Page 2130 - Week 07 - Thursday, 23 August 2007
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(2) What is the Government’s strategy for ensuring that birds in this commercial environment do not contract avian influenza;
(3) Has the Government drawn up a strategy specifically targeted at a large scale avian influenza outbreak;
(4) What is the Government’s strategy for ensuring that backyard hens do not contract avian influenza.
Mr Stanhope: I am responding to this question as responsibility for animal welfare now comes within my portfolio. The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) There are well-developed biosecurity systems in place for the chicken meat and egg industry that have been strengthened in recent years due to the threat of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Poultry farmers are alert to the possibility of the disease entering the country and have high-level support with diagnostic facilities and response plans. I am advised that these plans and procedures are the equal of any in the world. Biosecurity is a systematic risk based approach to the preparation for and response to an incursion of a new pest or disease that could affect primary industry or the environment.
In 2003 the Australian egg industry, in conjunction with Animal Health Australia, developed the Code of Practice for Biosecurity in the Egg Industry. This industry standard provides clear guidance to egg producers for the development of effective biosecurity practices on their farms. This quality assurance program covers a comprehensive range of production practices including food safety, animal welfare, human health and safety, egg labeling and biosecurity. All requirements have been approved by the appropriate State and Territory health authorities for animals and humans.
(2) As a signatory to the Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement, the Government, together with all other jurisdictions and peak animal industry groups, has participated in the development of contingency measures for an outbreak of an exotic disease. Each disease of national significance, including Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, has a technical response document in place under the AUSVETPLAN banner which establishes agreed standards and protocols for surveillance, diagnosis, linking policies and strategies, emergency-management plans and coordinated implementation of response measures. ACT specific information for responding to animal disease incidents is set out in the Animal Disease Sub Plan of the ACT Emergency Plan.
(3) In relation to the sole ACT commercial egg production facility, inspection of compliance with biosecurity requirements is periodically undertaken. Special training for employees has been conducted by government staff to ensure that workers are aware of biosecurity and health standards and procedures. Preparedness for an Avian Influenza outbreak has been tested through participation in a nationally coordinated simulation exercise. Additional operational policies have been inserted in AUSVETPLAN to address the risks posed by wild birds.
(4) In relation to backyard hens, the risk from Avian Influenza is reduced because of the small individual flocks and their relative isolation from industry sources of infection. Government officers actively investigate unexplained wild bird deaths and owners of domestic birds are encouraged to seek professional advice if unusual illness or death
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