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 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 the methods of cervical dislocation and intravenous euthanasia
- How to undertake a complete post-mortem, including collecting high-quality, uncontaminated samples and taking useful photos
- 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
Courses run from 9am to 4pm.
Future dates and locations will be announced in early 2026.
Course cost
Free! Agriculture Victoria will meet training costs. Participants will need to make their own transport arrangements to and from their chosen location.
Qualification pathways
Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate of completion and can claim 9 structured activity CPD units.
How to apply
We will make an application form available when the course dates and locations are announced.
Contact for further information
Nikkie Chadee, Senior Veterinary Officer, Agriculture Victoria
Email: SW.Ag@agriculture.vic.gov.au