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Agriculture ministers in trans-Tasman biosecurity threat talks

Xinhua, May 20, 2016 Adjust font size:

Agriculture ministers from both sides of the Tasman have gathered in New Zealand to discuss common responses to biosecurity threats and other issues, New Zealand ministers said Friday.

Primary Industries Ministers Nathan Guy and Jo Goodhew met with Australian federal and state Ministers of Agriculture to New Zealand for a study tour and forum.

"New Zealand and Australia are also successfully partnering to prepare for the event of a significant biosecurity threat, including the unlikely event of a foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak," Guy said in a statement.

"It is well known that an outbreak of FMD in either country would have devastating impacts. It makes sense for us to work together and share our knowledge and experience," said Guy.

"Veterinarians and industry officials from New Zealand and Australia have participated in first-hand field experience with FMD in Nepal. There is also mutual understanding of how systems operate in both countries, meaning staff can rapidly integrate into each other's systems in the event they are needed." Endit