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UK and Australia collaborate in simulated ASF exercise
The exercise will contribute to the skills of specialised teams that make rapid risk assessments required in an ASF biosecurity emergency.

Nations work to strengthen joint disease control strategies

The UK and New South Wales government in Australia are collaborating this week on a joint, simulated exercise, to test and strengthen biosecurity measures in the event of an African swine fever (ASF) outbreak.

There has never been an outbreak of ASF in the UK, and there are substantial measures in place to protect against it. However, it is a major risk to both Australia and the UK’s pig industries, due to trade links and proximity to affected regions in Asia and Europe.

Current biosecurity measures dictate that, in the event of an outbreak, UK and Australian governments will put in place movement controls for all pig-related businesses, possibly including feed delivery, slaughter houses, pig breeding units or movement of animals to sale.

According to the UK government’s statement, this exercise’s main purpose is to assess how the movement restrictions would be applied in practice to best manage an ASF outbreak. Experts in risk assessment, epidemiology, science and disease control policy from Australia and the UK are taking part, working to develop strategies to control ASF.

The exercise takes place over three days, beginning on Wednesday 29 January. The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (DPI) will be working alongside Local Land Services and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Australian Animal Health Laboratory in Geelong. At the same time, teams from Defra and the Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA) will be participating in the exercise in London, UK.

Christine Middlemiss, chief veterinary officer, said: “The UK has strong links with Australia and scientific cooperation is one of them, so I welcome this initiative to share information and experience, helping us to maintain our high biosecurity standards.”

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.