Animal Health Australia (AHA) is a not-for-profit public company established by the Australian, state and territory governments and major national livestock industry organisations.

The company's mission is to ensure that the national animal health system delivers a competitive advantage and preferred market access for Australia's livestock industries. In fulfilling this role, AHA manages a suite of national programs that position Australia as a world leader in terms of its animal health status and systems.

There are 8 major programs managed by the company:

1. Animal Disease Surveillance Program

2. Emergency Animal Disease Preparedness Program

3. Animal Health Services Program

4. Special Programs

5. Johne's Disease

6. Training

7. Planning and Communications

8. Corporate Activities

To view the projects managed under each program please click here.

AHA currently has 25 member organisations that play a key role in the development and implementation of all programs. This collaborative approach is a major factor behind the success of AHA programs and the further strengthening of partnerships between government and industry bodies is an ongoing priority. Members fund company activities via annual subscriptions that are based on the Gross Value of Production (GVP) of the jurisdiction or industry.

The company is led by an independently selected Board of Directors responsible to members in general meeting. The board is composed of seven non-executive, part-time directors selected on the basis of complementary skill sets and appointed by members. A team of dedicated staff provide support for the Board from the company's office in Canberra.

Company Constitution

Company Constitution (118 KB)

Background to the Company

For many years, Australia enjoyed a reputation for clean, healthy and disease-free agricultural production systems through our natural advantage of geographic isolation. This gave Australian producers an edge in a very competitive international environment.

During the early 1990's it became apparent that consumers and national and international trading partners required increased accountability for animal health and welfare.

It was agreed that there needed to be high level decisions by governments and industry groups on strategic policy for future planning and funding of national animal health service programs. Following further consideration, Australian Animal Health Council Limited (AAHC) was formed. The Council was incorporated under Australian Corporations Law in January 1996 and commenced operating under the business name of Animal Health Australia in February 2000.

Animal Health Australia's role in the national animal health system has expanded significantly over the past 5 years with the number of programs and projects the company is responsible for growing substantially. For a full description of the company's activities over the past 12 months please read our Annual Report.

Page Updated: 3 April 2007