TSE research and development
Animal Health Australia (AHA) manages any research and development undertaken as part of Australia’s efforts to retain its BSE negligible risk status.
Current R&D
There are currently no research and development projects occurring in the program.
Previous research addressed issues such as:
- laboratory capability for ‘rapid screening tests’ in Australian conditions
- development of a test to detect mammalian protein in animal feedstuffs
- investigation of alternate surveillance strategies.
In the context of the TSEFAP, R&D activities will only be undertaken if they are consistent with purpose and objectives of the TSEFAP research and development project area.
Purpose and objectives
The purpose of R&D in the TSEFAP is to undertake appropriate projects, as required, to support market confidence in Australia’s animals and animal products.
We will achieve this by meeting the following objectives:
- Identify TSE R&D priorities of national significance
- Gain stakeholder consensus on TSE-related R&D priorities
- Secure appropriate funding to deliver R&D priorities
- Efficiently implement R&D outcomes.
The National Technical Committee is responsible for oversight of R&D activities. Membership of this committee is dynamic, depending on the issue being addressed.
Once a priority has been identified, the National Technical Committee will prepare a draft plan for submission to the National Advisory Committee (NAC). If endorsed by the NAC, the plan will be circulated to the broader stakeholder group and funding sought or existing R&D providers leveraged to complete the work.