Sub-project 2 – November 2019

The pilot group meetings have continued throughout the past three months. These producer groups are focussing on animal health and production areas of interest to them, such as improving awareness and recognition of disease in livestock through post-mortem and diagnostic sampling workshops, herd health training and improving feedback from abattoirs to producers.

The independence of these pilot groups, and their overall format, is empowering participants and enabling strong partnerships to form between farmers, veterinarians, and other stakeholders.

The goat pilot group met in October for the third time and is a prime example of the valuable networks that have been built as a result of SP2. Hosted by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions in South Australia, goat producers, government vets and other biosecurity stakeholders came together to discuss industry issues, with guest speaker Dr Sandra Baxendell from GoatvetOz presenting on Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis and Johne’s disease. John Falkenhagen, President of the Goat Industry Council of Australia, updated the group on the latest news and initiatives in the industry and canvassed the idea of the group’s continuation beyond the project, which was well-received. The group is also in the process of developing a goat disease guide book.