Australia's Vets Welcome New Biosecurity Bills
AUSTRALIA - The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) welcomes bills about to be considered by the Senate which will strengthen disease control measures to better manage the risk of diseases entering and spreading in Australia.
20 March 2015
2 minute read
By: AVA President Dr Julia Nicholls said that veterinarians are involved at all levels of Australia’s quarantine and biosecurity systems.
“In large-scale outbreaks such as the 2007 equine influenza outbreak, an army of government and private veterinarians is called on to take part in the emergency response.
“Strong, effective protection against imported pests and diseases is critical to our agricultural industries, as well as to the wellbeing of Australia’s animals and people.
“We welcome these bills which incorporate critical changes to the way we approach biosecurity risk, including advances in technology and transport which the previous legislative framework did not cover,” she said.
“Australia needs a more seamless biosecurity system which these bills will provide.”
The Biosecurity Bill 2014 is supported by four other bills that are designed to help ensure the smooth transition from the Quarantine Act 1908.
