Poultry disease investigation training

Intensive workshops for private veterinarians

Agriculture Victoria is offering a one-day workshop designed to build confidence and skills in poultry disease investigations for private veterinary practitioners.

The course aims to enable participants to confidently investigate poultry and other avian significant disease events through a combination of theory and hands-on training.

The theory sessions are highly interactive and the practical sessions focus on using live birds to practice poultry handling, sampling and euthanasia, as well as conducting a safe, systematic and comprehensive poultry necropsy.

Who should attend

This course is designed for large, mixed or small animal veterinary practitioners who work with either commercial poultry, backyard poultry or other avian wildlife.

Course content

• Updates on avian influenza and common poultry diseases
• How to prepare for investigations and use Agriculture Victoria resources
• How to prevent zoonotic infections and disease spread
• How to humanely euthanise poultry, using methods of cervical dislocation and intravenous euthanasia
• How to undertake a complete post-mortem, including collecting high-quality, uncontaminated samples and taking useful photoa
• Common mistakes when performing necropsies and how to avoid them
• Getting samples to the laboratory safely and in good condition
• Tips and tools that can make the difference between success and failure

Course structure and duration

Dates and locations are as follows:

• Course 1 – Ellinbank, 12 March 2025
• Course 2 – Ballarat, 14 March 2025
• Course 3 – Benalla, 17 March 2025
• Course 4 – Colac, 3 April 2025.
• Course 5 – Melbourne (Bundoora), 8 April 2025
• Course 6 – Bendigo, 10 April 2025

Course cost

Free! Training costs will 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 9 structured activity CPD units.

Contact for further information

Nikkie Chadee, Senior Veterinary Officer, Agriculture Victoria.

Email: SE.Ag@agriculture.vic.gov.au