Biosecurity SA : Animal Health

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Animal Health

The Animal Health Group is a core member of PIRSA Biosecurity. There are approximately 50 people in the Group, including veterinary and agricultural (livestock) experts, located across the state. Our central offices are located at 33 Flemington Street Glenside.

In 2007/2008, the farm gate value of livestock and aquaculture production in South Australia was $1.767 billion. By industry sector, the key contributors were:

Sheep & lamb (including wool & skins) - $593 million
Beef industry - $326 million;
Dairy Industry � $273 million
Pig industry - $160 million;
Chicken meat industry - $142 million;
Egg industry - $14 million;
Other - $14 million
Aquaculture � $245 million

In recognition of the importance of South Australia�s livestock sector, Animal Health�s mission is to:
�Protect and facilitate market access, livestock productivity, public health and consumer confidence through the health, welfare, quality, safety and image of South Australia�s livestock and livestock products".

This mission is addressed through four core business programs:

Disease Control;
Disease Surveillance;
Emergency Animal Disease Preparedness & Response; and
Stakeholder Relationships (including livestock producers, veterinarians, stock agents, saleyard operators etc).

Animal Health is responsible for the oversight and assistance to industry of matters relating to both national and state-based disease control and surveillance programs through membership of national and state bodies.

The state veterinary laboratory (VETLAB) is co-located with our head offices in Glenside. The laboratory is currently managed for PIRSA by Gribbles Veterinary Pathology Services. The laboratory provides a range of testing services required for the Animal Health disease control and surveillance programs. The laboratory also provides a general veterinary pathology service to private practitioners, industry and other clients.

Underpinning the above functions are the legislative authority and powers derived from the:

Livestock Act 1997 � which governs livestock husbandry practices;
Animal Welfare Act 1985 � for which Animal Health Officers have duties as Inspectors; and
Primary Industry Funding Schemes Act 1998 � which allows the development and use of state based industry funds.

Most disease control programs are undertaken in consultation and agreement with the animal industry concerned. This is achieved through the seven ministerially-appointed Livestock Advisory Groups - cattle, sheep, pigs, deer, goats, alpaca and horse. These groups report to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries and assist in disease program policy formulation and funding (where applicable). Animal Health provides technical expertise, staff and variable amounts of administrative input.

Animal Health also provides policy advice to Government at both state and national level. The peak national body is the Primary Industries Ministerial Council (PIMC). Reporting to this is the Primary Industries Standing Committee (PISC). States liaise on animal disease matters through the National Biosecurity Committee (NBC) to which the Animal Health Committee (AHC) reports. Within South Australia, Animal Health also liaises with other government departments, councils, public health and planning authorities and animal welfare groups.