Together with the European Commission for the Control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (EuFMD), Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Mark Schipp, hosted a virtual reunion event for the Australian veterinarians and stock handlers who participated in the FMD real-time training program delivered in Nepal between 2012 and 2019.
“The reunion was an opportunity for the Australian real-time training cohort to reconnect, learn about the evolving FMD situation in the south-east Asian region, and identify future priorities to support Australia’s emergency animal disease (EAD) preparedness and response capacity,” Dr Schipp said.
Animal Health Australia also took part to discuss the roles which would need to be filled during an EAD response and the associated training options available to participants.
“Veterinarians and stock handlers who participated in the real-time training are an important network of people to act as Australia’s eyes and ears remaining vigilant against this potentially devastating disease. They would be involved in the investigation and response for any potential FMD outbreaks in Australia,” Dr Schipp said.
Throughout the FMD real-time training program, a Memorandum of Understanding between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Nepal Department of Livestock Services (DLS) facilitated the exchange for the vital assistance and cooperation provided by the DLS in the organisation and delivery of the training, for a range of support to assist Nepal in improving FMD management.
“Without Nepal’s support we would not now have this cohort of over 300 Australians with first-hand experience in identifying, diagnosing and investigating FMD,” Dr Schipp said.
“Australia remains free from FMD. Our world-class biosecurity program is vital to strengthening and supporting our environment and economy, including tourism, trade and agriculture. This training program builds biosecurity preparedness in our region and in turn strengthens our biosecurity defences.
