Screw Worm Fly Preparedness Strategy

The Primary Industry Standing Committee (PISC) endorsed the national Screw Worm Fly Preparedness Strategy on September 2004.

Animal Health Australia (AHA) was nominated by PISC to coordinate the implementation of the National Screw Worm Fly Preparedness Strategy 2004-09 on behalf of screw worm fly stakeholders. AHA established a small Screw Worm Fly Preparedness Program Reference Group, representing key stakeholders (industry, government – Commonwealth, state and AHA) to oversee the program. The program will be reviewed in late 2009 by the reference group and recommendations for the future freedom assurance program for Screw Worm Fly will be presented to AHA and PISC in early 2010.

Project Activities

1. Screw Worm Fly Preparedness Strategy – Stage 1

Between July 2002 and December 2003, AHA, in consultation with government and livestock industry stakeholders, implemented a work program that:

1. Reviewed the risks of a screw worm fly incursion into Australia;

2. Updated the screw worm fly bio-economic model;

3. Developed a new screw worm fly preparedness strategy for Australia; and

4. Sought broad stakeholder approval of this strategy.

The work was undertaken by a Program Manager contracted to AHA and was overseen by a Steering Committee of senior representatives of AHA and DAFF.

Key findings from Stage 1:

Risk of incursion. There is now broad consensus that the risk of an incursion of screw worm fly into Australia is low, if not, very low. Further, the risk of incursion is not expected to change over the next 10 or so years.
Consequences of incursion. There is broad agreement that the northern cattle industry would bear most impact from a screw worm fly incursion. Based on 2003 prices, bio-economic modelling indicates that, if eradication (SIT) measures were not implemented, direct producer losses would be of the order of $400 million per year (once screw worm fly reached its ecological limits). This would seriously threaten the northern cattle industry.
High cost of SIT facilities. While some newer technologies may have potential to slow the spread of screw worm fly, eradication of screw worm fly from large tracts of land would only be possible through the application of SIT. While the costs to build and run a SIT facility in Australia would depend on its size, the construction costs of a relatively small facility (say 50 million sterile flies per week) would of the order of $40 million. Unless a SIT response could be implemented early (say within 6 months of an incursion), a much larger facility would be required. The capital costs for a 250 million per week facility were estimated to be more than $120 million (2001 figures).

2. Development of new screw worm fly preparedness strategy

Based on the outcomes from Stage 1 above, a new national screw worm fly preparedness strategy was developed by AHA in consultation with industry and government stakeholders. This strategy, known as the National Screw-Worm Fly Preparedness Strategy 2004-2009, was endorsed by PISC in September 2004.

Key policies that underpin this strategy are:

a screw worm fly-specific SIT facility will not be built prior to an incursion (while still recognising that SIT is the only tool capable of achieving eradication);
any further screw worm fly research and development (R&D) would require support of relevant industry R&D funding agencies (while recognising that some critical R&D would still be required to implement a SIT response.);
Australia’s Screw Worm Fly freedom assurance is heavily reliant on screw worm fly surveillance activities; and
Australia needs to maintain adequate expertise in a range of screw worm fly-related activities.

Specific elements of the new strategy:

Enhance surveillance and awareness;
Sustain screw worm fly bio-economic modelling capability;
Enhance screw worm fly response planning;
Explore opportunities for international screw worm fly collaboration;
Maintain/develop relevant screw worm fly expertise;
Develop and implement a relevant research and development program;
Pursue opportunities to enhance Australia’s sterile insect technique (SIT) capability; and
Coordinate and manage an ongoing Screw Worm Fly Preparedness Program.

3. 2005 activities

AHA implemented the initial phase of the new screw worm fly preparedness strategy during 2005 and this (implementation) activity was reviewed by the Screw Worm Fly Steering Committee (with industry input) when it met in October 2005.

The Steering Committee noted the following achievements:

Surveillance – modified surveillance methods introduced at and around ports; and enhanced screw worm fly surveillance will be introduced at export abattoirs in northern Australia in 2006.
Screw worm fly bio-economic model transferred to Windows XP format (as Version 4). Copies of updated version of model are available from AHA.
AUSVETPLAN Screw Worm Fly Strategy review undertaken during 2005. The revised strategy (Version 2) now recognises that a response to an incursion of screw worm fly into Australia would entail several stages. The initial response would rely heavily on chemical and other conventional controls. The response involving the sterile insect technique (SIT) would not be implemented for several years after the initial incursion. The new version also includes options for funding, siting and establishing a screw worm fly mass production facility; and options for overall management of a national sterile insect response. The new version of AUSVETPLAN will be available on the AHA website after endorsement by PISC, (expected in early in 2006). As part of the AUSVETPLAN strategy review, AHA contracted Queensland DPI&F to undertake a thorough review of chemicals that are currently available for screw worm fly control and those that may have potential for control. Chemicals for the control of the Old World screw worm fly in Australia
Research and development (R&D). A program for screw worm fly R&D was agreed and funded through a process established by AHA with screw worm fly stakeholders. Two projects aimed at enhancing screw worm fly surveillance commenced in 2006 and the results are now available for download from the SWF resources page.

4. 2006/2007 activities

The Screw Worm Fly Steering Committee agreed that that the following activities / issues will require further or on going coordination:

1. Surveillance and awareness

Updating, developing and distribution of information packages;
Provision & distribution of sampling kits; and
Overview of activities and coordination of reporting to NAHIS.

2. Bio-economic model

Maintaining and distributing Windows XP version of model; and
Development of more realistic and contemporary simulation / predictive capability, preferably in concert with other diseases / industries.

3. Response planning

AUSVETPLAN Screw Worm Fly strategy – engage periodic updates. Ensure updates and other strategy additions are posted to AHA website;
Modified operational arrangements – underway but further developmental is needed;
Capital for screw worm fly production facility – in train but further work required; and
Production sites – in train but further work required.

4. International screw worm fly collaboration

Maintain watch for possible international screw worm fly activity

5. Maintaining Australia’s screw worm fly expertise

Scan and explore national and international scene for opportunities that might be relevant to Australia’s screw worm fly needs; and
Broker uptake of possibilities.

6. Research and Development

Continue to coordinate national Screw Worm Fly R&D and ensure stakeholders are informed of progress and outcomes;
Complementary technologies. Contract periodic reviews of technology that could be relevant to Australia’s screw worm fly preparedness needs and / or control options; and
Ensure relevant new technology is incorporated into national screw worm fly preparedness and control strategies.

7. SIT capability

Broker a determination by screw worm fly stakeholders about utilising offshore facilities for early SIT response in Australia
Ascertain biosecurity risk assessment in relation to importation of sterile screw worm fly pupae. (This has already been initiated with Biosecurity Australia); and
Maintain watching brief for MIRF (multi insect rearing facilities) opportunities.

8. General

Maintain / stimulate national awareness and interest in screw worm fly;
Foster coordination and relationships between Australia’s screw worm fly stakeholders; and
Develop policy options and proposals relevant to Australia’s screw worm fly preparedness and control needs.

5. 2008/2009 activities

The reference group has continued to progress the objectives of the program in light of developments in Australia and overseas.