Notifiable diseases in Victoria

Early recognition of a serious or exotic animal disease is one of the most important factors influencing the chance of controlling the disease and reducing its economic and social impact on the whole community.

Agriculture Victoria recognises this issue by defining some animal diseases as 'notifiable diseases'. These are animal diseases that, when suspected by owners, vets or laboratories, must be reported to an Inspector of Livestock within a defined timeframe.

The listed diseases are broken into four groups:

• Exotic diseases of mammals, birds, fish and bees – These do not normally occur in Australia and must be reported immediately.
• Diseases of mammals, birds and bees that must be reported without delay – Currently this applies to anthrax.
• Diseases of mammals, birds and bees that must be reported within 12 hours – These are serious but not exotic diseases.
• Diseases of mammals, birds, bees and fish that must be reported within 7 days – These are important but less serious diseases.

The full list of notifiable diseases and how to notify the department can be found on the VetSource website.