Professor Mary Darvall Barton

Professor Mary Darvall Barton BVSc (Syd) PhD(Melb) Dip Bact(Manc) MBA(Deakin) FACVSc FAVA has had a distinguished career as a veterinary diagnostic microbiologist, in research relating to bacterial infections in animals and antibiotic resistance in microorganisms, laboratory administration, contributor to government task forces on matters relating to policy concerning antibiotic use in food animals, food safety and public health, as an educator and postgraduate research supervisor, and as a leader in the veterinary profession.

After graduating in veterinary science from the University of Sydney in 1970, Professor Barton worked as a bacteriologist in government veterinary diagnostic laboratories in New South Wales and Victoria for 16 years. During this period she completed a Diploma in Bacteriology from the University of Manchester and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Melbourne and undertook research on Rhodococcal infections in horses. She has published on a wide range of diseases in animals caused by microbial agents, their diagnosis, and the control of the diseases through the use of vaccines or prudent use of antimicrobial agents. She holds two patents for the intellectual property associated with diagnostic technology and a vaccine for Rhodococcus equi in horses.

Professor Barton was a member of the National Health and Medical Research Council Foodborne Diseases Working Party from 1996-1997, the Joint Expert Technical Advisory Committee on Antibiotic Resistance (JETACAR) from 1997-1999, and member of the Expert Advisory Committee on Antibiotic Resistance (EAGAR) from 2001-2006, including holding the position of Deputy Chair from 2001—2004.

Professor Barton has been a member of the Australian Animal Health Laboratory Security Assessment Group since 1990, and since 2005 has been a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) veterinary laboratory assessor.

Professor Barton was elected a Fellow of the Australian Veterinary Association in 1982, and has been president of the Victorian Division of the Association and its national president. She holds membership (by examination) and fellowship (veterinary bacteriology) of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists, and specialist registration in veterinary pathobiology (microbiology) with the Veterinary Surgeons Board of South Australia. She has had an active role in promoting the welfare of animals in the community being Chair of the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee to the South Australian Minister responsible for animal welfare from 1990 to 1996, and has been a member of the Council of RSPCA South Australia since 1999.

In recognition of her substantial contribution to veterinary science in Australia, Professor Mary Darvall Barton is nominated for the award of Doctor of Veterinary Science honoris causa.