MEDIA RELEASE
29 April 2008
AVA to Beale Review: Vets must play a key role in biosecurity
The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) has called for a unified approach to quarantine
and biosecurity in its written submission to the Beale Review yesterday.
“The AVA welcomes the Beale Review as a positive step towards establishing the world’s
best quarantine and biosecurity practices,” said AVA President Dr Diane Sheehan.
”The Equine Influenza (EI) outbreak emphasised the vital role of veterinarians in Australia’s
biosecurity, as well as the need for increased investment to improve biosecurity in the future.
“One of the AVA’s recommendations to the Review is for Australia to invest in a national
training program with an emphasis on rural veterinarians and the Australian Veterinary
Reserve. This will, for instance, ensure that our surveillance veterinarians can achieve best
practice skills and develop world class communication networks so that our animal health
system can respond to an introduced disease quickly and effectively.”
Dr Sheehan stressed that veterinarians must continue to play a vital role in Australia’s future
biosecurity. Veterinary expertise is essential in the formation of biosecurity policy and the
continual evaluation and review of these policies.
“Veterinarians are at the frontline of biosecurity and must play a critical role throughout the
quarantine continuum - in particular the post-border surveillance of animals,” said Dr
Sheehan.
“Participation of veterinarians in advisory committees and debates on animal welfare, as well
as contribution to policy and operations is vital in improving and advancing biosecurity. It is
essential that government bodies, associations and relevant stakeholders are able to draw
upon the vast knowledge, resources and expertise of the veterinary profession in determining
future biosecurity.”
Dr Sheehan also said that doctors, researchers and veterinarians must work together to
ensure early detection of and a rapid and planned response to disease incursions.
“With almost 70% of new infectious diseases in humans emerging from animals, a
harmonious partnership between veterinarians and doctors in health and disease
management must be developed. A Centre for Disease Control (CDC) for example, has been
shown overseas to be an effective mechanism for early detection and eradication of disease
outbreaks,” said Dr Sheehan.
“Diseases such as Avian influenza, Rabies and Mad Cow disease all have a high potential of
human impact. Early detection of an Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) is vital to ensure
rapid response and containment or eradication. Moving forward, the medical and veterinary
professions must work together and pool resources to have an integrated, harmonious and
more efficient biosecurity system,” concluded Dr Sheehan.
***ends***
For further information and requests for interviews contact:
Anna Inglis, Wilkinson Media
Ph: 02 8001 8888 / 0414 256 919
The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) is the national professional association of veterinary surgeons in Australia. Founded in 1921,
the AVA today represents around 5000 members. AVA's mission is to advance veterinary science by acting and speaking with a single voice
on matters relating to the health and welfare of animals.