Friday, 03 May 2013 13:56

Joint action plan on FMD

Written by 

A new action plan between Australia and New Zealand will see defences against the threat of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) strengthened.

 

Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy and his Australian counterpart, Senator Joe Ludwig announced the two countries will work more closely together focusing combined defences against the threat of FMD.

"FMD poses one of the single greatest threats to livestock industries and rural communities in New Zealand and Australia. We've estimated that a large outbreak would cost Australia $AUD 16 billion to control," Ludwig says.

"Australia has successfully kept FMD out of the country for more than 130 years. Our countries have committed to work together to develop a trans-Tasman FMD Action Plan to improve preparedness.

"Collaborative government action will help ensure we are both adequately prepared for this disease."

Guy says both countries are extremely aware of the importance of preparing for the threat, given the importance of the agricultural sector to both economies.

"This work will build on the strong relationship we already have through years of working together on animal health and biosecurity issues," Guy says.
"It reflects an on-going commitment to improving our knowledge and preparedness."

Key activities under the joint plan include:

• sharing intelligence on emerging animal health risks facing our region

• developing and improving training activities and FMD detection capabilities, including training in exotic animal disease recognition and participating in joint exercises

• sharing and comparing economic and disease models of FMD to inform management strategies

• collaborating on policy development, approaches and operational plans for vaccination and carcass disposal

• participating in simulation exercises to explore how we could support response efforts in the event of an incursion.

More like this

NZ vs Aussie beef

OPINION: Your old mate hears that at a recent China Business Summit, PM Christopher Luxon delivered a none-too-subtle "could try harder" report card on the red meat industry regarding its exports to China - particularly when compared to Australia.

Featured

National

Machinery & Products

A reliable, no-fuss workhorse

Showcased with a T7.245 at the recent National Fieldays, New Holland has expanded its T7 tractor range offering in New…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Wrong focus

OPINION: Your old mate reckons townie Brooke van Velden, the Minister of Workplace (or is it Woke Place) Relations is…

Burn the village

OPINION: There's an infamous term coined by a US general during the Vietnam war, specifically in reference to the battle…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter