Improving biosecurity practices and preparing for the potential incursion of an emergency animal disease is the focus of a new biosecurity officer role, supported by the South Australian pork industry.
University of Adelaide animal science graduate Chelsea Dossett has been appointed to the position.
Ms Dossett was the recipient of the Ronald J Lienert Memorial Scholarship, graduating with honours in pig production and has broad experience working on a 500-sow farm.
A key focus of her role will be to develop protocols for best practice biosecurity and disease management that ensures SA is well placed to meet and implement national requirements.
The new position – jointly funded by the State Government and the SA Pig Industry Fund – will be well supported by industry representatives to ensure the project is delivered in partnership.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said the appointment of a dedicated pig industry biosecurity officer was the latest in a series of recent initiatives undertaken by the industry aimed at strengthening supply chain biosecurity in South Australia.
“Biosecurity is critical to prevent, respond to and recover from pests and diseases which threaten the economy and environment,” Minister Basham said.
“With the spread of African Swine Fever across the globe, including reaching our neighbours in Timor Leste and Papua New Guinea, I applaud our pork industry in ensuring biosecurity remains a critical priority.
“These measures ensure South Australia’s pork industry is as resilient and self-sufficient as possible to support producers to maintain continued market access and the production of food.”
South Australian Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Mary Carr said the appointment of a pig industry biosecurity officer would further develop capabilities that helped to assure the movement of pigs in the event of an emergency animal disease outbreak.
“This applies to all facets of the supply chain, from shipment to slaughter and routine property-to-property movements for multi-site producers,” she said.
“This new role will help to provide a network and build partnerships with industry, stakeholders, research organisations and regional communities to guide the development and delivery of important biosecurity programs to improve disease preparedness, resilience and recovery.”
SA pig veterinarian Dr Barry Lloyd said the new role would help pig producers customise pig movement as well as destruction, disposal and decontamination contingencies within their farm biosecurity plans.
The work will ensure they meet all state and local government regulatory requirements.
The position will also assist to identify information management requirements to underpin efficient permit approvals in a response.
