The Animal Health section of Primary Industries and Resources South Australia (PIRSA) is responsible for the oversight and assistance to industry of matters relating to both national and state based disease control and surveillance programs. Through membership of national and state bodies responsible for advisory and active input, the aim is to assist in the supply of wholesome animal product to the Australian community and through surveillance and disease control, ensure the maintenance of export markets.

Animal Health’s headquarters are at 33 Flemington St, Glenside, 5065. The state veterinary laboratory is located in the same building and is conducted on behalf of the government through contractual arrangements with Gribbles Veterinary Pathology Services [External link - opens in new window]. The services relate to the range of testing required to undertake the disease control and surveillance programs of the Animal Health section. The laboratory also provides a general veterinary pathology service to private practitioners, industry and other clients.

In line with government policy, most disease programs are undertaken in consultation and agreement with the animal industry concerned. That industry provides funding with Animal Health Section providing the expertise, staff and variable amounts of administrative input.

Specific disease programs

Cattle

The most important disease control programs in cattle are Bovine Johne’s Disease (BJD) and Enzootic Bovine Leucosis (EBL). Australia was declared free of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in its cattle population in 1997 but monitoring is continuing through the National Granuloma Submission Program.

Sheep

Sheep industry programmes are Ovine Johne’s Disease (OJD), Lice control, Ovine Brucellosis and Footrot.

Bees

Within the Apiary industry, an American Foul Brood (AFB) control programme is the main activity. Control advice and assistance is also given on European Foul Brood (EFB), Nosema and Sac brood.

General programs

The Specific Disease Programs would not be possible without a number of supporting programs. Among these are the compulsory and voluntary Animal Identification systems such as the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) and the various species branding and registration systems, (Pig, Bee, Deer, Cattle, Camel, Horse and Sheep).

Important in the function of Animal Health is the certification for animal movements (Health Certificates). Accreditation programs are in place for Ovine Brucellosis and the various market assurance programs (MAP).

Disease investigation of new diseases or new problems with old diseases is part of Emergency Disease Planning. Data is collected on endemic disease and regularly reported to the Commonwealth and other state authorities through the National Animal Health Information System (NAHIS) . To undertake these functions a disease recording system is essential and this collects field and laboratory information.

Underpinning the above functions is the legislative authority and powers derived from legislation that affects husbandry practices, in particular, the Livestock Act 2000. Animal Health officers also have duties under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act which is administered from the Department of Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs.

Industry liaison is an essential component and a number of advisory committees exist to assist in direction and extent of the specific disease programs and other issues as may arise. These advisory groups report to the Minister for Primary Industries and Resources.

Government support is also critical at both the national and state level. The peak national body is the Agricultural and Resource Management Committee of Australia and New Zealand (ARMCANZ). Reporting to this is the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Resource Management (SCARM). States liaise on animal disease matters through Veterinary Committee (VC). Within the state, as well as the industry advisory groups, there is liaison with a number of agencies including other government departments, councils, public health and planning authorities and animal welfare groups.

The Animal Health group has close liaison with the Rural Chemicals Branch, particularly in relation to chemical residues in animals, and Fisheries and Aquaculture on emergency responses and fish health matters.

For more information about PIRSA's animal health programs contact staff working at either the Adelaide office or at various offices within the State.