June 21st, 2026Biosecurity strengthened through private vet training

Private livestock veterinarians across Victoria have benefited from recent animal disease investigation (ADI) courses led by Agriculture Victoria.

Agriculture Victoria Senior Veterinary Officer Dr Jeff Cave said the courses were delivered in Ellinbank, Elmore, Rutherglen and Hamilton by Agriculture Victoria’s district veterinary officers and a pathologist from AgriBio, to classes of 12 veterinarians, generally local to each region.

‘The 2-day intensive courses focused on upskilling Victoria’s livestock vets to conduct disease investigations and especially how to respond to exotic diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease,’ Dr Cave said.

‘A strong, well-trained veterinary network is one of our best lines of defence in protecting Victoria’s livestock industries.’

Dr Cave said the courses have a practical theme, with vets gaining hands-on experience in new techniques and procedures, as well as a refresher on their existing skills and knowledge.

Agriculture Victoria has been running ADI courses for more than 10 years, training upwards of 50 private vets a year, strengthening the skills of Victoria’s veterinary profession and overall biosecurity preparedness for emergency animal diseases.

The courses are supported by the Livestock Biosecurity Funds Grant Program, funded through duties generated from the sale of cattle, sheep, goats and pigs in Victoria.

Learn more about this program at Livestock Biosecurity Funds – Grant Program

The Victorian Government’s commitment to strong biosecurity helps protect communities, food supply and everyday life for Victorians.