VetNet–Biosecurity

A new network of veterinarians who can quickly respond to major biosecurity issues is being established by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), in partnership with the Veterinary Council of New Zealand. Named VetNet–Biosecurity, the network will involve veterinarians completing training to prepare them for operational field roles in biosecurity emergencies. For example, during disease outbreaks, veterinarians play a critical role in helping to manage the spread of diseases that pose a threat to animal and human health.

 The training will see veterinarians applying their skills in biosecurity response scenarios, particularly focused on foot and mouth disease. Once the training is complete, the veterinarians will join the network. Practices across the country will be contracted by the Vet Council to complete the training and achieve Authorised Person status under the Biosecurity Act 1993. Practices will keep these Authorised Persons on standby, ready for a potential outbreak.

 The training course will be open to all New Zealand registered veterinarians via MyVC. All veterinarians are encouraged to consider this opportunity. However, the training will primarily be suited to production and mixed animal veterinarians. 

How it works?

The training is available for all veterinarians to access via their MyVC login. If you have any questions, please email [email protected]

All VetNet-Biosecurity vets are required to complete training via the Vet Council’s LMS platform. The training focuses on how biosecurity responses operate, legal duties as an authorised person, field role requirements, on-farm biosecurity protocols, and personal wellbeing in a response. Following the training all VetNet vets will need to complete an application to be appointed as an FMD specific authorised person (AP) under the Biosecurity Act. This appointment empowers them to act under Sections 4 and 6 of the Act whilst working with MPI in a biosecurity response. 

 What if I'm an Initial Investigating Veterinarian (IIV) can I join the VetNet-Biosecurity programme as well?

No, as IIVs are trained and paid to be Biosecurity Act authorised persons under the Initial Investigating Veterinarian programme, IIVs cannot sign up to be part of VetNet-Biosecurity. IIVs may also play different roles to VetNet vets in a significant animal disease outbreak.

Background

A New Zealand modelling study done in 2022 showed that the availability of veterinarians to work in field roles is one of the most influential factors on the scale and length of a foot and mouth disease response. VetNet-Biosecurity was initiated following the Independent Review of the Mycoplasma bovis Programme and the Independent Review of FMD Preparedness.

MPI’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Mary van Andel commissioned a report in 2022, Designing a Network of Private Veterinarians for Engagement in Biosecurity Preparedness and Response, which is what the network design is based on. To date, New Zealand has never experienced an FMD outbreak. However, a number of MPI staff have participated in overseas responses.

By completing the training and becoming part of VetNet-Biosecurity, veterinarians across the private sector will be able to strengthen their preparedness for biosecurity emergencies like FMD to help play an important role in these major responses.