Veterinarians urged to register their interest in supporting future disease responses

Private veterinarians will play a critical role in responding to an emergency animal disease (EAD) event. A large EAD incursion such as foot-and-mouth disease, lumpy skin disease or avian influenza, will require assistance from across our animal industries, most notably our veterinary sector to affect a timely, efficient and effective response.​ 

In the event of an EAD event, each state will be responsible for the control and eradication of the disease including decisions around control strategies, surveillance, detection, and any necessary destruction and disposal of livestock. 

Private veterinarians are being urged to put their name forward to provide support and assistance in the event of an emergency animal disease (EAD) incursion in Australia. As part of planning, it is crucial that states can call upon the assistance of private veterinarians to ensure the best possible outcome for affected livestock, farming communities and the agriculture industry.  

For any EAD response, it is essential to have personnel engaged, like private vets who know the affected area and are familiar with the local industries and enterprises. Veterinary professionals may be engaged in coordination roles in operational centres or in operational (field-based) activities, including investigating suspect cases, conducting field surveillance and collecting diagnostic samples. 

All veterinarians are encouraged to consider their potential role in the event of an EAD, and to stay up to date on the latest news and developments in this important space.  

The Guidance on the engagement of private veterinarians during an EAD response was recently reviewed and updated for the Animal Health Committee (AHC) to ensure national consistency around the conditions and remuneration for private vets working in EAD responses.

There are two ways that veterinary professionals may be engaged by the relevant jurisdiction managing the response:

• As a government employee - directly engaged by the relevant government Department of Agriculture / Primary Industries on either a temporary or casual basis.
• As a contractor – directly contracted as an individual or as a company (i.e., veterinary practice) by the responding jurisdiction for specific services to support the response.

Both are paid employment positions with differing conditions as outlined in the guidance document.

To learn more about the arrangements allowing private veterinarians to be directly engaged by state or territory governments in an EAD response, click here.

To express your interest in supporting EAD responses, register your interest through your annual Veterinary Board registration process or email your relevant state department, who will also be able to answer any questions you have.