Effective responses to emergency disease outbreaks require emergency disease planning at national, state/territory and district level and the involvement of both animal health authorities and emergency management organisations. The basis for this planning is contained in the Australian Veterinary Emergency Plan, AUSVETPLAN .

Animal Health Australia manages the coordination and development of the various components of the AUSVETPLAN  and works closely with the Federal, State and Territory Governments and the livestock industries to determine priorities. The National Veterinary Committee has a key role in this work.

The AUSVETPLAN is a series of technical response plans that describe Australia's approach to an exotic disease incursion. The documents provide guidance based on sound analysis, linking policy, strategies, implementation, coordination and emergency-management plans.

The Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement (EADRA)  documents how a response to an emergency animal disease is prepared for, administered and funded.