Legislation to phase out live sheep exports passes through Parliament
The Australian Senate has today passed legislation enshrining the phase-out of live sheep exports into law This is how it went down for up to an estimated 3,000 farm and associated industry people who will have their livelihoods reduced or even eradicated by this legislation. The Export Control Amendment (Ending Live Sheep Exports by Sea) […]
Farmers walk out on Agriculture Minister’s Federal budget breakfast speech that angered NFF and other farm industry representatives
The most invisible Federal agricultural minister to date, Murray Watt, has a spotlight firmly on his future intentions following a post-budget breakfast that hosted the National Farmers’ Federation and other industry representatives to grind down what was in store for agriculture. But when Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt got to the part about banning live […]
Animal disease detective training package will help prevent spread of infectious disease
The University of Sydney-led Asia Pacific Consortium of Veterinary Epidemiology (APCOVE) launched its world-class field training package on the sidelines of the World Health Summit in Berlin today. The package is designed to help veterinary practitioners and animal handlers detect and prevent infectious diseases in the field before they emerge as pandemics. The launch took place during the Global […]
Invasive Species Council agrees with proposed change to allow aerial control of feral horses
The Invasive Species Council says it welcomes the announcement the NSW government is consulting on changes to the Kosciuszko National Park Wild Horse Heritage Management Plan to allow aerial shooting as a method to reduce feral horse numbers. Snowy River tour guide and Invasive Species Council Indigenous ambassador Richard Swain said, “For far too long […]
Rabies is under the spotlight and submissions being sought for draft risk review
A draft report into a policy review of the rabies virus risk in imported cats and dogs has today been released for stakeholder comment. Deputy Secretary of Biosecurity and Compliance, Dr Chris Locke said Australia was free from the rabies virus and to protect this status the draft policy review proposes some changes to existing […]
The Nationals call on Labor Government to explain their refusal of live sheep export advice
Following advice contrary to what the Independent Regulator has recommended has fired up The Nationals who are now calling on the Labor Government to explain why it’s refusing recommendations on live sheep exports. The Nationals leader David Littleproud said the Department of Agriculture’s Review as the Independent Regulator of live sheep exports by sea during […]
Stronger biosecurity powers at international airports as the Commonwealth Government establishes Biosecurity Response Zones
The Commonwealth Government has taken further measuresat international airports, in response to the Indonesian outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). The Director of Biosecurity, and Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Andrew Metcalfe AO made the determination to establish the zones this afternoon, the first time this has been done under […]
Curtin University expert asks if enough is being done to avert the Foot-and-mouth threat to our meat and milk supply
Despite reassurances from the State Government, concern is growing around the potential impact of foot-and-mouth disease on farmers and the supply of meat and dairy after an outbreak of the disease in Indonesia and the detection of fragments of the virus in Australia. In light of this, Curtin University supply chain expert Dr Elizabeth Jackson […]
Foot and Mouth disease and African Swine fever has brought biosecurity vigilance to the fore
As part of the Australian Government’s response to the spread of animal diseases in the region, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has increased its surveillance and testing of meat and other animal products, both at the border and through targeted checking of retail outlets. Some pork products have been removed from supermarket shelves […]
Australia supports indonesia’s response to foot and mouth outbreak with a $1.5 million injection
The Federal Government will provide $1.5 million to support Indonesia’s response to the recent outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). The funding will provide at least 1 million FMD doses for Indonesia’s vaccination program, following a formal request for assistance from the Indonesian Government. Indonesia’s vaccination program is focused on support for the small-holder […]