Animal Medicines Australia Highlights Critical Role of Animal Health During National Biosecurity Week
Canberra, ACT – As Australia marks National Biosecurity Week from 25–31 August 2025, Animal Medicines Australia (AMA) urges all Australians to recognise the indispensable role animal health plays in safeguarding our biosecurity, protecting food supply, and enhancing national resilience.
National Biosecurity Week aims to demystify biosecurity – not as a distant government responsibility, but as a collective endeavour where everyday actions safeguard our environment, economy, and way of life. Simple measures such as cleaning shoes before entering farms, reporting unusual pests or diseases, and buying from regulated sellers can significantly reduce the risk of new threats.
Animal health is foundational to effective biosecurity. Livestock and companion animals, through access to vaccines, parasiticides, and veterinary medicines, are far less susceptible to disease, protecting Australia’s public health, animal welfare, food safety, environment, and agricultural trade markets.
AMA supports the National Biosecurity Strategy and Action Plan, which emphasise a culture of shared responsibility, strong partnerships across sectors, and integration of science-based risk approaches. AMA also welcomes the announcement from the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Julie Collins MP of $12 million to strengthen Australia’s biosecurity by bolstering response capability for a potential outbreak of H5 bird flu.
Animal health is integral to food security. Healthy, resilient livestock deliver dependable protein sources, safeguard industry stability, and help manage cost-of-living pressures through reliable food supplies.
Animal Medicines Australia Executive Director, Ben Stapley noted the role the animal health industry plays in protecting Australia’ biosecurity.
“The animal health industry has an important role to play in safeguarding Australia’s biosecurity. AMA members represent over 80 percent of veterinary medicines used in Australia, improving animal health and welfare, and serving a $34 billion livestock industry, delivering the tools necessary for preparedness and rapid response.
“The animal health industry is critical in any response to a biosecurity outbreak, with veterinary medicines, including vaccines helping to manage the risk and limit the spread of disease.”
ENDS
For media inquiries, please contact:
Katie Asplin, Director – Animal Health Policy and Engagement
Tel: +61 2 6257 9022
