Australian Veterinary Association Director Sees Animal Health as Critical to Sustainable Food Systems

Tracy Sullivan speaks at the Global Agenda for Sustainable Livestock Conference

Tracy Sullivan - Director, Australian Veterinary Association

What did you find the most interesting or surprising learning to come from the event?

I was surprised and impressed to learn about the biogas systems put in place both on a large scale, such as at the University of Chiang Mai, and on a small scale across Thailand on small land holdings of as few as 60 cows.

I learnt livestock greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions represent 14.55% of total anthropogenic GHGs. Of this, 44% is from enteric fermentation (mainly methane), 41% food production (mainly CO₂, N₂O), 10% from manure management (mainly CH₄, N₂O) and 5% from energy consumption.

Biogas systems help reduce the GHGs from both manure and energy consumption.

What did you learn that could be relevant for the Australian beef industry?

There is potential for Australia to further explore biogas investments in our intensive beef industry to help achieve our national and industry goals of reducing GHG emissions.

How does what we’re doing on the ground in Australia compare to what is happening in other nations?

It was reassuring to see similar projects that are occurring in Australia are also elsewhere. The use of shade in pastures to combat global adverse production effects of global warming have been demonstrated in beef herds in Northern Australia and dairy herds in Africa.   

Why was it important to attend the event?

It was important to attend and contribute to discussions as GASL continues to work with members and stakeholders through the Sustainable Livestock Transformation Initiative and to be part of the aim to enhance practical actions and solutions at all levels (Australian, regional and global).

What were people from other countries saying?

The greatest opportunity identified for transformation to meet GASL goals of better production, better nutrition, better environment and better life on a global scale is universal access to services to improve animal health and the multidisciplinary and multisectoral approach known as “One Health”. These services encompass one health intelligence, biosecurity, animal disease control, access to vaccines and primary animal health services.

In addition, people were talking about the nexus of climate change, zoonoses and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). About 75% of emerging infectious diseases are zoonoses with zoonotic transmission events and antimicrobial resistance risks are increasing with climate change. Our farmers, veterinarians and abattoir workers are at highest risk.

Where are our greatest opportunities to take action to achieve more sustainable food systems?

We need to improve animal health through a multifaceted approach including management, biosecurity, access to veterinary services, vaccine and technology and genetic selection, and commit to minimising antimicrobial use in order to reduce vulnerability of livestock to climate change and reduce emission intensity. Through identifying and addressing the risks limiting access to services to improve animal health, and One Health in the Australian beef industry, we can take action to achieve more sustainable food systems.