Information for farm visitors and service providers
Good biosecurity is paramount for protecting our economy, environment and community from the negative impacts of pests and diseases.
There are several risk factors that are contributing to an increased threat of a biosecurity incursion in Victoria and Australia.
State, federal and local governments, livestock producers and other supply chain participants including livestock agents, transporters and contractors all share responsibilities in minimising biosecurity risks and impacts to the industry.
To reduce the risk of these diseases entering Australia, and to be prepared for an outbreak, Agriculture Victoria is raising awareness and understanding of the threat of exotic animal diseases, preparing our industries, and supporting our farm businesses and service providers in actions they can take now.
The resources below provide service providers with up-to-date key information and provide with resources to assists your clients in being prepared for emergency animal disease events.
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Emergency animal diseases
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an acute, highly contagious viral disease of domestic and wild cloven-hoofed animals. FMD can cause serious production losses and is a major constraint to international trade in livestock and livestock products.
FMD is considered one of Australia’s greatest biosecurity risks.
Online course
- Agriculture Victoria eLearning online course – Foot-and-mouth disease awareness
This online module is designed to give an overview of the risk and impact foot-and-mouth disease can have on the farming industry and what is being done to reduce that risk.
Recorded webinar
- Agriculture Victoria webinar recording: Foot-and-mouth disease
The webinar raises FMD and LSD awareness through presentation and discussion with Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Graeme Cooke and Victoria’s Senior Veterinary Officer, Dr Jeff Cave.
Passcode: FMD.LSD22!
More information
- Agriculture Victoria – Foot-and-mouth disease
- Animal Health Australia – Emergency Animal Disease Preparedness Agreement (EADRA)
- Animal Health Australia – AUSVETPLAN – foot-and-mouth disease response strategy
- The European Commission for the Control of foot-and-mouth disease
- World Organisation for Animal Health - information on foot-and-mouth disease and reported outbreaks around the world
- Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – Foot-and-mouth disease
Lumpy skin disease is a viral disease of cattle, buffalo and wild ruminants that can result in animal welfare issues and significant production losses.
Online course
- Agriculture Victoria online course - Lumpy skin disease awareness
This online module is designed to give an overview of the risk and impact that lumpy skin disease can have on the farming industry, and what is being done to reduce that risk.
Recorded webinar
- Agriculture Victoria webinar recording: Foot-and-mouth disease
The webinar raises FMD and LSD awareness through presentation and discussion with Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Graeme Cooke and Victoria’s Senior Veterinary Officer, Dr Jeff Cave.
Passcode: FMD.LSD22!
More information
- Agriculture Victoria - lumpy skin disease
- World Organisation for Animal Health – information on Lumpy skin disease and reported outbreaks around the world
- Farm Biosecurity – information on on-farm biosecurity
- Animal Health Australia – information on lumpy skin disease
- Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - lumpy skin disease
Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne viral disease that can cause reproductive losses and encephalitis in susceptible animal species. It is caused by Japanese encephalitis virus which is a member of the Flavivirus genus.
Japanese encephalitis has recently been detected in Victoria.
More information
Agriculture Victoria – Japanese encephalitis
- Japanese encephalitis – Frequently asked questions
- Japanese encephalitis in pigs
- Japanese encephalitis in horses
Information related to public health
Avian Influenza (AI) is a highly infectious disease affecting many species of birds, including domestic poultry, which can result in significant mortality. However, the transmission of AI virus from bird to humans is a rare event.
In 2020 and early 2021 Agriculture Victoria worked with industry and the community to control and eradicate outbreaks of avian influenza.
More information
Varroa mite (Varroa destructor and Varroa jacobsoni) is a parasite of adult honey bees and honey bee brood. It weakens and kills honey bee colonies and can also transmit honey bee viruses. Varroa does not occur in Australia. Should it become established in this country, it will be a major problem to commercial and hobby beekeepers.
More information
Emergency Animal Disease Hotline
Understand the signs of disease in different types of livestock. At first suspicion of disease, notify Agriculture Victoria immediately on the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 1800 675 888 or contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria Animal Health and Welfare staff.