Overview

The project aims to develop an AMS assessment framework for use by industries to identify areas for improvement. This follows on from a previous Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) project – Quantifying antimicrobial usage (AMU) in Australian companion and production animals.

It will define quantitative and qualitative indicators that can be used to provide context for AMU data. These indicators will also highlight gaps in AMS that impact all Australian-specific animal health contexts.

Overview

This project aims to further validate the host microRNA biomarker response-based assays previously developed in another project to improve detection of Johne’s disease in cattle.

Project Lead: Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness; Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Project Contact: Animalhealthlaboratories@aff.gov.au 

Project Status: Active

Project date: April 2024 to June 2025

Completed in June 2024, this guide was created to assist with the management of insect vector populations that can spread lumpy skin disease (LSD). We contracted Ausvet Pty Ltd to develop the guide, addressing an activity in the National Lumpy Skin Disease Action Plan, to investigate vector control options.

17 June 2025

Who does this notice affect?

Food importers and brokers acting on behalf of food importers.

What has changed?

Cases documenting the food safety requirements that apply to food imported into Australia that is intended for sale, were released on 15 June 2025. These are now incorporated into the Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON).

Overview

The purpose of the Australian Agriculture Sustainability Framework (AASF) is to communicate the sustainability status and goals of the Australian agricultural sector to markets and to the community.

The project will provide the whole-of-Australian agriculture narrative about sustainability to assist in market access. It will also provide a translation layer to assist supply chain companies, finance and investors to better understand and report on Australian agricultural sustainability.

Project Lead: National Farmers’ Federation (NFF)

Overview

Crisis management plans are an important tool for livestock industries given the ongoing biosecurity threats to Australia’s borders. However, it is unclear how many of these plans exist across livestock sectors, or if they would provide sufficient guidance to a sector in an EAD crisis.

Overview

• Composting: Composting provides an alternative to burning and deep burial that is a biosecure and environmentally sound method of disposal.

Overview

Agricultural traceability is a shared responsibility between industry, governments and the broader agricultural supply-chain participants. The Australian Government has committed over $127 million to enhancing agricultural traceability. Activities will support action to meet the objectives of the National Agricultural Traceability Strategy 2023 to 2033.

Project Lead: Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry

Project Contact: agtracecoord@aff.gov.au 

Overview

Spatial modelling will be used to better understand feral pig distributions and their ecology, enabling cost-effective strategies for feral pig management.

The data generated from this project will inform strategic decision-making within biosecurity incident responses affecting feral and domestic pig populations.

Project Lead: Queensland (QLD) Department of Primary Industries

Project Contact: Robyn.Grob@daf.qld.gov.au 

Project Status: Active

Overview

This project aimed to evaluate the use of host microRNA (biomarker) response to detect Johne’s disease in cattle. It has provided a proof of concept for the potential use of this approach for other animal diseases.

Project Lead: Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness; Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Project Contact: animalhealthlaboratories@aff.gov.au 

Project Status: Complete