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Shona Strange
Biosecurity Officer
After three years at Seale Hayne Agricultural
College in Devon I gained an HND in Agriculture. I have a varied background as
after a year in the agricultural field, I moved away and worked in a number of
other non agricultural positions gaining experience in areas such as
secretarial, administration, and customs/immigration before finally returning to
the agricultural domain.
I joined the Department of Agriculture in October 2005 as Assistant Agricultural
Advisor (Biosecurity/Hydatid Control). This was a new post introduced to the
Islands in 2005, mainly due to the development of an export trade of lamb to the
EU. It is a very interesting, varied and challenging post which I enjoy
immensely. My main responsibility is the monitoring of all imports of animal and
plant origin by means of regulatory import permit and import certification
system for non EU Imports. However, there is a huge range of imports such seeds,
animal feed, vehicles, machinery, building materials and containers which
potentially pose a biosecurity threat to the Islands. All these areas are being
considered and developed.
I am also involved in the ever increasing tourism industry and the fishing
industry, yet another area for consideration with regard to biosecurity.
Procedures for in-transit goods are in place and the disposal of biological
waste from vessels is being developed. Public information and awareness material
is provided to the general public as well as importers thus keeping all informed
on the wide range of biosecurity issues. Links with overseas/local expertise
provide the Islands with support in the development of Biosecurity.
As Hydatid Control Officer, my main responsibility is overseeing the hydatid
eradication programme. This means ensuring compliance with the 6 weekly dosing
regime with Praziquantel of all dogs in the camp (outside of Stanley), killing
of animals for lamb, mutton and beef in dog proof enclosures, safe disposal of
offal, safe disposal of culled animals and the confinement of unsupervised dogs.
This has been an ongoing event for some thirty years or more but the Islands are
now seeing a positive result. A database is also maintained on dog ownership and
movements within the Islands.
I have a very lovable Kelpie cross Collie who keeps me extremely active. We go
out every day whether it is sunny or blowing a hooly with snow blizzards. Also a
cat who does not appreciate my dog so takes off in a huff frequently!! I am a
conservationist and enjoy the outdoor life. My hobbies being gardening, cycling,
hiking and camping, amongst other things.
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