"The AVA applauds Commissioner Callinan for ensuring the Inquiry hearings addressed the crucial issues," Dr Sheehan said.

"We believe his recommendations will provide a clear path forward to preventing a similar outbreak in the future and will be a very positive step in the right direction to securing a better quarantine system for Australia."

Dr Sheehan also praised the dedicated government veterinarians in Australia’s animal disease control and public health systems, as well as private veterinarians, for working hard to manage the outbreak and eradicate EI from Australia so quickly, despite systemic problems.

"Australia is one of the few countries in the world that has managed to eradicate EI following an outbreak," Dr Sheehan said.

"One of the AVA’s recommendations to the inquiry is that people with veterinary expertise be involved in every level of quarantine.

"We have many veterinarians working in disease control programs all over the country with the expertise to help build the improved quarantine system and prevent further outbreaks of this kind in Australia.

"We need to be conscious that 70pc of emerging infectious diseases in humans come from animals."

The AVA has recommended the establishment of a Centre for Disease Control (CDC) in Australia where experts in human and animal health can coordinate their efforts and work together with the common goal of combating disease.

"We believe Commissioner Callinan’s recommendations will give Australia clear direction on strengthening biosecurity and ensuring that Australia employs best practice when it comes to quarantine. Our task will be to make it happen," Dr Sheehan said.