October 14, 2024

 

Australian university joins US$3.3 million effort to strengthen Asia-Pacific biosecurity

James Cook University (JCU) will play a pivotal role in addressing biosecurity threats to Australia as part of a new AUD 5 million (US$3.3 million) programme aimed at the Asia-Pacific region.

 

Professor Bruce Gummow, head of Veterinary Preventative Medicine at JCU, will collaborate with experts from Australia and New Zealand to provide frontline biosecurity training for staff in Laos, Cambodia, Papua New Guinea (PNG), and Timor Leste. The programme, funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), is managed by the Asia Pacific Consortium of Veterinary Epidemiology (APCOVE), and led by the University of Sydney.

 

Biosecurity threats such as African swine fever, foot and mouth disease, Japanese encephalitis, and rabies pose serious risks to Australia.

 

"It makes much more sense to intercept these diseases before they reach Australia," said Prof Gummow. "We are effectively creating a security buffer by improving biosecurity measures in these Asia-Pacific nations."

 

Australia has robust emergency and disaster protocols in place to manage disease outbreaks. Through this programme, Asia-Pacific countries will benefit from the expertise of veterinary epidemiologists from several universities, who will help them improve their own outbreak response strategies.

 

The programme involves experts from the University of Sydney, University of Queensland, University of Melbourne, University of Adelaide, Charles Sturt University, Murdoch University, Massey University, and JCU.

 

A key focus of the initiative is providing 'One Health' training across eight Asia-Pacific countries. This approach encourages collaboration between veterinary, public health, and environmental sectors to prevent the spread of animal-borne diseases.

 

"The One Health concept fosters a holistic approach to addressing complex problems," Prof Gummow explained. "When a problem is too complicated for a single sector to tackle, we need transdisciplinary teams to handle it."

 

Prof Gummow highlighted the potentially severe consequences of a major animal disease outbreak in Australia.

 

"African Swine Fever could have catastrophic economic impacts on the pig industry if it enters Australia. It's spread from Africa through Europe and Asia and is now approaching from South-East Asia," he said. "Foot and Mouth Disease would be equally devastating for our cattle population."

 

Japanese encephalitis, a mosquito-borne virus that affects both animals and humans, is another concern.

 

Prof Gummow emphasised the importance of strengthening biosecurity measures in neighbouring countries to safeguard Australia's agriculture and public health.

 

"Many diseases affecting humans originate from animals. The Australian government recognises this and is investing in bolstering the animal health workforce in these countries. By doing so, they can detect and address these diseases before they have the chance to spread to Australia," he added.

 

This latest project follows an earlier four-year, AUD 3 million (US$2.02 million) programme, during which APCOVE developed 36 eLearning modules focused on outbreak investigation, surveillance, biosecurity, One Health, risk assessment, disease control, and leadership. More than 90 candidates from seven South-East Asian countries conducted over 30 field projects as part of the programme.

 

"The new programme will further strengthen the animal health network in the region and continue building the capacity needed to protect both our neighbouring countries and Australia from disease," Prof Gummow concluded.

 

-      James Cook University