Sub-project 2 – July 2019

Typology

With all the great data provided to us by our livestock producers, we have developed a predictive model that looks at vulnerability to a possible EAD outbreak in terms of producers’ willingness and ability to respond to such an outbreak (response capacity) and risk of exposure to the virus. We are now examining six groupings of producers based on their vulnerability, and considering what risk management resources might be of benefit for these groups. The model is also being checked using other data to make sure it is as accurate as possible.

Pilot networks

1. 1. The Sheep pilot group are meeting on 24 July 2019 to hear more from the company that’s developing software to enhance abattoir feedback to producers individually and to the region. A flyer developed for smallholders to inform them about their animal management responsibilities around identification and traceability is under consideration and the first of a series of articles looking at disease management will go out in the winter edition of the ASHEEP newsletter. The group is also mourning the loss in April of a much loved and active pilot group and community member. Our thoughts are with all affected by this loss.
   2. The Beef pilot group met in Kingaroy on 26 March 2019 to receive training in cattle disease surveillance, including post mortem and diagnostic sample collection techniques.  The training was part of a program being implemented by the Queensland state government, in partnership with local private vets and aimed to improve producers’ awareness and practical skills to assist detection of significant endemic and emergency animal diseases. The Beef group also met at Durong on 1 May 2019 for their third Innovation Pilot meeting. They progressed the development of a chain of response for animal health and biosecurity incidents and began planning activities to increase awareness of biosecurity risks among saleyard managers and agents.
   3. The Dairy pilot group met on 24 May 2019 and will discuss the distribution of an FMD preparedness article for dairy producers, a smallholder flyer on animal identification requirements, and support for a government driven Knackery Project to contribute to regional surveillance. There is also a drive to increase the number of stakeholders involved in the pilot group, including more dairy producers and the local council.
   4. The Pork pilot group held an initial meeting on 17 October 2018 in Hagley, Tasmania. A Herd Health Workshop, requested by the pilot group and run by a specialist pig veterinarian, supported by government veterinarians and a biosecurity officer, was conducted on 13 November 2018. The second pork pilot meeting was held on 18 February 2019 at the Hagley Farm School. An action item from this meeting was the creation and delivery of a webinar for pilot group members by the project team on 30 April 2019, focussing on African swine fever. The third pilot meeting is proposed for the final week of May 2019.
   5. The Goat pilot group: On 1 April 2019, goat stakeholders from across South Australia met at Roseworthy campus to form a Goat Innovation Pilot group. Participants at the meeting included representatives from meat, dairy, fibre, rangeland and miniature goat producers, private veterinarians, government biosecurity representatives, industry bodies and exporters. Participants discussed the value of coming together to address key challenges facing their industry, including disease surveillance, biosecurity and the importance of improving communication and engagement across the goat system.

Team training and presentations

There are numerous opportunities for the research team to learn and share about the project during 2019 including:

• Inaugural Australian Biosecurity Symposium – 12-13 June 2019
• Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists “Science Week” – 4-6 July 2019
• Livestock Forum, Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation – July
• FMD Ready Stakeholder workshop – November