Collaborative approach bolsters biosecurity
The systems that work to protect the health of Australia's people, plants and animals are to be given a significant boost with the development of the Australian Biosecurity Intelligence Network (ABIN).

The purpose of ABIN is to develop biosecurity information management tools, including a shared workspace that allows individuals and groups to collaborate across industries and jurisdictions, sharing information, knowledge and materials.

ABIN will provide access to a wide range of biosecurity information, tools and expertise and the key outcome of the initiative will be a collaborative approach through which producers, industry groups, researchers and policy makers can come together and share knowledge.

The ABIN Board will oversee the project and facilitate the processes by which ABIN has access to information, promoting the application of new ideas, technology and infrastructure.

World's poultry industry meet in Brisbane
Brisbane recently hosted the 23rd World Poultry Congress. This major international event held from 30th June to 4th July saw 2,260 visitors with interests in the poultry and allied industries sector from all around the world come to debate, gain information and share insights across all areas that impact the poultry industry.

Australia's interests were well represented, with The Australian Chicken Meat Federation (ACMF), the coordinating body for Australia's chicken meat industry, and the chicken meat industry's two R&D funding and coordination arms, the Poultry Cooperative Research Centre (Poultry CRC), and the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), collaborating to present developments made and programs implemented on a local level. These organizations showcased a number of major activities undertaken by the Australian industry and its supporting scientific and research community which have made significant contributions to poultry science, industry/community communications and education.

These organisations were also recognised during the event for achievements made to the further development of the poultry industry nationally and worldwide. While the ACMF's Deputy Director and R&D Manager of the RIRDC Chicken Meat Program, Dr Vivien Kite, was recognised for her outstanding contribution to the Australian chicken meat industry, in receiving the Australian Poultry Award for 2007. In addition, the Poultry CRC was presented with the prestigious World's Poultry Science Association's Industry/Organisation Award in recognition of its significant contribution to education and research.

Horse biosecurity top of mind in Victoria
This month the Department of Primary Industries in Victoria launched the first edition of Horse Notes, a comprehensive newsletter dedicated to horse owners and industry professionals.

The key objective of the communication is to answer some of the questions horse owners and industry participants have in the aftermath of the equine influenza (EI) epidemic.

The inaugural edition covers topics ranging from Equine influenza:

• How the battle was won
• To vaccinate or not to vaccinate?
• Horse property registration
• Biosecurity basics for horse owners

For more information or to subscribe, please contact the Department of Primary Industries, Victoria on 1800 122 969 or email customer.service@dpi.vic.gov.au