New VetNet-Biosecurity Network to Boost NZ’s Defences Against Animal Disease Outbreaks

Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says the initiative will significantly enhance the country’s preparedness for threats such as foot and mouth disease (FMD), one of the most serious risks to New Zealand’s agricultural economy.

New Zealand’s biosecurity capability is set to receive a major boost with the establishment of VetNet-Biosecurity, a new nationwide network of private veterinarians trained and ready to respond rapidly to a major animal disease outbreak. Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says the initiative will significantly enhance the country’s preparedness for threats such as foot and mouth disease (FMD), one of the most serious risks to New Zealand’s agricultural economy.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has contracted the Veterinary Council of New Zealand to establish and maintain the network, ensuring a highly trained pool of veterinarians is available for immediate deployment.

A Foot and Mouth Outbreak Would Have Devastating Economic Impacts

Hoggard emphasised that the stakes could not be higher.

“An incursion of foot and mouth disease in New Zealand would have dramatic impacts, with an immediate halt to most exports of animal products, and a potential and ongoing drop in export values of around $14.3 billion a year.”

In 2023, Cabinet endorsed an urgent eradication strategy for FMD, recognising that any delay in response could escalate economic losses and prolong disruption to the agricultural sector.

Mobilising 200 Private Veterinarians for Rapid Response

While MPI already employs a large team of veterinarians, a significant exotic disease outbreak would require many more. VetNet-Biosecurity aims to recruit around 200 private veterinarians who can be called upon to support field operations.

The enthusiasm from veterinary clinics across the country has been strong.

“The response from veterinary practices demonstrates a real willingness among vets to be involved in a large-scale biosecurity response.”

Critical Roles Veterinarians Will Play in an Outbreak

In a biosecurity emergency, veterinarians may perform crucial roles such as:

• Conducting clinical examinations

• Collecting diagnostic samples

• Supervising depopulation efforts

• Overseeing welfare standards in affected herds

• Supporting on-farm biosecurity assessments

• Assisting surveillance and containment measures

This expanded veterinary workforce will provide the manpower needed to execute an urgent, coordinated eradication strategy if an outbreak occurs.

Training and Compensation to Support the Network

Veterinarians who join the network will remain employed by their existing practices but will work full-time on the response during deployment periods. MPI will provide:

• Free specialist training in exotic disease management

• Financial compensation for participating practices

• Access to ongoing professional development in biosecurity protocols

Hoggard highlights that the training extends beyond the network itself.

“The great news is this training is also available free of charge to all New Zealand-registered veterinarians who want to increase their biosecurity knowledge and training, not just those who are part of VetNet-Biosecurity.”

Strengthening National Preparedness

VetNet-Biosecurity represents a major step in building a more resilient animal health system and ensuring New Zealand can act swiftly in the face of emerging disease risks.

Veterinarians and practices interested in participating or learning more can visit the Veterinary Council’s website at vetcouncil.org.nz.