Beth Cookson’s Post

This sounds really interesting! Seeing biosecurity in the broader perspective, is a key to understanding the complex interconnections in the development and nature of pandemics. #pandemics #biosecurity #vetsknowonehealth #animalhealth #publichealth #veterinærerkanenhelse

A reminder of the call for abstracts that promote the exchange of knowledge & ideas across the biosecurity spectrum – from agriculture to wildlife, aquatics, humans & the environment; for the 3rd Australian Biosecurity Symposium scheduled for Aug 27-29: https://lnkd.in/gx4Ge6AD Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Animal Health Australia Plant Health Australia Wildlife Health Australia

Have just read the article in the Daily Maverick (14 March 2024) about new proposed wildlife legislation with the detail “The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has released a 48-page planto create integrated “mega landscapes” on land and sea encompassing extensive areas where hunting, bioprospecting and tourism would monetise wild animals and plants for “consumptive use””. This information arrived at the same time I finished reading An Elephant in My Kitchen: What the Herd Taught Me About Love, Courage and Survival by Francoise Malby-Anthony. Remember, she was the wife of the late Lawrence Anthony, the original Elephant Whisperer. With the current debates on animal killing for trophies or for muti, the above books demonstrate ways of better handling our wild life and the amazing efforts to help the orphans left after their parents are killed. The stories are about love, courage and heartbreak. I wonder if members of the DFFE have read these books? Is their purpose to generate more income for their masters for “consumptive use”? Are the outcomes to merely support the rich who kill animals for pleasure? What are the social and practical implications for ‘Mega areas for hunting’? As an elephant lover, I am horrified. Why isn’t the focus on protecting and supporting our wildlife? Our cruel, heartless, disgusting ANC GOVERNMENT.

A well balanced article about coexistence between wolves and people in northern Portugal. Attitudes towards wolves tend to be more positive where there has been a continuous history of coexistence, and where the tradition of using livestock guarding dogs to protect flocks has been maintained. What lessons can be learned to revive this culture (most countries in Europe have their own traditional livestock guarding dog breeds) where wolves are returning after a sometimes long absence?

Did you know livestock can play a key role in wildlife management? 🌿🐄 Through controlled grazing, livestock help maintain diverse habitats, manage invasive plants, and improve soil health. . . . By mimicking natural disturbances, we create better conditions for wildlife and contribute to healthier ecosystems. It's a great example of how thoughtful land management can support both native wildlife and agriculture! 🦌 🦃 #wildlifemanagement #conservation #propertytax #wildlifevaluation #texasland #wildlife #naturelovers #propertytax #txland #texasland #texaswildlife #propertytaxes #texaspropertytax #LandConservation #Biodiversity #agvaluation #dualproperty #livestockandwildlife

Strategic foresight and animal health – read my latest AVA News article about how the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry's use of strategic foresight can help us prepare for the impacts of climate change on animal health and biosecurity risks in Australia: https://lnkd.in/gXKHEUaz The Australian Veterinary Association

It would be a marvel if this teaching / learning protocol could be adapted to re-educate C-suite denizens of Earth's apex predator. CEASEFIRE NOW, PLEASE... IN ALL THE WAR ZONES... AND COMMENCE TO REHABILITATE THEM

Prickly pear cactus (Opuntia sp.) plays an important role in wildlife habitats. It provides safe cover for various animals, including bobwhite quail. It offers protection from grazing livestock, allowing it to seed out and provide essential ground cover for soil health and erosion control. However, too much prickly pear in a pasture can reduce grazeable acres, so maintaining a proper balance is important to maximize wildlife habitat, biodiversity, and available livestock forage. This picture from Burnet County shows vine mesquite (Panicum obtusum) growing seed heads around prickly pear plants. #nativecactus #wildlifehabitat

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞: We're using scientific experimentation to optimize livestock production, wildlife conservation, and rangeland health in South Texas. Our Coloraditas Grazing Research project shows how flexible, data-driven approaches can enhance resilience in variable climates. #EastFoundation #AnnualReport #RanchManagement #Sustainability #AdaptiveGrazing

Western Australia 🇦🇺: Researchers have trained goannas in the Kimberley not to eat cane toads. More than 90% of the goanna population perished when the toxic pest arrived in other areas. The "teacher toad" technique has proven so successful that researchers are looking to apply it to other species. 🐸🦎 #wildlifewednesday #hfnef #wildlife #animals #animalsandwildlife #australia #westernaustralia #wa #kimberly