A Cat Management Reference Group was announced on Wednesday by Primary Industries Minister Jeremy Rockliff.

Mr Rockliff said the group’s task was to develop the state’s first cat management plan before 2016.

‘‘Managing feral and stray cats is a community-wide problem and a complex issue,’’ he said.

‘‘[It] requires a range of approaches to manage the impacts on native wildlife, livestock and human health.’’

Management of cat-related issues in Tasmania are  determined by the Cat Management Act 2009, a document widely criticised for lack of clarity regarding responsibilities.

Mr Rockliff said the reference group would advise the government whether any amendments to the act were required.

‘‘To date, legislation has been the focus but it is clear that this ignores the complexity of the issue,’’ he said.

‘‘We understand collaboration at all levels is essential to the success of this plan, which is why Biosecurity Tasmania will work with a new Cat Management Reference Group to develop the plan.’’

The group will include representatives from RSPCA Tasmania, the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association, Local Government Association of Tasmania, Australian Veterinary Association, Hobart Cat Centre, Cat Association of Tasmania, the Tasmanian Conservation Trust, Regional Natural Resource Management Committees and the University of Tasmania.

TFGA chief executive Peter Skillern said the announcement was a step towards addressing major environmental health issues.

‘‘Feral cats are the major host of toxoplasmosis, which is a seriously debilitating parasitic disease that can be lethal for humans,’’ Mr Skillern said.

‘‘Toxoplasmosis is not limited to humans. It infects most warm-blooded animals, which can suffer a long and painful death.’’

A CSIRO-published study released late last year showed Tasmania as having one of the highest rates of toxoplasmosis in the world.

The cat management plan will be open for public comment before the completion of a first draft.