Respond to notifiable and emergency animal diseases
Private vets play a vital role in the:
- early detection of notifiable and emergency animal disease (EAD)
- prevention of disease spread.
If you suspect or recognise the first case of an EAD, you must take the following actions.
Actions for private veterinarians
1. Report
Immediately call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline before leaving the affected property, or before attending the property, if you believe an EAD is present.
This must be done for any signs of unexplained, unusual or suspicious animal illness.
It is a legal requirement to prevent actions that could cause livestock to become infected with a notifiable condition. It is an offence under Section 28 of the Livestock Act 1997 if you do not report a potential EAD.
2. Comply
Comply with all instructions given to you by PIRSA and provide information about the case that may assist the investigation.
Find out which samples to collect in the EAD field guide for Australian veterinarians – sections 2 and 3.
3. Decontaminate
Make sure you are not responsible for spreading disease. Do not attend further calls until appropriate decontamination has occurred, and negative results have been returned.
PIRSA will guide you through this process.
Biosecurity recommendations
Although private veterinarians have no legal provision to impose quarantine, you can offer biosecurity measures to the producer or landowner.
Strictly advise not to move animals off the property that are suspected to be affected by a notifiable condition. This is an offence under Section 30 of the Livestock Act 1997, unless they have approval of the Chief Inspector.
You can also suggest:
- restricting property access
- not leaving the property until PIRSA has provided advice.
PIRSA's responsibilities
When we have been notified of an emergency animal disease, PIRSA will take these measures:
- Investigate the report, collecting information for epidemiological investigations and taking diagnostic samples. This may include engaging private veterinarians to assist in gathering preliminary information and samples, providing clear guidance.
- Ensure a diagnosis is obtained within the shortest possible time (aiming for 24-48 hours) where there is a high level of suspicion.
- Place the property under quarantine if an EAD is indicated. This can occur immediately by phone while a private vet is on the property. It includes movement restrictions for animals, vehicles, people and fomites.
- Provide advice on appropriate decontamination and biosecurity measures to be followed by anyone involved in the case.
What PIRSA won’t do
What PIRSA won’t do
We take responsibility for our role in controlling biosecurity outbreaks. We will not:
- place properties under quarantine without a high level of suspicion of an EAD
- ask you to place a property under quarantine or manage the investigation, in cases where there is a high level of suspicion of an EAD
- expect you to know which samples must be taken to rule out EADs, or which decontamination processes are required for every EAD
- leave you without clear instructions.
Download the printable guidelines for private veterinarians responding to EADs ().
Employment for private vets
During an emergency animal disease response, private veterinarians may be employed by state or territory governments as:
- temporary or casual employees
- contractors at nationally agreed remuneration rates.
Learn more about engagement of private veterinarians in an EAD response.
