Animal industries are involved in the rearing and processing of animals and the sale of animal products. This includes livestock farming to produce meat (chicken, beef, lamb and pork), dairy and eggs.

In Australia, animal industries are a major contributor to the gross value of agriculture.

Australia is known worldwide for its high-quality food products and high standards of food safety.

This reputation is upheld in part by the animal industries’ commitment to biosecurity and antimicrobial stewardship.

State governments and industry groups have collectively reduced the risk of animal diseases by developing and implementing detailed biosecurity plans. These plans cover all aspects of farming operations, from farming inputs and outgoing products to production practices, people and equipment.

The Animal Industries Antimicrobial Stewardship Research, Development and Extension Strategy – a joint initiative of the chicken meat, dairy, egg, pork and red meat industries, in collaboration with a wide range of industry stakeholders – advocates for the responsible and appropriate use of antimicrobials to prevent and treat animal diseases without affecting food safety or human health.

Other efforts, including animal husbandry interventions, good nutrition and vaccination, help to prevent and control disease outbreaks on farms. Surveys of several animal industries have shown that disease outbreaks are rare, and evidence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is limited.

Australia’s animal industries will maintain these effective approaches while pursuing new solutions to help them meet national and international food safety standards and ensure the continued confidence of markets and consumers worldwide.