Emergency Animal Disease Preparedness – Foot and Mouth
Thu, 31 Aug 2023 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM AEST
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, and could affect some of Australia’s native species. FMD does not currently occur in Australia, however it was identified in Indonesia in 2022. NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is working to build preparedness in the wildlife industry for FMD and other emergency animal diseases (EADs). The presentation will provide a summary of potential biosecurity risks to wildlife industries and will aim to positively empower the industry in NSW with knowledge about EAD preparedness.
Speaker – Dr Michelle Campbell-Ward, Associate Professor in Wildlife and Avian Medicine, University of Sydney
Michelle is a wildlife veterinarian with expertise in conservation medicine, nutrition, One Health-One Welfare and the ethics associated with the care and management of wild species. She recently started in a new academic position at the Camden campus of the Sydney School of Veterinary Science where she is involved in research, teaching and clinical wildlife practice. She spent over 2 years with the NSW DPI Animal Welfare Unit, most recently as Team Leader Policy and Programs and worked as a clinical vet at Taronga Western Plains Zoo from 2008-2023. Michelle became an RVCS Recognised Specialist in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine in 2008. She is currently President of the ANZCVS Zoo and Wildlife Chapter, an executive committee member of the Australian Veterinary Conservation Biologists and a Board member of Wildlife Health Australia.
Speaker – Dr Debra Doolan, Senior Policy and Project Officer, NSW DPI Animal Welfare Unit
Debra has a background in aquatic science and biosecurity risk management, and joined the NSW DPI Animal Welfare team in March 2022. Debra has worked on both aquatic and terrestrial pest and disease issues affecting NSW and has an interest in import risk analysis and the safe translocation of animals. Debra is currently working on building biosecurity preparedness in the NSW zoo and wildlife industries and developing government programs that can help industry to improve preparedness and resilience.