Animal Health and Welfare & Biosecurity

Animal Health and Welfare & Biosecurity

Responsibilities

  1. Animal welfare
  2. Preparedness for exotic disease incursions
  3. Management and control of endemic diseases, and
  4. On-farm and industry-wide biosecurity.
  5. Policy advice and recommendations on the grassfed beef cattle sector’s activities associated with animal health, animal welfare and biosecurity, with a focus on continuous improvement in:
    • Strategic direction and oversight of all industry service provider programs that involve grassfed levy expenditure in relation to animal, health welfare and biosecurity.
    • Advice and assistance in the development of strategic direction and oversight of programs to enhance the standing and perception of the grassfed beef cattle sector within the community.

Focus

  • Addressing increased public interest in animal welfare in beef production.
  • The manner in which the beef industry improves the level and consistency of our engagement with the community in setting welfare standards.
  • The increasing risk of exotic disease incursions that will impact the grass-fed beef cattle sector

Activities

  • The Policy Council provides policy advice and recommendations to the Cattle Council Board involvement in MLA and AHA program and planning issues relevant to its portfolio of responsibilities.
  • The Policy Council works with the Federal and State/Territory governments to develop nationally consistent policies that enhance animal welfare arrangements.
  • The Policy Council meets regularly via teleconference and four times per year in person.

For Producers

Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines

Nationally consistent standards and guidelines for the welfare of livestock are being, or have been, developed co-operatively by government and livestock industries. The welfare standards and guidelines are based on the revision of the Model Codes of Practice for the Welfare of Animals.

The welfare standards and guidelines for livestock streamline livestock welfare legislation in Australia, ensuring that it is practical for industry and results in improved welfare outcomes.

Australian producers have always been aware of their responsibilities for livestock welfare; however, increasing awareness among consumers is placing significant pressure on our livestock industries to improve animal welfare. The development of welfare standards and guidelines underpins access to overseas markets and reinforces Australia’s international leadership in livestock welfare. Without such change Australia risks losing consumer confidence and significant national and international markets.

Further information on the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines is available here http://www.animalwelfarestandards.net.au/