New portable sample testing and mobile incident centres are among a suite of work the State Government is delivering to bolster the state’s response to any emergency animal disease outbreak.
The State Government said it would deliver a $10 million package, which builds on Victoria’s preparedness to ensure they can respond swiftly if there is a local detection of animal diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) or Lumpy Skin Disease.
The support will be tailored to industry and community, with the development of a campaign to help stop FMD already underway.
If an outbreak occurs, a portable testing lab will be deployed to outbreak locations to allow real-time on-site sample testing.
The government said the funding would also ensure farmers are equipped with resources if there is a detection and enable them to liaise with Agriculture Victoria as quickly as possible should there need to be the implementation of a livestock standstill.
The government is set to establish Mobile Incident Command Centres, and roll-out IT system upgrades to easily track outbreaks and coordinate online permits for livestock movements.
Specialist training in emergency animal diseases, outbreak management and recovery arrangements will also be rolled out to identified government agency staff and industry.
An additional 49 dedicated emergency animal disease staff are also being recruited to advance response measures already underway.
“Our livestock industries are extremely valuable, and we must have the infrastructure and people in place in case of an emergency animal disease outbreak – investing now means we will be prepared to respond swiftly and protect our livestock, farmers and biosecurity system,” Minister for Agriculture Gayle Tierney said.
“We will continue engaging with industry, farmers and communities, to ensure they are prepared if an outbreak were to occur.”
Victorian Farmers Federation president Emma Germano said the commitment was important to protect farms in the event of a biosecurity incursion.
Ms Germano said in addition to the immediate support announced by the government, she hoped to see all sides of politics commit to boosting Victoria’s biosecurity capabilities at the forthcoming State election.
“Although the threat of Foot and Mouth and Lumpy Skin has brought biosecurity into the public spotlight at this moment in time, farmers know we must be vigilant all the time.
“Action must be taken to provide certainty to Victoria’s biosecurity system through long-term sustainable funding arrangements.
“We expect that in the context of State election being held in November, combined with the overwhelming threats facing our industry right now, we will see some solid commitments put on the table to help boost Victoria’s biosecurity system.”
Ms Germano reminded farmers that they also needed to take responsibility for protecting their farm’s biosecurity and encouraged them to take immediate action.
“Every farm must have a biosecurity plan. If farmers don’t have one, they need to get one now. If they do have one, now’s the time to dust it off and make sure it’s activated.”
“The VFF is working closely with Agriculture Victoria to ensure farmers have the information they need to prepare, and these resources can be accessed through our website.”
The funding builds on Victoria’s extensive emergency animal disease preparedness efforts and will support the work of the Emergency Animal Disease Taskforce established last month, the State Government said.
To learn more about FMD and biosecurity preparedness, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/FMD
