Updates relevant to COVID-19 (coronavirus) are available below. Please note, the information was correct at the time of publication but the situation is continually evolving. The following government websites have the latest official advice:
Details about the Federal Senior Agriculture Industry Engagement Officer
Links to news, updates and advice from various government agencies across Australia can be found here. This includes travel restrictions, assistance packages, health and mental health resources.
There are also extensive links and resources through the following organisations:
State departments with agriculture-specific information about COVID-19: DPIRD, PIRSA, NSW DPI, Agriculture Victoria, Business Queensland and DPIPWE. The NT government also has a dedicated COVID-19 page.
The exporter, Rural Export and Trading (WA), has released a statement
The Australian Livestock Exporters' Council has released a statement
The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment has released a statement
There have been no reports of the SARS CoV-2 virus infection in pets, livestock or wildlife in Australia. Australia's Animal Health Committee has updated its policy statement.
LiveCorp has contacted all LiveCorp Accredited Stockpersons and Australian Accredited Veterinarians (AAVs) regarding their current availability to join vessels, and updated the lists are available to LiveCorp members.
LiveCorp has compiled suggestions on how the livestock export supply chain can continue to operate, while minimising person-to-person contact. It is available in English, Bahasa and Filipino. Find it here.
People must stay in their local government area within the Kimberley region of WA. More details here.
Shipboard stockpersons and vets are considered part of the maritime industry for the purposes of COVID-19 travel restrictions. The latest advice on self-isolation for crews coming into Australia can be found here.
LiveCorp has collated advice on interstate travel restrictions as they apply to the livestock export industry, here.
The FarmHub website, administered by the National Farmers’ Federation, has advice on state-based border controls here.
LiveCorp has introduced an alternative pathway for accreditation of shipboard stockpersons. Information on the process is here.
LiveCorp's media release is here.
The Department's latest Export Advisory Notice (EAN) on Australian Accredited Veterinarians (AAVs) and Accredited Stockpersons is here.
A statement from the Australian Livestock Exporters' Council is here.
Expert advice suggesting that COVID-19 is not transmitted by animals is here. However, animal owners should implement good hygiene practices where animals are kept, including washing their hands after contact with animals.