WA Livestock Disease Outlook - for vets

DPIRD disease investigation summary
October-December 2019

In the October-December 2019 quarter, DPIRD investigated 310 disease events in animals, primarily livestock. Submissions were received from both government and private vets, providing both support for WA’s claims of freedom from exotic diseases that could impact trade, and diagnostic information to aid producers in managing disease on their farms.

Reportable disease exclusions

During this quarter, there were 289 exclusions of reportable diseases across a number of species (see Figure 1). In some cases there were multiple reportable diseases excluded as part of the investigation. Johne’s disease in sheep and cattle and scrapie were the most frequently excluded (see Figure 2).

Endemic disease

Table 1: Commonly detected diseases in sheep during the Oct-Dec 2019 quarter by agricultural region

Table 2: Commonly detected diseases in cattle during the Oct-Dec 2019 quarter by agricultural region

WA Livestock Disease Outlook highlights benefits of surveillance

Australia’s ability to sell livestock and livestock products depends on evidence from our surveillance systems that we are free of particular livestock diseases. The WA livestock disease outlook – for vets summarises recent significant disease investigations by DPIRD vets and private vets that contribute to that surveillance evidence.

For more information, see:

• WA's animal health surveillance programs
• subsidies available to support disease investigations
• or contact your local DPIRD vet.

Feedback and subscriptions

We welcome feedback. To provide comments or to subscribe to the monthly email newsletter, WA livestock disease outlook, email waldo@dpird.wa.gov.au