Huon Valley goat farmer Chris Bishop thought her career as an epidemiologist had slowed down - that was until the coronavirus pandemic was declared.
The World Health Organisation came calling for Ms Bishop just over a month ago, asking if she could help the Solomon Islands.
Shortly after, Ms Bishop left her Tasmanian farm to help prevent the virus from making its way to the Islands.
"It was a tough time leaving my partner Colin and my daughter Kate back home at Beaupre Farm, a Boer goat farm, which overlooks the Huon River on a beautiful site," she said
The unusual journey to the islands
Ms Bishop's experience of helping during disease outbreaks is extensive.
She has travelled the globe and previously worked with the Solomon Islands authorities during the SARS pandemic.
But this was the first time her goodbyes were cut short.
"I was heading from Tasmania to New South Wales for my daughter's wedding when it was announced Tasmania was closing its borders," Ms Bishop said.
"I had to make the decision that weekend to travel to Brisbane and onto the Solomon Islands straight after the wedding and really did not have a chance to say proper goodbyes."
Ms Bishop will continue to help on the islands until at least June, but said it could be longer.
"I really miss the farm, my partner, my daughter and the Boer goats which all have unique characteristics and make me laugh, but my co-workers here are so supportive," she said.
What about the goats back home?
Back at Beaupre Farm, Ms Bishop's partner Colin Skidmore and daughter Kate are managing to keep the Boer Goats fed.
The breed are usually found in the arid areas of Africa and Mr Skidmore said they are slowly growing accustomed to a lusher way of living.
But he said they still refused to eat the abundant grass.
"I found out very quickly, after planting grass seeds throughout the farm, that the goats preferred the weeds such as gorse and blackberry," he said.
While the goats are learning a new normal, Mr Skidmore and Mrs Bishop look forward to being reunited and returning to theirs.
