Victorian biosecurity specialist and former Queensland Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Ron Glanville will lead the National Horse Traceability Implementation Taskforce as its new Chair.
The newly established taskforce will focus on implementing a national horse traceability system, continuing the work of the National Horse Traceability Working Group, which provided final recommendations to Australia’s agriculture ministers in 2022.
The proposed National Horse Traceability System will assist in responding to future biosecurity incidents and natural disasters involving horses, donkey and mules.
Endorsed as Chair by the National Biosecurity Committee, Dr Glanville will lead the Taskforce, which includes a diverse committee of 17 members who have an interest or expertise in animal health, biosecurity or traceability.
Dr Glanville has extensive experience in responding to biosecurity incidents, including the 2007 equine influenza outbreak. He said a national horse traceability system would bring significant benefits, particularly during outbreak or emergency situations.
‘I am looking forward to working with representatives of Australia’s horse industry to progress the introduction of the National Horse Traceability System,’ he said.
‘Having seen the impact of diseases such as equine influenza and Hendra on the horse industry, I understand the important role that traceability plays in the containment of endemic and exotic diseases.
‘Thanks go to the National Horse Traceability Working Group, under the exemplary leadership of Chair Stuart McLean, for developing a strong foundation that the taskforce will work from.”
The National Horse Traceability Implementation Taskforce is being supported by Agriculture Victoria as its secretariat. The first meeting of the taskforce will take place later this month.
