Australia to host international FMD 2010 symposium

Australia will host an international symposium and workshop on FMD in Melbourne from 12 – 14 April 2010. The theme of the symposium and workshop is ‘FMD – Integrating Science and Management’. It will create an opportunity for Australian policy makers, scientists and epidemiologists from both industry and government to share experiences and research findings related to four key areas: the biology of the FMD virus, advances in diagnostic technology and their application to FMD eradication or control, vaccines and their application and surveillance and monitoring during and outbreak and to establish or re-establish market access.

Recent experiences overseas, particularly in the UK and Netherlands, have forced changes to the wholesale slaughter approach to eradication. Similarly, experiences in South America and with the South East Asia Foot and Mouth Disease (SEAFMD) program, which has made considerable progress in managing the disease in that region, will be shared.

A unique feature of the symposium will be the interactive workshop on the third day. The workshop will be based on a theoretical FMD outbreak in an Australian context and participants will work through a range of decision making resembling the real situation. By the end of the three days participants will have an understanding of the latest technical and policy advances in FMD eradication and management and the application of these to a real outbreak situation. The website for further information on the symposium and workshop is www.FMD2010.com.au

Continued information sharing and cooperation with livestock health agencies overseas will enhance Australia’s preparedness and support the government and industry commitment to protecting Australia’s livestock from FMD.