Media release no.
The outbreak and eradication program has now claimed more than a million animals which were slaughtered to prevent further spread of the disease. Albany senior veterinary officer Tony Higgs and Busselton stock inspector Bill Trend recently returned from the UK where they assisted authorities managing the outbreak. They were based at the disease control centre in Cumbria, one of the worst affected counties. Mr Higgs was in charge of the Infected Premises Team which managed up to 35 newly infected properties per day with a staff of about 200 veterinarians and 120 field staff. As an animal health officer, Mr Trend was in the front line dealing with infected properties and issues relating to animal destruction, animal welfare and safety.