Biosecurity Queensland ASF Surveillance and Sampling online course

24 Jan 2024

 

Veterinary and industry professionals making a difference in emergency animal disease prevention and preparedness

Private veterinarians, veterinary para-professionals and industry specialists play a critical role in the early detection and reporting of potential emergency animal diseases (EADs) in Australia.

According to Dr Fiona Thompson, Director of Biosecurity Response Preparedness in Biosecurity Queensland, “We know from social research that veterinarians and animal industry specialists are among the most respected sources of information when it comes to EADs.”

Should an EAD be detected, a rapid response supported by expert on-ground knowledge will minimise the potential impacts that may otherwise cost Australian producers and communities billions of dollars.

One of the best ways you can contribute is by ensuring your knowledge of EAD clinical signs and sampling methods is up to date.

To support this, Biosecurity Queensland’s new African swine fever (ASF) surveillance and sampling eLearning course is being offered free of charge via the Animal Health Australia (AHA) training portal. Registered veterinarians may claim 2 continuing professional development (CPD) points following completion of the course.

This interactive course contains information on the fundamentals of sampling and surveillance, health and safety practices, live pig handling, pig post-mortem examination and sample collection and submission. This is transferrable knowledge that will be valuable regardless of the EAD we’re faced with.

“We know that vets and industry members are under increasing time and resource pressures, so it’s important that we provide quality, easy to use professional development resources”, said Dr Thompson.

You can make sure you’re prepared by registering to complete this training on the AHA portal: https://aha.canopihr.com.au/.

For more information and access to further resources, contact the ASF prevention and preparedness project team via email ASFPPP@daf.qld.gov.au.