Wool industry to ramp up disease control efforts, from shearing shed to export

The Australian wool industry is set to ramp up its efforts to curb biosecurity risks from the shearing shed to wool exports.

On Thursday, Wool Producers Australia (WPA) launched its new Wool Industry Post-farmgate Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Preparedness and Response RD&E Strategy 2025-2030.

The strategy, supported by Animal Health Australia, sets out a road map to strengthen the wool supply chain's resilience in relation to emergency animal diseases.

The document provides direction for wool industry and government investments over the next five years regarding the management of disease risks, protecting wool market access and keeping the supply chain strong.

"This strategy is a proactive investment in the future of Australia's wool industry," WPA general manager Adam Dawes said.

"It ensures that our post-farmgate systems are equipped to respond swiftly and effectively to any emergency animal disease (EAD), minimising trade disruptions and safeguarding market confidence."

The strategy aligns the wool industry's EAD responses to national and international biosecurity frameworks and embeds biosecurity as a standard practice across the supply chain.

It also leverages digital tools to track wool movements and support rapid responses in the event of a disease outbreak.

A previous strategy was developed by Wool Industries Australia, however there was a need to develop a revised strategy to ensure that industry and government efforts are aligned to help increase the speed and effectiveness of an EAD response.

This is aimed at protecting livestock, farmers' livelihoods and the industry's wool market access.

Recent notable advancements in wool industry EAD preparedness have included the rollout of eBale labels, the Australian Wool Traceability Hub and updated AUSVETPLAN manuals.

The strategy was developed through consultation with a WPA working group and supported by other key stakeholders, including Australian Wool Innovation, Australian Council of Wool Exporters and Processors, National Council of Wool Selling Brokers of Australia and federal and state government departments.

"It is essential that we continue to invest in disease prevention and EAD preparedness with a 'when' not an 'if' mentality," Mr Dawes said.

"Changes in climate, trade patterns and disease distribution mean that risks are constantly evolving, requiring ongoing investment to minimise impacts on our businesses, industries, communities and economy."

Animal Health Australia chief executive Samantha Allan said the strategy strengthened wool traceability, built industry capability through training and exercises, and improved coordination between brokers, exporters, processors and government.

"Crucially, it aligns with national frameworks to support a One Health approach to emergency disease preparedness across Australia," Ms Allan said.