The Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has an agreement with the European Commission for the Control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (EuFMD) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) for delivery of real-time FMD training courses in Nepal.

Since 2012, 26 courses have been held, with attendees including government representatives, industry policy representatives, veterinarians, stock handlers and others.

Sheep Producers Australia has sponsored several fully-funded positions in the training available in March and November 2018.

Selection criteria for candidates includes:

• Sheep industry and/or supply chain experience including actively working in the field, such as farms, livestock markets and abattoirs.
• Great communication and teamwork skills.
• Relevant training and experience in emergency management, emergency animal disease preparedness and response, animal health education and training, and/or membership of professional organisations.
• Experience in conducting formal or informal extension activities (e.g. delivering presentations, workshops, development of communications material and media interviews). Candidates must be prepared to communicate the FMD preparedness and prevention message on their return. In their response, candidates should refer to organisations or extension groups they liaise with regularly and would be able to present information to on their return. Examples might include state farming organisations, agricultural show committees, breed associations, Rotary clubs, and so on.
• For candidates who engage with social media, give a brief description of activity (e.g. active on livestock groups on Facebook, active on own Facebook page, twitter, Instagram etc.)

Candidates must also provide a career summary (including summary of wool industry experience) and a brief written statement addressing the selection criteria.

In this round, positions may be awarded  based on geographical location to complement previous attendees to ensure the best possible coverage for information on FMD. Young people with at least 3-5 years of experience in the wool industry are particularly encouraged to apply.

At this stage, preliminary in-country dates are 12-16 March 2018 and 19-23 March 2018. Please also factor in seven days of quarantine from any property with livestock upon return to Australia.

Sheep Producers encourages candidates to apply if they are able to meet the above dates and meet some or all of the above criteria.

Costs for return economy class airfares, vaccinations, visa, travel insurance, food and accommodation in Nepal are covered by this sponsorship arrangement. There is a requirement to provide a written report upon return to the Board of Sheep Producers and involvement in extension activities. Participants will join an alumni of Emergency Animal Disease preparedness professionals and have the opportunity to take part in further industry EAD training.

Nominations for the 2018 training program close Monday 18 December 2017. Send nominations to [email protected] or for more information contact Stephen Crisp, Sheep Health and Welfare Policy Manager, on 0455 999 130.