Manjimup vet joins forces to shore up WA’s Biosecurity to protect the livestock industry

Manjimup vet Hayley Hardwick has joined forces with other animal health workers to shore up WA’s biosecurity.

Dr Hardwick is one of three field veterinarians welcomed into the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s biosecurity team tasked with protecting WA’s livestock industry.

Alongside her is Broome’s Tom Clune and Northam’s Matthew Johnson.

DPIRD surveillance and control deputy chief veterinary officer Marion Seymour said department field veterinary officers based around the State collaborated with producers and private veterinarians to support prevention and early detection of emergency animal diseases.

“WA is known for producing healthy, traceable livestock and ensuring animal products are free from any harmful residues, which supports access to local and international markets and safeguards human health,” Dr Seymour said.

“Early detection of a disease means we have the best chance of eradicating it, reducing the impact on producers, industry, the community and the WA economy.”

With current threats from foot-and-mouth disease and lumpy skin disease present in neighbouring countries, and H5 avian influenza spreading globally, the new vets bring a range of expertise into their role.

Dr Hardwick has a background in a private mixed practice in Manjimup and Bridgetown and strong experience in equine and farm animal medicine and surgery.

Dr Clune has an extensive background in livestock research, veterinary teaching and experience in private practice.

Most recently Dr Clune worked with the northern WA cattle industry to deliver biosecurity training, particularly around foot and mouth disease and lumpy skin disease.

Dr Johnson, who grew up on a WA livestock farm, has previously worked in the Albany DPIRD office and now works closely with field veterinary officer Zoe Chatfield in the Northam office.

Most recently he spent two weeks in Victoria where he helped with the response to avian influenza.

“Australia’s production animal industry is one of the best in the world and free from many serious diseases,” Dr Johnson said.

“As a field veterinary officer with DPIRD, my work can help keep it that way.”