veterinary Antimicrobial Stewardship Conference Organising Committee is pleased to announce the 1st Australian Veterinary Antimicrobial Stewardship Conference will be held at the Novotel Twin Waters, Sunshine Coast QLD on 11-13 Nov 2018.

 

 

 
 
 

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