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Horse Flavivirus Survey Report 2011 (PDF 517.4 KB) or Accessible version (Word 836.5 KB)

SA Apiaries Program Review Report

Pigeon Paramyxovirus - Information and Advice

Avian Paramyxovirus - Media Release (14 September 2011)

Biosecurity Fee proposal

Hendra Virus information

Horse Neuro Disease - 30 May Update

Map – horses and Ross River Virus results - 5 May

Acid Drainage Issue - Media Release

Livestock and Exposure to Acid Drainage Water - FAQ

National Sheep Health Statement

NLIS Cattle

NLIS Sheep & Goats

Property Identification Code (PIC) application

Branding

Reporting Unusual Symptoms

SCAHLS (Sub-Committee on Animal Health Laboratory Standards)

Current Issues

Mob Based Movement

Horse Biosecurity Glovebox Guide (pdf)

Animal Health Australia

Reporting serious or unusual animal disease signs

Any unusual behaviour or symptoms observed in your livestock or birds should be reported to:

  • the 24 hour Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888 (free call)
  • your local veterinarian
  • your nearest animal health officer.

The sooner an incident is reported, the less chance it has to spread and the more likely it can be controlled and eradicated particularly if it’s an exotic animal disease or pest.

Unusual signs and symptoms in animals

Always keep an eye out for unusual symptoms that can include:

In livestock:

  • unexplained deaths
  • sores or ulcers on the feet or in the mouth (this may result in a reluctance to eat or move)
  • excessive salivation (drooling should always be treated suspiciously)
  • a reduction in the in milk yield from cows, and eggs from chickens
  • any kind of discharge – diarrhoea especially if it has blood in it. Excessive nasal discharge is also something you should report unless you know what has caused it.

Look out for staggering or head drooping or severe lameness, especially if it's more than one animal at the same time.

Less dramatic signs should also be watched for, such as animals not eating properly and animals that are depressed and don’t respond the way they should.

In poultry:

  • swollen heads
  • dullness
  • drop in egg production or an increase in percentage of thin-shelled eggs
  • respiratory distress
  • diarrhoea
  • loss of appetite (reduced feed consumption)
  • sudden deaths or increases in mortality rate.

Information to provide when reporting a suspected notifiable disease

Upon contacting your vet or Animal Health Officer, you will need to provide some basic information that will assist in determining the most appropriate course of action - this could include:

  • what pest or disease is suspected on the property
  • (if not you) the name of the owner and/or farm manager
  • the full street address and telephone number of the property
  • the livestock species (eg sheep, cattle etc) and the approximate numbers of animals on the property (including wild animals)
  • the type of animals that are affected (eg cattle only or a specific age group)
  • a brief description of clinical signs and any lesions observed
  • the date when you first noticed the signs
  • an approximate number of sick or dead animals
  • whether any susceptible animals have recently left or been brought onto the property
  • any recent history of overseas human movement.

Further information

Exotic Disease Ausvet Manual Responses

Animal Health Australia