Animal disease investigation training
Intensive 2 day training courses
Agriculture Victoria is offering a two day course in animal disease investigation for private veterinary practitioners.
The course aims to enable participants to confidently and competently investigate animal disease events through a combination of theory and practice.
The theory sessions are highly interactive involving animal disease case studies, set tasks and short presentations. The practical sessions focus on the conduct of a safe, systematic, comprehensive ruminant necropsy.
Who should attend
This course is designed for veterinary practitioners who work in either large or mixed animal practice in both rural and peri-urban areas in Victoria. Practitioners working in peri-urban areas of Melbourne and regional centres, who see livestock infrequently, are encouraged to apply.
Course content
Day 1 topics include:
- How to prepare for a successful investigation and using Agriculture Victoria's resources to help you.
- Using 'Population Medicine' concepts in the real world.
- How not to miss anything (including the diagnosis) and avoid common mistakes.
- How to manage your time and energy, and still get the detailed history you need.
- Conceptual frameworks that make the most complex disease events easy to solve, (practical field epidemiology).
- Tips and tools that can make the difference between success and failure.
- How to describe, interpret and photograph necropsy findings.
Day 2 topics include:
- How to not get a zoonotic infection.
- How not to spread disease around the locality.
- How to store, transport and set-up your equipment.
- How to open up a carcass.
- How to collect high quality, uncontaminated samples and take useful photos.
- Common mistakes when performing necropsies and how to avoid them.
- Getting samples to the laboratory safely and in good condition.
- How to sharpen a knife.
Course structure and duration
This is an intensive, two-day training course that will be delivered in February and March 2024 across Victoria. Dates and locations will be available in early October.
Course costs
Training costs will be met by Agriculture Victoria. All meals and accommodation associated with course delivery will also be met by Agriculture Victoria. Participants will need to make their own transport arrangements to and from their chosen location.
Qualification pathways
Participants who successfully complete the course will be awarded a certificate of completion and will be eligible to claim 15 structured activity CPD units.
How to apply
Complete the application form and submit it to us by email: adi.deeca.vic.gov.au
Contact for further information
Emails us at adi@deeca.vic.gov.au