Author: Dr. Matthew C Petersen (Advocacy member for ACV)
The short version
- A regional practice made a national biosecurity detection — and then carried much of the follow-up workload without clear funding or reimbursement.
- This is a live example for current AVA advocacy on veterinary workforce and biosecurity investment. If it happened to Esperance, it could happen to your practice.
How a routine investigation became a national detection
The recent detection of H5N1 avian influenza by the team at Swans Vet in Esperance shows exactly what regional private veterinarians bring to Australia’s biosecurity system.
The practice’s vets had been trained to recognise and investigate unusual disease events, and were prepared to collect the samples that led to the initial detection. Practice principal Dr David Swan described the finding as a significant biosecurity success and a demonstration of the capability that exists within regional private practice.
Where the support system fell short
The detection was the (relatively) easy part. What followed exposed the gaps.
The practice kept managing calls, running field investigations, collecting samples, and completing reporting and decontamination. According to Dr Swan, there was limited clarity around how any of this would be funded — and the practice initially carried much of the workload without reimbursement.
“We were ready and willing to act as the eyes and ears on the ground, but the systems to support private practices were not in place.” — Dr David Swan
Dr Swan believes the later detections across Australia and New Zealand raise questions about how long the virus may have been present before it was recognised. That remains his assessment rather than an established epidemiological conclusion — but it reinforces the case for strong surveillance and diagnostic capacity right across regional Australia.
What needs to change
The broader lesson is that private practices should not be treated as an informal reserve workforce, called on only once a threat has emerged. They are an integral part of the biosecurity system and should be resourced as such.
That means:
- clear arrangements for engaging private practices
- rapid access to funding and reimbursement
- reliable diagnostic laboratory support
- effective communication between government and practitioners; and
- continued investment in regional veterinary capability.
Regional veterinarians are highly skilled, closely connected to their communities, and often the first professionals placed to spot an unusual disease event. The Esperance experience shows the value of investing in that capacity before an emergency, not after.
ACV acknowledges Swans Vet for their vigilance, professionalism and contribution to Australia’s biosecurity.
Taking the veterinary voice to Canberra
On 24 and 25 June, AVA President Dr Diana Barker, CEO Melissa King and Head of Public Affairs and Advocacy Emily-Kate Byrne met with 14 government and crossbench MPs, senators and advisers in Canberra.
With H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza detected in wild birds on mainland Australia, the delegation highlighted the frontline role veterinarians play in biosecurity, emergency animal disease response, food security, wildlife health and public health. The AVA called for greater recognition of the profession and sustained investment in the veterinary workforce and biosecurity capacity — and the Esperance experience is a strong, recent example of why.
A further Canberra advocacy visit is planned before the end of 2026.
Get involved — and help build the case
Has your practice had a similar experience? Report it through the AVA Advocacy and Policy Hub. Meeting notes, emerging issues and real experiences from the field feed directly into the AVA’s policy work — and make sure the voice of cattle veterinarians is represented where it counts.
Members can also review current priorities, government submissions and policies through the hub.