The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has welcomed three field veterinarians to its biosecurity team helping to protect Western Australia’s valuable livestock industry.
The recent appointments include Tom Clune in Broome, Hayley Hardwick in Manjimup and Matthew Johnson in Northam.
DPIRD Surveillance and Control Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Marion Seymour said department field veterinary officers based around the State collaborate with producers and private veterinarians to support prevention and early detection of emergency animal diseases.
“WA is known for producing healthy, traceable livestock and ensuring animal products are free from any harmful residues, which supports access to local and international markets and safeguards human health,” Dr Seymour said.
“DPIRD field veterinary officers work closely with private vets, industry and producers to raise awareness of biosecurity measures to help prevent emergency animal diseases that could affect our economy, human health or communities and to find those diseases as early as possible.
“Early detection of a disease means we have the best chance of eradicating it, reducing the impact on producers, industry, the community and the WA economy.”
Examples of current emergency animal disease threats include foot-and-mouth disease and lumpy skin disease, which are present in our near neighbours, and H5 avian influenza, which has been spreading globally.
The new vets bring a range of experience to their field veterinary role.
Broome field veterinary officer Dr Clune has an extensive background in livestock research, veterinary teaching and experience in private practice. Most recently Dr Clune has been working with the northern WA cattle industry to deliver biosecurity training, particularly around foot and mouth disease and lumpy skin disease.
Dr Hardwick brings local knowledge to her veterinary role, with a background in private veterinary mixed practice in Manjimup and Bridgetown and strong experience in equine and farm animal medicine and surgery.
Dr Johnson, who grew up on a WA livestock farm, has previously worked in the Albany DPIRD office and now works closely with field veterinary officer Zoe Chatfield in the Northam office. Most recently he spent two weeks in Victoria where he assisted with their current response to avian influenza.
“Australia’s production animal industry is one of the best in the world and free from many serious diseases,” Dr Johnson said. “As a field veterinary officer with DPIRD, my work can help keep it that way.”
To find your nearest DPIRD field vet, visit the DPIRD website: DPIRD field vet contacts | Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
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