Three Chiefs Newsletter
June 2024

The Chief Plant Protection Officer, Dr Gabrielle Vivian-Smith, continues Australia's international engagement as the Southwest Pacific representative on the Commission for Phytosanitary Measures and in April she attended the 18^th meeting as Bureau member. In May, she was featured in the Gardening Australia magazine to celebrate the International Day of Plant Health where she talked about the importance of Australia's biosecurity system in protecting plant industries and what people could do to assist in this important work. This generated a great deal of online interest with the message of shared responsibility reaching thousands of people. The Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Beth Cookson, and her team have recently returned from the meeting of the World Organisation for Animal Health in Paris, where she led the first general session. The Chief Environmental Biosecurity Officer, Dr Bertie Hennecke provided a webinar update on phase 2 of the carp biological control program that generated a great deal of interest and interaction. His office is also especially proud of the collaborative film 'Roots of Resilience', which they produced with a range of partners, that tells the impact of myrtle rust on our forests and First Nations cultural heritage.

Australian Chief Plant Protection Officer (ACPPO)

Australian delegation talks plant health at 18th Commission on Phytosanitary Measures meeting

Landmark Achievement in Plant Biosecurity as National Pine-Wood Nematode Diagnostic Protocol Finalised

The department's Rural R&D for Profit program has delivered a vital tool for protecting our plant industries: a National Diagnostic Protocol (NDP) for Pine-Wood Nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus).

The Pine-Wood Nematode is a microscopic worm native to North America. It is a devastating pest causing pine wilt disease by attacking pine trees and other conifers, including those grown for timber and erosion control. 
 

Plant Biosecurity Research Symposium highlights excellent collaboration and partnerships

The Chief Plant Protection Officer and staff from her office part sponsored, helped organise and attended the Plant Biosecurity Research Initiative (PBRI) Symposium in Cairns on 8-9 May 2024. This biennial Symposium, coordinated by Dr Jo Luck, Program Director of the PBRI, highlights the importance of collaborating across industries, to achieve improved plant biosecurity through better coordination of research investment. 

Nudging farmers and citizens on biosecurity

Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer (OCVO)

Quads Alliance meet in New Zealand

More can be achieved together than by going it alone. This principle underpins the Animal Health Quads Alliance (Quads Alliance) – which brings together Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. 

Mastering Applied Epidemiology: Bridging animal and human health

The Department is currently hosting a Master of Philosophy in Applied Epidemiology (MAE) Scholar from the Australian National University, Michaela Gilbert, who during her two-year placement is contributing to animal health epidemiology projects across the department, including the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer (OCVO).
The MAE program is run through the Australian National University and involves two years of on-the-job training and intensive course blocks to produce experienced graduates.

Australian Chief Environmental Biosecurity Officer (ACEBO)

New short film shares First Nations perspectives on environmental biosecurity

Filmed amidst the stunning native forests of Queensland and New South Wales, 'Roots of Resilience' tells the story of the deep connection between forests and First Nations culture, and the threat posed by the devastating plant disease – myrtle rust.

Updated ABARES dashboard offers easy access to 2022 pests and weeds survey

Established pests and weeds pose significant challenges for farmers and land managers, reducing crop yields and lowering productivity. Having access to reliable data is critical to inform effective land management practices, policy development and support collaborative efforts to manage the spread of pest animals and weeds.

APLC leads research field trials, ensures campaign readiness

One of the primary functions of the Australian Plague Locust Commission (APLC) is to remain ready to defend Australia's crops and environment should locust numbers begin to swell. Being prepared involves making sure staff are well trained, the most effective pesticides are on-hand and the latest in application technology has been tried, tested and ready to be deployed.

The carp biological control program enters second phase

Building on the work undertaken to develop the National Carp Control Plan, the Australian Government is progressing with the next phase of investigating the feasibility of the Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (carp virus) as a biological control agent to control common carp.