Looking out for animal diseases

Victoria is fortunate to be free of most of the serious diseases that affect animals in other parts of the world.

Despite this fact, on-going surveillance is important in order to ensure the early detection of animal diseases that might impact on trade, regional or national productivity, public health, or biodiversity.

The Victorian Significant Disease Investigation (SDI) Program aims to boost Victoria’s capabilities for the early detection of such diseases in livestock and wildlife by increasing the participation of veterinary practitioners and subsidising the cost of investigating significant diseases.

Subsidies are available from the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR) for the initial field investigation, including clinical and postmortem evaluation, laboratory testing and a follow-up investigation of significant disease events in livestock and wildlife.

Livestock includes ruminants, horses, pigs and poultry. A significant disease may include: A large number of animals are affected or there is an unusual presentation of a disease;

An initial investigation fails to establish a diagnosis, or veterinary treatment does not produce the expected response;

Clinical signs are consistent with an emergency disease without a clear alternative diagnosis; and/or

Findings suggest a possible effect on trade, public health or the viability of a farm, industry or region.

This program will increase the likelihood of detecting a serious animal disease should one arise, and assist in covering the cost to farmers of investigating and reporting an animal disease outbreak.

Payment of subsidies is conditional upon approval being given by DEDJTR animal health staff before the investigation begins.

When there is a genuine suspicion of an exotic or emergency disease, DEDJTR animal health staff will undertake the disease investigation and cover the full cost of the investigation.

In summary, early detection of new or exotic disease depends on farmers, vets and government working together. Actions include:

Producers and animal owners should call their veterinary practice when an unusual disease occurs in their stock;

Veterinary practitioners must remain vigilant and consider the possibility of new, unusual or exotic diseases; and

Unusual disease incidents should be fully investigated and appropriate samples should be submitted to veterinary laboratories.

Early detection of emerging or exotic disease is the key to their effective management.

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