Animal Health Committee

The Animal Health Committee (AHC) sits under the National Biosecurity Committee (NBC) and reports to the Agriculture Senior Officials Committee (AGSOC) through the NBC. The committee comprises the chief veterinary officers (CVOs) of the Commonwealth, states and territories, along with representatives from New Zealand, the Australian Animal Health Laboratory (CSIRO), Animal Health Australia and the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, and observers from Animal Health Australia, Wildlife Health Australia, the Australian Government Department of Environment and Energy and New Zealand. The main purpose of the AHC is to develop science-based and nationally consistent policy on animal health issues and provide advice on animal health to the NBC and AGSOC. The AHC provides leadership in the development and implementation of policy, programmes, operational strategies and standards for Government in the areas of animal health, domestic biosecurity, animal welfare and veterinary public health. The committee meets face-to-face twice a year, with each meeting held in a different state. The chair position is rotated annually between the CVOs. AHC members also meet regularly by teleconference to discuss issues of national importance. A significant amount of business is considered out of session where committee discussion of the issue is not necessary. AHC publishes a newsletter, “Vet communique”, following each face to face meeting to improve communication links between the AHC and industry bodies.