Australian Veterinarians Enhance FMD Preparedness through Overseas Training

Strategic Insights -

Australian veterinarians Mark Doyle and Lara Mitchell recently participated in a four-day training course in Kenya to prepare for a potential foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak. The training, organized by the European Commission, took place in an endemic country, providing veterinarians from FMD-free countries with hands-on experience in applying on-farm biosecurity protocols and following clinical and epidemiological procedures. This unique training opportunity is essential for veterinarians to gain practical knowledge and skills to manage FMD outbreaks.

Key Takeaways:

  • The training course is held in an endemic country to give veterinarians from FMD-free countries a unique opportunity to apply on-farm biosecurity protocols and follow clinical and epidemiological procedures.
  • Participants learned directly from farmers in areas with active FMD outbreaks and gained valuable insights through practical biosecurity exercises, sampling, packaging, and lesion aging in a situational context.
  • District veterinarians play a key role in emergency animal disease management across NSW, working closely with landholders to identify and prevent the spread of disease.
  • Australia has no cases of FMD, but there are cases in nearby countries, including Indonesia, emphasizing the need for enhanced preparedness.
  • The training course is essential in helping Australian veterinarians prepare for a potential FMD outbreak, enabling them to recognize, diagnose, and manage the disease effectively.
  • The training opportunity is a testament to the collaboration between Australian and European veterinarians to share knowledge and best practices in FMD management.

Statistics:

  • 16 District Veterinarians have completed EuFMD training since 2014.
  • The training course took place in Kenya, involving about 15 veterinary professionals from across the world, including Romania, Italy, Iceland, and the Netherlands.
  • FMD is a serious and highly contagious disease that affects all cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats.

Sources:

  • "District Vets Gain FMD Training in Kenya" (original source not explicitly stated)
  • No external references provided in the original text.