Australian scientists will train overseas farm workers and veterinarians to become animal disease detectives in a bid to stop the next deadly pandemic.Forty experts will train animal workers to recognise the signs of a virus outbreakThe program will see 40 experts from veterinary schools across Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific train animal workers in 11 South-East Asian countries.
The $4.3 million program will be funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and headed up by researchers from the University of Sydney. Three-quarters of emerging infectious diseases, such as coronaviruses, are zoonotic, meaning they spread from animals to humans.Dr Dhand said the aim was to detect pathogens and alert authorities before major outbreaks occurred, to save the lives of animals and humans.
Associate Professor Jenny-Ann Toribio, also from the University of Sydney, said the Asia-Pacific was a recognised hotspot for the spread and emergence of infectious diseases.
As long as they 'ARE' Australians and not international Chinese students.
Is it just me or did this read like they are going to train animals to be disease detectives?