Reportable animal diseases

Page last updated: Thursday, 4 October 2018 - 5:44pm

Please note: This content may be out of date and is currently under review.

Early recognition of disease is one of the most important factors influencing the control of disease and the reduction of its impact on industry and the community.

If you know or suspect that an animal is affected by a reportable disease, there is a legal obligation to notify the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia (DPIRD) as soon as is reasonably possible. DPIRD Diagnostic Laboratory Services waive laboratory fees for investigations into cases of suspected reportable diseases.

In Western Australia, the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 requires that some diseases must be reported to the government if they are known or suspected to be present.

Diseases of significance to Western Australia that must be reported are listed in the Reportable animal diseases - Western Australia list. These diseases, and details of their legal status, are also listed on the Western Australian Organism List.

A person who suspects that a reportable disease is or may be present in animals is legally required to report this as soon as possible.

24-hour disease reporting

During normal office hours, contact:

After hours, contact the emergency animal disease toll free hotline on
1800 675 888.

There are several reasons why a disease may be included on the reportable disease list. The disease may be:

  • exotic to Australia
  • present in Australia but exotic to Western Australia
  • subject to a control or eradication program
  • of special significance for export/trade or other reasons
  • zoonotic (can affect humans).

The action that follows a reportable disease report varies according to the significance of the case. For diseases of major significance such as foot-and-mouth disease or bovine spongiform encephalopathy there would be an emergency response aimed at early eradication. At the other end of the spectrum, the diagnosis of some reportable diseases may result only in advice to the producer. New or unusual disease events may result in an in-depth investigation.

Contact information

Jamie Finkelstein
+61 (0)8 9368 3805