Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2023-03-07 Daily Xml

Contents

Foot-and-Mouth Disease

224 The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) ().9 February 2023). Can the minister advise: what training and preparedness exercises have been provided for stakeholders and industry in preparation for a potential outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries): I am advised:

In December 2022, I announced new funding of $6.8 million to prepare for and respond to emergency animal diseases. In addition to nine new animal biosecurity staff in my department, this funding will provide mobile laboratory facilities and emergency response units for deployment in the event of an incursion, and equipment for destruction, disposal and decontamination activities during a response.

We continue to work closely with the Australian government, our colleagues interstate and our South Australian livestock industry, remaining alert to any developments.

PIRSA is prioritising staff resources to focus on preparedness activities for foot-and-mouth disease and lumpy skin disease. PIRSA is working closely with our South Australian livestock industry and nationally through working groups to contribute to both national and state preparedness activities.

A joint PIRSA/livestock industry workshop of a number of industry leaders was held in August with Livestock SA, SA Dairyfarmers' Association and Pork SA.

In the second half of last year, Livestock SA hosted a webinar where South Australia's Chief Veterinary Officer and I provided South Australian context for the preparedness activities underway and outlined the likely response required should and emergency animal disease occur.

PIRSA are working collaboratively with stakeholders in the regions to provide disease and response awareness information. This is through a wide range of activities including field days, shows, producer talks, meetings with private veterinarians.