- Charles Sturt’s AgriPark hosts biosecurity symposium at the University in Wagga Wagga
Charles Sturt University researchers were joined by industry experts at a biosecurity symposium in Wagga Wagga to discuss current risks and approaches to potentially threatening situations.
The AgriPark Partner Workshop titled ‘Biosecurity – The Situation’ was held at Charles Sturt in Wagga Wagga on Tuesday 30 August for AgriPark partners and University staff.
Attendees learned about biosecurity, the risks, research and approach to the current situation. Attendees also heard that biosecurity is a shared responsibility and not an issue that needs to be addressed at the border.
Presenters and their research topics included:
- ‘Current Risks and Research’ by Professor Marta Hernandez-Jover in the Charles Sturt School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences
- ‘Response to Current Threats’ by Mr Ray Willis from Riverina Local Land Services
- ‘THRIIVE’ by Professor Jade Forwood in the Charles Sturt School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences
- ‘Breed Societies and Producers Perspectives’ by Ms Zoe Schipp from Genetic Hub
AgriPark Manager Ms Kelli Edwards said these events serve to inform the community while providing benefits for the University and industry partners.
“Our AgriPark partner workshops are important because they enable our industry partners and scientists to discuss current trends and challenges affecting the industry,” she said.
“They encourage the sharing of ideas and identification of opportunities to collaborate to address these industry challenges.”
Professor in Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health in the Charles Sturt School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences Marta Hernandez-Jover gave a presentation on how the University’s research is helping improve Australia’s readiness against emergency animal diseases.
“With biosecurity threats, such as foot and mouth disease, lumpy skin disease, and African swine fever on our doorstep, research on understanding our level of preparedness and capacity to respond to these threats and how these can be strengthened is very important,” she said.
“At Charles Sturt University, we have been working with government and livestock stakeholders, including producers, over the last decade conducting research to support the biosecurity system.
“For example, we have worked in projects investigating farmer-led surveillance systems to improve preparedness against foot and mouth disease, and we have worked with pig producers to understand drivers to improve engagement with biosecurity.
“My presentation provided an overview of these projects.”
The session also included information on the new master’s and graduate certificates in agriculture courses and an update on current AgriPark operations and opportunities.
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