Emergency Responses in Animal Health

La Trobe's short course in Emergency Responses in Animal Health is designed to provide professional development opportunities for animal health professionals such as Animal Health Officers and Paraveterinarians.

Developed in collaboration with major employers in the biosecurity industry, this course trains you on the impact of animal disease emergencies and how to respond through a series of command-and-control structures. You will graduate equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to further your career in animal health.

During this course you will explore topics such as preparedness and planning, information flow and analysis, common operating procedures and control and eradication strategies for various diseases.

Upon completion you will receive a certificate of completion and access to further professional development opportunities within La Trobe's comprehensive range of short courses in our animal health suite.

The course covers the following aspects of animal disease emergencies:

• Disease emergencies and their impacts
• Command and control structures in emergencies
• Preparedness and planning
• The mechanics of a disease response, including "battle routine", information flow & analysis, the common operating picture, control and eradication strategies for various diseases, reporting, field work and management, decision-making.

As the material presented is practical it can immediately be applied in emergency situations. It draws on a body of knowledge ranging from military procedures to veterinary science and management skills. On completion of this course, the expected learning outcomes state that the student will be able to:

1. Participate in, and take responsibilities within, animal health emergency responses
2. Lead discussions on responding to epidemic disease incursions
3. Provide authoritative advice on animal health emergencies to stakeholders