Mr Marcelo Mota - Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply, Brazil

Mr Marcelo Mota from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply in Brazil spent four weeks in June/July with the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Veterinary Science at Camden as a recipient of the Australian Council on Australia Latin American Relations (COALAR) Executive Awards.

Marcelo is studying for his PhD in Veterinary Science at the Federal University of Minas Gerais. During his four weeks at the University, Marcelo worked with Professor Michael Ward on the epidemiology of avian influenza and monitoring and surveillance systems. He learnt and developed skills and techniques in disease mapping, spatial analysis and demonstrating freedom from disease.

Professor Ward said “Australia and Brazil share many similarities in agricultural production; some of their most important trading partners are also the same, for example the United States. Disease is a major trade barrier and through the standardisation of methods we can reduce barriers by using a science based approach to agricultural trade issues”.

Marcelo also spent time in Canberra with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry in the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer (OCVO) which facilitates the development of national policies and strategies and the provision of scientific advice to minimise the potential impacts of diseases on Australia’s animal health.

The Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney has a long history of engagement in Brazil and in the near future Professor Ward hopes to travel to Brazil to develop further research collaborations with the Ministry and Marcelo’s home institution.

The COALAR Latin America Executive Awards provide professional development opportunities in Australia for high achievers in business, industry, education or government from participating countries. The Awards focus on building skills and knowledge through a host work environment COALAR. Additional professional development opportunities for Latin American applicants are available through the Australia Awards.

With acknowledgment : Victoria Romaniuk Office of Deputy Vice Chancellor International