Western Australia’s animal health is benefiting from the expertise of Albany veterinarian Andrew Larkins, who is undertaking a Masters degree in One Health with the University of Edinburgh.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development veterinary officer has recently returned from a self-funded trip to Rwanda where he met with professionals from around the world across a range of disciplines to discuss One Health issues.
“The One Health approach is based on the idea that human and animal health are interdependent with 60 per cent of existing human infectious diseases originating in animals,” Dr Larkins said.
“Diseases that can infect both humans and animals are known as ‘zoonoses’ and include diseases such as SARS, Nipah virus, Hendra virus and avian influenza.
“Under the One Health approach, all disciplines work together locally, nationally and globally to improve the health of humans, animals and the environment.”
At a recent Masters of One Health course in Kigali, Rwanda, Dr Larkins joined with other course participants and international experts to discuss issues around antimicrobial resistance, disease surveillance across animals and people, and the association with environmental conservation.
“As a department vet for the Great Southern region, my job is to work with local producers and the livestock industries to make sure they are aware of animal diseases that could have a significant economic impact or could impact human health, how to prevent them and when to call a vet,” Dr Larkins said.
“Western Australia is fortunate to have a strong biosecurity system in place that protects our livestock industries and human health, and which supports collaboration across agencies and disciplines.
“Our department supports the One Health approach through regular engagement and collaboration with other government agencies, universities and industry researchers on animal health issues.
“Close collaboration between disciplines, departments and people is key to improving and maintaining the health of animals, people and the environment both in Australia and overseas.”
For more information about One Health, visit the DPIRD website at agric.wa.gov.au and search ‘one health’.
For more information about WA’s animal health surveillance system, search animal health surveillance on YouTube.