The Victorian Government unveiled new equipment and resources at Sheepvention 2023 to demonstrate Victoria’s readiness to respond quickly in case of an emergency animal disease (EAD) outbreak.
Minister for Agriculture Gayle Tierney talked with Agriculture Victoria staff and farmers at Sheepvention in Hamilton about the ongoing EAD threats facing Australia and the importance of everyone doing their part to prepare.
According to studies, a multi-state EAD outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Australia may result in direct economic damages of up to $80 billion for Australia’s national livestock and meat processing sectors alone over 10 years.
Since the possibility of an epidemic heightened last year with the detection of FMD and lumpy skin disease in Indonesia, the State Government has made significant advances to improve the State’s ability to identify and respond to an EAD.
To continue to bolster the State’s preparation, $17.5 million was allocated in the Victorian Budget 2023-24 to fund portable yards, traceability equipment, 100 decontamination kits, and purpose-built decontamination trailers, bringing the total Government commitment to over $43 million.
“We’re investing in new specialised biosecurity equipment to ensure Victoria’s livestock sector continues to remain free from disease,” Minister Tierney said.
“The impact of an emergency animal disease outbreak extends far beyond the agriculture industry, so that is why we are committed to protecting our state and animals from significant diseases,” Minister Tierney added.
The new decontamination trailers will aid Victoria’s quick response plan by enabling first responders to disinfect vehicles and equipment at affected properties or restricted areas.
Agriculture Victoria’s booth at this year’s Sheepvention includes new sheep sculptures painted by local artists and new activity books to teach children about biosecurity and farm safety. It will also publicise the new Biosecurity Strategy, which is presently open for public comment at engage.vic.gov.au.
“Sheepvention is a terrific event to showcase Victoria’s diverse and leading Agriculture industry while also highlighting how we are strengthening our biosecurity,” Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora said.
