NASOPs
Nationally Agreed Standard Operating Procedures (NASOPs) have been developed for use by jurisdictions during responses to Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) incidents and emergencies.
NASOPs underpin elements of AUSVETPLAN and describe the actions typically undertaken during a response to an incident. As some elements of NASOPs are generic in nature, it may be necessary for jurisdictions to develop local procedures and work instructions, to further support the application of the NASOPs.
NASOPs cover a wide range of topics - and although they have been developed in the context of an EAD response, many will have application in all types of biosecurity incidents and emergencies. NASOPs are prepared using a template to ensure consistency of format and contents. Each NASOP has information on:
1. Purpose
2. Application/scope
3. Resources/equipment
4. Warnings
5. Description of activities
6. References
7. Appendices (where applicable)
NASOPs are prepared by the Sub-Committee on Emergency Animal Disease (SCEAD), a committee that has representation from the Australian Government, each state and the Northern Territory Government, and Animal Health Australia. SCEAD is chaired by the Animal Health Committee program leader for EADs (traditionally the Australian Chief Veterinary Officer)[1].
NASOPs do not form part of AUSVETPLAN, however, they complement many of the AUSVETPLAN manuals with highly-detailed, operational information. NASOPs cross-reference to AUSVETPLAN manuals where appropriate.
NASOPs are reviewed as necessary to ensure they remain up to date. Nearly thirty NASOPs are currently at various stages of development. This website will progressively list NASOPs once they have been approved by SCEAD.
Personal decontamination—entry and exit procedures (60 KB)
Selecting an LDCC location (82 KB)
Loading and unloading of carcasses and materials for biosecure transport (71 KB)
Stop and search of vehicles at checkpoints (81 KB)
Field team management of FMD vaccination for use on a property (43 KB)
Working safely in estuarine crocodile habitats (70 KB)
Determining whether an EAD can be eradicated (139 KB)
For more information on NASOPs currently under development, please contact the SCEAD secretariat:
email - scead@daff.gov.au
Phone - 02 6272 3109
[1] For more information about committees in Australia that deal with animal health, please visit the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website (http://www.daff.gov.au/animal-plant-health/animal/committees).