Date and Time: Thursday 22 May, 13:00-14:00 NZST
Location: Greenlane Hospital, Tamaki Makaurau and via MS Teams
The increasing complexity of biosecurity risks calls for enhanced surveillance systems that are smarter, faster, and more integrated. In recognition of the topic’s broad sector relevance, the Institute has asked one of our members, Dr. Sam Hurley, to discuss his research and experience in this field.
This presentation will highlight the parallels between medical diagnostics and intelligence analysis and uses this understanding to assess the vulnerabilities in New Zealand’s poultry biosecurity and disease surveillance. Drawing on his background as a veterinary surgeon, Dr. Hurley will outline the potential benefits of incorporating aspects of veterinary intelligence into biosecurity frameworks. This approach aims to strengthen real-time reporting and support more targeted, high-impact research and development efforts.
Speaker bio: Dr. Sam Hurley is a veterinary surgeon, wildlife ecologist and co-founder of Avian Empire, a private veterinary and biosecurity practice operating at the intersection of animal health and ecological surveillance. With a background spanning veterinary medicine, agriculture and ecological conservation, Sam specialises in zoonotic disease monitoring, field intelligence and health security. He also co-leads the Little Green Bird Conservation Trust, which secures land for rewilding and biodiversity restoration. His work aims to bridge the gap between environmental signals and national intelligence — building resilient systems that detect threats before they escalate.