Biosecurity Essentials for VETS

Private vets have an important role to play in emergency animal disease responses in Australia. Visit Engaging Private Veterinarians in an Emergency Animal Disease Response for more information.

Previous experiences, including the 2007 Equine Influenza outbreak have shown the need for nationally consistent arrangements including remuneration rates so that when there is an emergency disease response, private practitioners can be engaged efficiently and effectively.

• Private vets will now take part in emergency animal disease (EAD) responses either as an employee of a state or territory government, or as an independent contractor.
• Consistent rates of pay have been agreed, and will be reviewed annually and indexed in line with increases in Commonwealth pay rates.

Further information is available in the national guidance document, which describes the overall context, background and structure of the arrangements. Details are also available on the employment conditions for vets and what should be in each employment contract. Visit Engaging Private Veterinarians in an Emergency Animal Disease Response

The Avian Influenza - A Guide for Veterinarians, together with recorded training provides comprehensive information on Avian Influenza case management, biosecurity protocols, safe sample collection, effective reporting, and situational awareness.

For information on how to submit samples for testing of Emergency Animal Disease visit NSW Laboratory Services Submitting Samples.

The NSW Primary Industries legislation page provides links to all the legislation that is administered by the NSW Minister for Primary Industries.

There is a requirement on all veterinarians to notify the Department or Local Land Services if they know or suspect the presence of a notifiable animal disease .