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Issue 52 | May 2009
Originally from South Africa,
Wilna joined the CSIRO team as
a Research Scientist in late 2008
Wilna (pron. Vilna) Vosloo is an internationally renowned foot and mouth disease (FMD) expert working at the Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) in Geelong.
Originally from South Africa, Wilna joined the CSIRO team as a Research Scientist in late 2008.
In the last six months, Wilna has focussed on the delivery of an effective FMD diagnostic and response capability at AAHL, including a surge capacity and research to aid rapid recovery from a FMD outbreak. She is also driving forward AAHL's involvement in the Global Foot and Mouth Research Alliance (GFRA) initiative, FMD overseas research and local AAHL FMD activities. Further, Wilna is also overseeing the Agent Detection Group within the Diagnosis, Surveillance and Response Theme.
'I have really enjoyed being involved in AAHL's FMD research programs as it has provided me with further opportunities to expand and share my experiences', Wilna said.
Before to joining the organisation, Wilna worked for almost 11 years as Programme Manager of the Transboundary Animal Diseases Programme (TADP) at ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute in South Africa, the quarantine facility where research, diagnosis and vaccine production focusses mainly on FMD and African swine fever. She is recognised by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) as an expert on FMD.
According to AAHL Director Martyn Jeggo, Wilna brings with her a global reputation, extensive experience in both FMD research and diagnostic service delivery and first hand experience in FMD field research to AAHL.
'Her international experience will assist AAHL in maintaining the facility as a global leader in cutting edge research, service delivery and disease diagnosis, research and policy advice in animal health', he said.
'CSIRO can proudly say we have one of the most recognised FMD experts in the world, which will assist Australia to better manage the risk from FMD, which is considered to be Australia's number one livestock disease threat.'
During her working career, Wilna has embraced the challenge of applying her knowledge and experience to new environments where potential problems differ.
'My prior exposure to wildlife and their role in the epidemiology of FMD has prepared me to think laterally about disease and control options', she said.
'During my career numerous people have mentored me and I cannot thank them enough for their belief in my abilities and for the opportunities they have provided me with.'
Wilna is also helping to bring FMD to the forefront of national and international discussion through her role as chair of the organising committee for the FMD Integrating Science and Management International Symposium and Workshop.
The FMD Symposium will take place on 12-14 April 2010 at the Melbourne Convention Centre. It will provide a forum for eminent international speakers, researchers, policy makers and key role players in the FMD field to interact internationally on the latest developments in FMD research, diagnostics and control measures. AAHL, along with Animal Health Australia, the Australian Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry and the Victorian Department of Primary Industries are jointly organising this event. For more information on this event please visit the Symposium website [external link].
