ANIMAL HEALTH IN 2009 HEALTH IN AUSTRALIA 2009 Copyright and trademarks Use of materials and information

This publication is protected by copyright. Information or material from this publication may be reproduced in unaltered form for personal, © Animal Health Australia 2010 noncommercial use. All other rights are reserved. Information or material from this publication may be used for the purposes of private study, Preferred citation research, criticism or review permitted under the Copyright Act 1968. Animal Health Australia (2010). Animal Health in Australia 2009, Any reproduction permitted in accordance with the Copyright Act Canberra, Australia. 1968 must acknowledge Animal Health Australia as the source of any selected passage, extract, diagram or other information. Any reproduction must also include a copy of the original copyright and Acknowledgments disclaimer notice as set out here. The Animal Health in Australia 2009 report draws together information provided primarily by Government Department of Commercial and other use Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and state and territory government No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval agencies. Animal Health Australia maintains responsibility for system, distributed or commercialised in any form without prior written production of the report for the Australian Chief Veterinary Officer as approval from Animal Health Australia. The contents of this publication part of the National Animal Health Information System (NAHIS). may not be used to sell a product or service for commercial reasons Animal Health Australia would like to acknowledge the efforts of such as advertising. all contributors to this report, including the NAHIS Editorial Panel. Trademarks Appreciation is also extended to the national and state coordinators for NAHIS, and the organisations and individuals who contributed photos Any trademarks or logos contained in this publication may not be used for the report. without the prior written permission of Animal Health Australia.

ISBN 978 1 876714 90 1 Disclaimer This publication is published by Animal Health Australia for information Technical editing by Biotext, Canberra purposes only. Information contained in it is drawn from a variety Designed and typeset by: Meta Design Studio of sources external to Animal Health Australia. Although reasonable Printed by: Paragon Printers care was taken in its preparation, Animal Health Australia does not Produced by Animal Health Australia guarantee or warrant the accuracy, reliability, completeness or currency Cover photograph: Animal Health Australia of the information, or its usefulness in achieving any purpose.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Animal Health Australia will not Feedback be liable for any loss, damage, cost or expense incurred in or arising Comments and suggestions regarding the Animal Health in Australia by reason of any person relying on the information in this publication. 2009 report are welcomed. Please forward all correspondence to the Persons should accordingly make and rely on their own assessments Manager, Corporate Communications, Animal Health Australia, via and enquiries to verify the accuracy of the information provided. email at [email protected]. One major focus for animal health in the latter half of FOREWORD 2009 included the first case of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus in Australian pigs on 31 July 2009 in New South This thirteenth volume in the Animal Health in Australia Wales, and later in and . In each series of annual reports presents a comprehensive case, clinical signs were mild, with a consistent feature summary of Australia’s animal health system and status being reduced appetite in breeding . Human- in 2009. It includes reports from ongoing programs, to-pig transmission was implicated in these incidents. status reports on nationally significant terrestrial and Influenza in pigs is a notifiable disease in Australia. The aquatic animal diseases, and descriptions of new national control strategy is based on containment of initiatives introduced during the year. infection in the piggery. It is important that all piggeries maintain a high level of biosecurity to reduce the risk of On 18 December 2008, the this virus being introduced via infected personnel. released the report of the independent review of Australia’s quarantine and biosecurity arrangements Another major focus was the two separate incidents of — One Biosecurity: A Working Partnership — and its Hendra virus infection in Queensland in mid-2009. The preliminary response, agreeing in principle to all veterinarian attending a horse from the first incident, 84 recommendations. The report concluded that Australia before the Hendra diagnosis was made, became infected operates a sound biosecurity system that can be improved and died. This tragic loss reminds us to consider unusual further to deal with increasing risks arising from climate diseases in the list of possible diagnoses and to ensure change, globalisation, population spread and increased we take appropriate biosecurity precautions. Hendra passenger and cargo movements. Its recommendations virus infection in horses and humans is an extremely rare are designed to improve the good aspects of the current event. In many of the incidents to date, the primary case system and to rectify any shortcomings. The government’s has been identified retrospectively. Biosecurity remains response to the proposed reforms progressed during the key to preventing such incidents. Furthermore, the 2009 to enhance the nation’s biosecurity system, while Australian Wildlife Health Network monitors bats for facilitating trade and minimising the potential impact of Hendra virus and lyssavirus using submissions from pests and diseases. network subscribers and state and territory wildlife coordinators, and collates this information within a Last year, I outlined some Australian Government actions database for further analysis. arising from the Callinan Inquiry into the 2007 equine influenza outbreak. In 2009, two independent assessment Australia’s National Strategic Plan for Aquatic reports to the minister were released on the progress Animal Health — AQUAPLAN 2005–2010 — is a of the Australian Government’s response. These reports comprehensive strategy to build and improve managerial found that the Australian Government Department of capacity for Australia’s aquatic animal health. From Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry continues to make 1 July 2009, the Animal Health Committee took good progress on implementing the government’s leadership of this plan. The plan includes a national response. Furthermore, the Interim Inspector-General approach to emergency disease preparedness and of Horse Importation’s report to the minister stated that response (AQUAVETPLAN). Two disease strategy Biosecurity Australia and the Australian Quarantine and manuals are being revised in 2009–10 — white spot Inspection Service had done much work to improve disease (of prawns) and viral haemorrhagic septicaemia the horse importation system since the Callinan Report, (of fish). Similarly, the terrestrial animal disease strategy and that the effectiveness and integrity of importation manuals under AUSVETPLAN (which outlines Australia’s arrangements had been substantially strengthened. I am plans for emergency animal disease responses) have also pleased with and appreciate the progress made to been under review. In 2009, disease strategy manuals date. such as infectious bursal disease, equine influenza, Australian bat lyssavirus, Aujeszky’s disease and classical In May 2009, the Primary Industries Ministerial Council swine fever received scrutiny. Industry enterprise endorsed the new Australian Animal Welfare Standards manuals were also being reviewed or developed by and Guidelines—Land Transport of Livestock, which various industries. I wish to thank everyone who made was developed by an expert working group under the contributions to such manuals and plans. Australian Animal Welfare Strategy. Implementation of these guidelines by the states and territories is an The National Significant Disease Investigation Program expected priority for 2010. was successfully piloted in 2009. This program, designed to strengthen Australia’s general surveillance capability,

iii broadly defines significant diseases as those that may emerging, zoonotic diseases such as SARS and avian impact trade, regional or national productivity, or public influenza H5N1. At the conference, the agreed to health. The aim is to boost Australia’s capacity for early strive for a stronger voice in the OIE forum. In 2010, the disease detection by subsidising the cost of disease President of the Regional Commission (Dr Kawashima of investigations by private veterinary practitioners and Japan) and I will be working together to develop an OIE thus increasing their participation in disease surveillance. regional plan that will progress the interests of our region Reports from the investigations will be collated centrally within the OIE. into the National Animal Health Information System. Building on the activities presented here for 2009, This program, when fully implemented in 2010, will my other priorities for 2010 are to continue leading the be additional to other state and territory surveillance development of key national animal health policies, programs. Also in 2009, the strategy reference group minimise the risks of an emergency animal disease of the National Animal Health Surveillance Strategy incursion, and maintain and improve Australia’s made recommendations on the future needs of national favourable animal health status to support the animal health surveillance. This group considered that productivity of Australia’s animal-dependent industries Australia’s animal disease surveillance system is effective and trade and market access for their animals and for new and emerging disease detections. It was also related products. recognised that this system will need improvements to handle future challenges. In addition, two important To achieve these goals, we will continue to strengthen exercises were held in 2009 —Exercise DIVA (Victorian Australia’s animal disease prevention, preparedness Department of Primary Industries) and Exercise Loeffler and response capabilities through the programs and (CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory) — based initiatives described within this publication. We will on simulated foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks. also maintain active collaboration and build strategic relationships with countries in the region. The national wild bird surveillance component of the department’s Avian Influenza Program continues to This report contains details of a comprehensive range provide valuable information on avian influenza virus of the programs, significant activities and developments subtypes circulating in Australian wild birds. In 2009, no within animal health in Australia. I commend the report highly pathogenic avian influenza subtypes were found. to you. In November 2009, the 26th Conference of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Regional Commission for , the and was held in , . Australia has an important leadership role in this region. The region has the highest number Andy Carroll of people and animals, and much experience with Australian Chief Veterinary Officer

Ian Gardener

iv CONTENTS

FOREWORD ...... iii

OVERVIEW ...... 1

1 ORGANISATION OF THE ANIMAL HEALTH SYSTEM ...... 7 Australian Government committees ...... 8 Animal Health Australia ...... 11 Australian Wildlife Health Network ...... 12 Australian Government animal health services ...... 12 State and territory animal health services ...... 14 Private veterinary services and veterinary education ...... 15 SAFEMEAT ...... 16 National Livestock Identification System ...... 16 Livestock industry quality assurance programs ...... 17

2 TERRESTRIAL ANIMAL HEALTH ...... 23 Notifiable animal diseases ...... 24 National reporting system for animal diseases in Australia ...... 28 Endemic diseases of national significance ...... 28 American foulbrood ...... 28 Anthrax ...... 30 Caprine arthritis–encephalitis ...... 31 Cattle tick and tick fever ...... 31 Enzootic bovine leucosis ...... 32 Equine herpesvirus 1 ...... 33 European foulbrood ...... 33 Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis ...... 34 Johne’s disease ...... 34 Mastitis ...... 35 Newcastle disease ...... 35 Ovine brucellosis ...... 37 Ovine footrot ...... 38 Small hive beetle ...... 38 Swine brucellosis ...... 39

3 AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH ...... 41 Status of aquatic animal health in Australia ...... 42 National aquatic animal health policy ...... 45 Aquatic animal disease emergency preparedness and response ...... 46 Regional aquatic animal health initiatives ...... 47

v 4 TERRESTRIAL ANIMAL DISEASE SURVEILLANCE AND MONITORING ...... 49 Surveillance programs managed by Animal Health Australia ...... 50 Programs and activities managed by the Australian Wildlife Health Network ...... 57 Programs and activities managed by other organisations ...... 59 Surveillance programs in Northern Australia ...... 61 Public health surveillance for zoonotic diseases ...... 63

5 MANAGING ANIMAL HEALTH EMERGENCIES ...... 67 Response plans and coordination ...... 68 Preparedness initiatives ...... 69 Increasing awareness and understanding ...... 71 Biosecurity planning ...... 72 Preparedness against specific diseases ...... 73 Emergency animal disease responses in 2009 ...... 76

6 IMPORTS AND EXPORTS ...... 79 Quarantine and biosecurity review ...... 80 Imports ...... 80 Exports ...... 83

7 CONSUMER PROTECTION ...... 87 Regulations and standards ...... 88 Protective measures ...... 89 Inspection and monitoring ...... 90

8 ANIMAL WELFARE ...... 93 Significant events in 2009 ...... 94 Australian Animal Welfare Strategy ...... 94 National standards and guidelines for the welfare of animals ...... 98 Livestock exports ...... 99 Achieving nationally consistent welfare outcomes ...... 99 International animal welfare ...... 99 Livestock slaughter ...... 101 Mulesing ...... 101

9 REGIONAL ANIMAL HEALTH INITIATIVES ...... 103 Overseas aid ...... 104 International animal health research ...... 106

10 RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ...... 109 CSIRO Livestock Industries — Australian Animal Health Laboratory ...... 110 Cooperative research centres ...... 110 University research programs ...... 113 Research and development corporations ...... 115 vi APPENDIX 1 LIVESTOCK INDUSTRIES IN AUSTRALIA ...... 119

APPENDIX 2 ANIMAL HEALTH CONTACTS IN AUSTRALIA ...... 129

APPENDIX 3 INVESTIGATIONS OF EMERGENCY DISEASES ...... 135

APPENDIX 4 RESEARCH PROJECTS IN LIVESTOCK HEALTH ...... 143

APPENDIX 5 KEY AUSTRALIAN ANIMAL HEALTH WEBSITES ...... 169

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ...... 173

GLOSSARY ...... 177

INDEX ...... 181

TABLES Table 1.1 Veterinarians and other animal health personnel, 2009 ...... 8 Table 1.2 Members of Animal Health Australia ...... 13 Table 2.1 Australia’s status for OIE-listed diseases of terrestrial animals, 2009 ...... 24 Table 2.2 Australia’s status for other diseases of terrestrial animals that are reported to the OIE each year, 2009 ...... 27 Table 2.3 Progress towards the industry cell-count goals ...... 35 Table 2.4  Ovine brucellosis accredited–free flocks, 2009 ...... 37 Table 3.1 Australia’s status for OIE-listed diseases of aquatic animals, 2009 ...... 42 Table 3.2 Australia’s status for other significant diseases of aquatic animals, 2009 ...... 45 Table 4.1 Summary of results from the National Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies Surveillance Program, 2009 ...... 55 Table 4.2  Samples examined for parasites of bees and pest bee species (by state or territory), 2009 . . . 57 Table 4.3  Samples examined for parasites of bees and pest bee species (by agent), 2009 ...... 57 Table 4.4 Serological tests for Brucella abortus in Australia, abortion serology, 2003–09 ...... 59 Table 4.5 Serological tests for Brucella abortus in Australia, other serology, 2003–09 ...... 59 Table 4.6 Incidence of selected zoonotic diseases, 2009 ...... 64 Table A1.1  Trends in livestock numbers (millions), 2005–09 ...... 120 Table A1.2 Australian beef cattle production, 2007–09 ...... 120 Table A1.3  Australian sheep production, 2007–09 ...... 121 Table A1.4  Australian dairy production, 2007–09 ...... 122 Table A1.5 Australian pig production, 2007–09 ...... 122 Table A1.6  Australian poultry production, 2007–09 ...... 123 Table A1.7  Estimated Australian fisheries production, 2008–09 ...... 123 Table A1.8  Australian aquaculture production, 2007–08 ...... 124

vii Table A1.9  Volume of Australian meat exports (kilotonnes), 2006–09 ...... 125 Table A1.10 Australian dairy production and exports, 2006–09 ...... 126 Table A1.11 Australian seafood production and exports (kilotonnes), 2006–09 ...... 126 Table A3.1 Investigations of potential and other emergency diseases in Australia, 2009 ...... 136 Table A4.1 Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Australian Animal Health Laboratory research projects ...... 144 Table A4.2 Australian Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre for Emerging Infectious Disease research projects ...... 145 Table A4.3 Cooperative Research Centre for an Internationally Competitive Pork Industry research projects ...... 146 Table A4.4 Australian Poultry Cooperative Research Centre research projects ...... 146 Table A4.5 Cooperative Research Centre for Beef Genetic Technologies research projects ...... 148 Table A4.6 Cooperative Research Centre for Sheep Industry Innovation research projects ...... 149 Table A4.7 Faculty of Veterinary Science (University of ) animal health research projects . . . . . 150 Table A4.8 Faculty of Veterinary Science (University of ) animal health research projects ...... 152 Table A4.9 School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences (Charles Sturt University) animal health research projects ...... 155 Table A4.10 School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences (Murdoch University) animal health research projects ...... 156 Table A4.11 University of Queensland animal health research projects ...... 157 Table A4.12 School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences (James Cook University) livestock and wildlife research projects ...... 159 Table A4.13 Meat & Livestock Australia animal health research projects ...... 160 Table A4.14 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation animal health research projects ...... 161 Table A4.15 Dairy Australia research projects ...... 164 Table A4.16 Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram) animal health research projects ...... 166 Table A4.17 Australian Wool Innovation Ltd research projects ...... 167

FIGURES Figure 1.1 Organisation of animal health management committees and organisations in Australia ...... 10 Figure 2.1 Sources of data in the National Animal Health Information System ...... 29 Figure 2.2 Areas of Australia where anthrax is known to occur sporadically; lighter colour indicates fewer occurrences ...... 30 Figure 3.1 Distribution of World Organisation for Animal Health–listed aquatic animal diseases within Australia . . . 43 Figure 4.1 Location of monitoring sites for the National Arbovirus Monitoring Program, 2008–09 ...... 51 Figure 4.2 Limits of bluetongue virus in Australia, 2006–07 to 2008–09 ...... 54 Figure 4.3 Limits of Akabane virus in Australia, 2006–07 to 2008–09 ...... 54 Figure 4.4 Limits of bovine ephemeral fever virus in Australia, 2006–07 to 2008–09 ...... 54 Figure A1.1 Beef cattle distribution by state and territory, 2009 ...... 120 Figure A1.2 Sheep distribution by state and territory, 2009 ...... 121 viii OVERVIEW Aquatic animal health Chapter 3 provides details of the status in Australia of Participants in Australia’s animal health system aquatic animal diseases of national significance, and include the Australian Government, state and the system for responding to aquatic animal disease territory governments, livestock industries, research events and preparing for such events. Several manuals organisations, animal health laboratories, private that form part of AQUAVETPLAN — the Australian veterinary practitioners, and those involved in wild and Aquatic Veterinary Emergency Plan — were revised in feral animal health. A link between these is provided 2009. by partnerships with Animal Health Australia. The Disease events reported in 2009 were abalone viral Australian Wildlife Health Network provides linkages ganglioneuritis in wild abalone in some parts of with wild and feral animal organisations. All participants Victoria, and in wild-caught abalone in a live abalone work together to ensure a high standard of animal processing facility in Tasmania. Tasmania also reported health in Australia. infection with Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in This report describes Australia’s animal health system, amphibians. the current status of animal health in Australia and Chapter 3 also describes Australia’s national aquatic significant events in 2009. animal health policy, the national strategic plan for aquatic animal health (AQUAPLAN 2005–2010), and Organisation of the animal Australia’s participation in projects relating to aquatic animal health in the Asia–Pacific region. During 2009, health system responsibility for policy and government decision Chapter 1 describes the roles of participants in the making on aquatic animal health was transferred from national animal health system. It also describes the the Aquatic Animal Health Committee to the Animal operation of the National Livestock Identification System and quality assurance programs in the livestock industries. Australia’s livestock industries are summarised in Appendix 1.

During 2009, the National Livestock Identification System, which is fully implemented for cattle, was further developed for sheep, goats, pigs and alpacas. Quality assurance programs for the pork industry were reviewed, and the two existing programs were combined to create a new Australian Pork Industry Quality Program, which will be implemented during 2010–11. Also finalised during 2009 were the National Farm Biosecurity Manual for Poultry Production and an auditable animal welfare standard for all aspects of the chicken meat industry.

Terrestrial animal health Chapter 2 describes Australia’s status for nationally significant diseases of terrestrial animals — these include diseases that are notifiable to the World Organisation for Animal Health, as well as other diseases of national significance. Details are given of the distribution and occurrence of endemic diseases of national significance in Australia during 2009, and the control programs that are in place for these diseases. This chapter also describes the operation of the national reporting system for animal diseases in Australia, the Rebecca Wiltshire National Animal Health Information System (NAHIS).

Overview 1 Health Committee. Under AQUAPLAN, a government– • detection of Australian bat lyssavirus in bats industry working group made progress by developing (state animal and public health laboratories, the formal arrangements between aquatic industries and Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research governments for managing emergency animal disease Organisation Australian Animal Health Laboratory and incidents involving aquatic animals. the Australian Wildlife Health Network).

Terrestrial animal disease Managing animal health surveillance and monitoring emergencies Chapter 5 describes arrangements that are in place Disease surveillance and monitoring programs, an for Australia to prepare for and respond to emergency important component of the animal health system, are animal diseases, including planning, training and described in Chapter 4. They include programs managed communication. The chapter also describes emergency by Animal Health Australia, the Australian Wildlife animal disease responses during 2009. Health Network and the Australian, state and territory governments. The Australian Veterinary Emergency Plan (AUSVETPLAN) sets out the policies, roles and Following a successful pilot project in 2009, Animal responsibilities to be followed in an emergency animal Health Australia has established the National Significant disease response. In 2009, several AUSVETPLAN Disease Investigation Program. This program, which manuals were updated. Animal Health Australia reviewed is funded by livestock industry and government the disease strategy for equine influenza, taking into subscriptions, aims to increase the participation of account the lessons learnt from the 2007 outbreak private veterinary practitioners in disease surveillance by of this disease in Australia. Industry biosecurity plans subsidising the cost of their disease investigations. are another component of emergency animal disease Some of the results from disease surveillance and preparedness, and work by individual industries to monitoring programs in 2009 were: develop their biosecurity plans continued during 2009. • continued freedom from Under the National Emergency Animal Disease Training −− bluetongue virus in major Australian sheep Program, the Emergency Animal Disease Response populations (National Arbovirus Monitoring Preparedness and Capability Enhancement Program Program) was introduced in 2009. This program delivers training −− scrapie and bovine spongiform encephalopathy courses to government and nongovernment personnel in Australian animals and animal products to ensure that they have the skills to respond to an (Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy emergency animal disease. Freedom Assurance Program) A number of communication activities took place • no evidence or detection of during 2009, including training for communications −− highly pathogenic avian influenza in any of professionals who are involved in an emergency animal the wild bird mortalities that were investigated disease response, and education of farm workers about (Australian Wildlife Health Network) biosecurity. −− highly pathogenic avian influenza, surra, screw- worm fly, Japanese encephalitis, foot-and-mouth Emergency animal disease outbreaks that required disease, classical swine fever or exotic strains of responses during the year involved Hendra virus, Asian bluetongue virus in northern Australia (Northern honey bees and the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza Australia Quarantine Strategy) virus. Work continued towards preparing for incursions • continued detection and destruction of nests and of other specific diseases, such as foot-and-mouth swarms of the Asian honey bee, Apis cerana, in the disease and avian influenza. Cairns region (Biosecurity Queensland); this incursion was originally detected in 2007 • identification of the bacterium Streptococcus agalactiae as the causal agent of wild javelin grouper mortalities in north Queensland coastal waters (Biosecurity Queensland)

2 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Animal Health Australia

Imports and exports Consumer protection Biosecurity Australia and the Australian Quarantine Activities to ensure that locally produced foods are safe and Inspection Service help maintain Australia’s animal for consumers are described in Chapter 7. They include health status by managing pest and disease threats programs administered by the Australian Quarantine from imports. They also provide technical input for the and Inspection Service, Food Standards Australia New export of agricultural produce. Chapter 6 describes these Zealand, the Australian Government Department of activities. Health and Ageing, state and territory government agencies, and Animal Health Australia. Protective The Australian Government has begun to implement measures involve surveillance for communicable the recommendations of the review of Australia’s diseases and foodborne disease; monitoring for residues quarantine and biosecurity arrangements that concluded of agricultural and veterinary chemicals and other in December 2008. Key activities include developing contaminants; and inspection of meat. The Australian new biosecurity legislation to replace the Quarantine Quarantine and Inspection Service also inspects and Act 1908 and other pieces of legislation, developing a certifies meat, dairy products, seafood and eggs national agreement on biosecurity with state and territory for export. governments, and putting in place interim governance arrangements. During 2009, Australia continued to participate in the development of international science-based food The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service standards through the Codex Alimentarius Commission, established an expert group on horse importation, and in the development of Australian food standards following the inquiry into Australia’s equine influenza through Food Standards Australia New Zealand. outbreak in 2007. The group has recommended further improvements to protect Australia from biosecurity risks from the importation of horses. In November 2009, Animal welfare Biosecurity Australia issued a draft import risk analysis The Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (AAWS) — for the importation of horses from approved countries developed jointly by the Australian Government, for public comment. Biosecurity Australia has also made state and territory governments, industry bodies progress with import risk analyses for ornamental finfish, and community organisations — provides a national chicken meat, and prawns and prawn products. framework to ensure animal welfare. Chapter 8 reports on activities under the strategy and on Australia’s contribution to international animal welfare initiatives.

Overview 3 Expert working groups under the AAWS have continued In May 2009, the Australian Government announced to make progress towards improving animal welfare in six a three-year, $3.2 million Live Trade Animal Welfare specified animal sectors. Highlights during 2009 included: Partnership with Middle Eastern trading partners, funded • initiating a project to begin developing welfare codes jointly by government and industry. Improvements funded of practice for the commercial wild-capture fishing by this partnership will include better infrastructure to industries reduce livestock stress or injury, and training for feedlot and transport staff in overseas markets. • developing Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Horses • performing a national survey of working dogs Regional animal health in Australia initiatives • starting a national animal welfare standard for dogs Australia assists countries in the Asia–Pacific region and cats and with improving the health of their livestock • launching an educational DVD — Caring for Dogs, through aid (through AusAID — the Australian Agency Community and Country — for environmental for International Development) and research (through health practitioners in rural and remote Indigenous ACIAR — the Australian Centre for International communities Agricultural Research). Chapter 9 describes Australia’s • endorsing Australian Animal Welfare Standards main areas of activity in terrestrial animal health in these and Guidelines: Land Transport of Livestock (by the . The focus is on Australia’s near neighbours: Primary Industries Ministerial Council). , East Timor (Timor-Leste), , Cambodia and Laos. Three other working groups under the AAWS manage education and training, communications, and The Sanitary and Phytosanitary Capacity Building research and development. The communication and Program was formally completed on 30 June 2009. The education working groups have begun a review of the program aimed to increase the technical, scientific and communication section in the AAWS. The group aims to managerial capacities of agencies in member countries improve networks and processes for sharing information of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The aim is about animal welfare. In the research area, a joint New that these countries will be able to meet the sanitary and Zealand–Australia OIE Collaborating Centre for Animal phytosanitary standards of the World Trade Organization Welfare Science and Bioethical Analysis was endorsed Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and by all 174 member countries of the OIE at its general Phytosanitary Measures. The final year of the program session in May 2009. saw the completion of a series of training workshops on integrated approaches to disease management, and a Australia is converting its model codes of practice for number of activities relating to management of foot-and- the welfare of animals to Australian animal welfare mouth disease in the region. standards and guidelines, and work continued in this area in 2009. The result will be documents that are consistent with the animal welfare legislation of the Research and development states and territories. Priorities are the development of Chapter 10 summarises Australian research in livestock standards and guidelines for sheep and cattle, as well health during 2009, and Appendix 4 lists some of the as implementation of the Australian Animal Welfare research projects. Research relating to livestock health Standards and Guidelines: Land Transport of Livestock. is conducted by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, cooperative research Australia participates in international activities relating centres, university veterinary science faculties or to animal welfare, including activities of the World schools, and industry-based research and development Organisation for Animal Health, the European Union, corporations. and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

4 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Jon Condon Gregory J O’Brien

6 Animal Health in Australia 2009 ORGANISATION OF THE ANIMAL HEALTH SYSTEM Cooperative partnerships between all levels of government and the animal industries are central to achieving effective national surveillance and control of animal diseases in Australia.

This introductory chapter describes the organisation of the national animal health system in Australia, including the roles of government and nongovernment organisations.

In Australia, the traditional role of governments in managing animal health is complemented by a close association with the livestock industries. National animal health priorities are determined in consultation with the livestock industries, which participate in policy development, support targeted activities and contribute to emergency responses. Australia’s livestock industries are described in Appendix 1.

The Australian Government is responsible for quarantine at the Australian border and international animal health matters, including disease reporting, export certification and trade negotiation. It advises

Organisation of the animal health system 7 on and coordinates national policy and, in some national primary industries issues. PIMC comprises the circumstances, provides financial assistance for national Australian national, state and territory, and New Zealand animal disease control programs. ministers responsible for the agriculture, food, fibre, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture industries, and for Australian state and territory governments are production in these industries. The council’s aims are responsible for disease control, disease eradication and to develop and promote sustainable, innovative and quarantine within their own boundaries. For animal profitable industries in these commodities. health administration, the states and territories are divided into veterinary regions or districts. Within these, PIMC is supported by a permanent committee, the government animal health services are provided by Primary Industries Standing Committee (PISC). This government veterinary officers and qualified animal committee comprises the heads of the Australian health technicians. national, state and territory, and New Zealand departments of agriculture; representatives of the The national animal health system includes all Bureau of Meteorology; and representatives of the organisations, government agencies, commercial Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research companies and individuals that are involved in the Organisation (CSIRO). livestock production chain. Linkages with wild and feral animal health are provided through the Australian The National Biosecurity Committee (NBC)3 is the Wildlife Health Network (AWHN). advisory committee to PISC and PIMC on all biosecurity issues, including animal, plant and environmental Table 1.1 shows the numbers and categories of biosecurity issues. NBC provides strategic leadership, veterinarians and other animal health personnel in across jurisdictions and sectors, in national approaches Australia. to emerging and ongoing biosecurity policy issues. Australian Government The Animal Welfare Committee provides advice to PISC on animal welfare matters through the Animal Welfare committees and Product Integrity Taskforce. Some aquatic animal Consultative committees ensure that all components health issues, which have environmental impacts, are of the animal1 health system (described below and managed through the natural resource management shown in Figure 1.1) work together to serve the committee structure. interests of Australia. Animal Health Australia (AHA) provides linkages through its members: the Australian Animal Health Committee Government, state and territory governments, the peak The Animal Health Committee (AHC)4 provides strategic national councils of Australia’s livestock industries and scientific and policy advice on animal biosecurity matters service providers (see Table 1.2). to government through NBC, PISC and PIMC. AHC prioritises and coordinates activities in national animal Primary industries committees health, domestic quarantine and veterinary public The Primary Industries Ministerial Council (PIMC)2 is health by driving the development of policy, operational the peak government forum for consulting on and strategies and standards for government. coordinating and integrating government action on

Table 1.1 Veterinarians and other animal health personnel, 2009 Veterinarians Auxiliary personnel Government 642 Stock inspectors, meat inspectors, etc 872 Laboratories, universities, etc 544 Private practitioners 8078 Other veterinarians 697 Total 9961 Total 872

1 Animals include terrestrial and aquatic animals. 3 www.daff.gov.au/animal-plant-health/pihc 2 www.mincos.gov.au 4 www.daff.gov.au/animal-plant-health/animal/committees/ahc

8 Animal Health in Australia 2009 In 2009, the scope of AHC’s work was extended to Australia’s veterinary laboratories can test for include responsibility for aquatic animal health issues endemic diseases, exotic or transboundary animal (see Chapter 3). diseases (TADs), and emerging zoonoses. Laboratory preparedness for an emergency animal disease (EAD) is AHC membership comprises the national, state led by the Australian Animal Health Laboratory (CSIRO and territory chief veterinary officers (CVOs) and AAHL), which maintains diagnostic capability for all representatives from CSIRO, Biosecurity Australia and the major TADs. The state and territory government New Zealand. The Australian Quarantine and Inspection laboratories specialise in services relating to endemic Service (AQIS) is an observer. Although AHA cannot diseases and are the primary providers of testing in be a formal member on this government committee, it support of animal exports. participates in AHC meetings and contributes to out-of- session activities. Testing capability for surveillance for some TADs is being transferred from AAHL to state laboratories under AHC is advised by three subcommittees: the controlled QA conditions. During the equine influenza Subcommittee on Animal Health Laboratory Standards, outbreak in 2007, this capability supported the outbreak the Subcommittee on Emergency Animal Disease and response. Some states have outsourced testing to the the Subcommittee on Aquatic Animal Health. Specialist private sector, and this has led to a number of companies ad hoc working groups are also formed to advise AHC offering veterinary diagnostic services that are important on technical or policy issues as they arise. to surveillance. Veterinary schools at universities offer AHC consults with the animal industries through diagnostic services in support of teaching and in newsletters, membership of AHA and the participation specialty areas. of industry in AHC meetings. Aquatic industries are consulted through the National Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory standards, accreditation and Industry Reference Group and the Australian Fisheries quality assurance Managers Forum. Those with an interest in zoo, wild or Veterinary laboratories in Australia are accredited to the feral animals are consulted through the AWHN. ISO/IEC 17025:2005 standard,7 administered by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA), which Animal Health Laboratory Network is a member of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation. NATA accreditation is obligatory for The Australian Government, state and territory laboratories participating in EAD testing and in testing in governments and the private sector maintain a network support of the international movement of animals. of world-class animal health laboratories — the Animal 5 Health Laboratory Network. Although laboratories in A national proficiency testing program developed by the different sectors and jurisdictions are managed SCAHLS is an important QA factor. The Australian separately, their activities and standards are coordinated National Quality Assurance Program (ANQAP)8 is an nationally through the Subcommittee on Animal Health international proficiency testing program managed by 6 Laboratory Standards (SCAHLS). the Victorian state laboratory. ANQAP supports areas of veterinary serology, virology and bacteriology on a SCAHLS is the primary forum for networking of fee-for-service basis. It focuses on providing proficiency Australia’s animal health laboratories. It establishes, testing for laboratories carrying out veterinary tests implements and monitors professional and technical associated with quarantine, export health certification standards. SCAHLS deals with quality assurance and disease control programs. Participation is not (QA) issues, training, development of new tests and restricted, and overseas laboratories are encouraged to test validation, and publishes the Australian and New use the service. More than 30 veterinary laboratories Zealand Standard Diagnostic Procedures. It coordinates from Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and North emergency disease preparedness within the laboratory America participate in the program. network and oversees national reference laboratories. SCAHLS promoted the formation of the Australian AAHL collaborates with laboratories nationally and Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians to internationally to develop proficiency testing for real-time provide ongoing professional development and scientific polymerase chain reaction tests for two major diseases exchanges among laboratory staff. — avian influenza and foot-and-mouth disease.

5 www.daff.gov.au/animal-plant-health/animal/system/lab-network 7 www.iso.org/iso/catalogue_detail?csnumber=39883 6 www.scahls.org.au 8 www.anqap.com

Organisation of the animal health system 9 Figure 1.1 Organisation of animal health management committees and organisations in Australia

Government Government–industry committee structure partnerships

Natural Resource Management Primary Industries Ministerial Council Ministerial Council

Natural Resource Management Primary Industries SAFEMEAT Standing Committee Standing Committee

National Biosecurity Animal Health Australia Committee

Animal Health Committee

Subcommittee on Animal Health Laboratory Standards

Subcommittee on Emergency Animal Diseases

Subcommittee on Aquatic Animal Health

Ad hoc working groups as required

Reporting Consultation

Figure 1.1 Organisation of animal health management committees and organisations in Australia

10 Animal Health in Australia 2009 The Australian Animal Pathology Standards Program, AHA members help develop the National Animal Health run by AHA, offers histopathology proficiency testing for Strategic Framework and AHA’s annual business plan veterinary pathologists. The program was launched in through regular contact and formal meetings of the 2006, and currently has 24 participating laboratories in National Animal Health Consultative Group in May and Australia and overseas. September each year. The consultative group comprises representatives of all AHA’s members and consults with Consultative Committee on AHA on issues relating to both the national animal health Emergency Animal Diseases system and AHA’s role in addressing those issues; it also has a role in prioritising AHA activities. A consultative When an emergency animal disease outbreak occurs, process ensures that key strategic issues and emerging the Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal risks for all members are identified, and that AHA’s Diseases (CCEAD)9 is convened. CCEAD membership programs and projects align with the framework. is similar to that of AHC but includes technical representatives from relevant industries. Further For more information about AHA, visit the website.10 information about CCEAD’s membership and role is in Chapter 5. National Animal Health Performance Standards Animal Health Australia The National Animal Health Performance Standards AHA is an innovative partnership involving government, (NAHPS) provide a nationally consistent mechanism by industry and other stakeholders in animal health. It aims which the member organisations of AHA can assess to strengthen Australia’s national animal health system the threats facing them as components of the national and maximise confidence in the safety and quality of animal health system, and their ability to respond to Australia’s livestock products in domestic and those threats. This assessment will allow available overseas markets. resources to be applied to areas of the national animal health system that have the greatest need or threat. The Within the framework of a not-for-profit public company, aim is to enhance domestic consumer confidence in AHA manages more than 50 national programs on Australia’s livestock products and access to international behalf of its members. These programs improve animal markets for these products. and human health, biosecurity, market access, livestock welfare, productivity, and food safety and quality.

AHA’s 30 members are spread across five categories: the Australian Government, state and territory governments, livestock industry organisations, service providers and nonprogram participants, and associate members. The current membership is shown in Table 1.2, and contact details for these organisations are provided in Appendix 2.

Specifically, the role of AHA is to: • identify priorities for the national animal health system • engage stakeholders in the animal health system in pursuing agreed priorities • integrate activities of participants in the animal health system • facilitate and manage national animal health programs • evaluate outputs of the national animal health system • assess and communicate performance of the national animal health system.

Ron Malor

9 www.daff.gov.au/animal-plant-health/animal/committees/ccead 10 www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au

Organisation of the animal health system 11 The NAHPS was enhanced in response to the findings • provision of information about wildlife health to of an audit in 2007. In 2009, an audit on jurisdictional the community. preparedness for EADs was performed. The audit AWHN has a major focus on human and animal health showed that jurisdictions were more prepared than in issues associated with free-ranging populations of wild 2007 to detect potential EAD incidents and to mount a animals but also works closely with zoos and wildlife primary response to an introduced disease. This followed parks where animal collections are held. several developments nationally and in jurisdictions since the 2007 audit, including: • moves to whole-of-agency and whole-of-government Australian Government animal structures and a broader ‘all-hazards’ approach to the health services management of biosecurity programs The Australian Government is responsible for animal • primary industries agencies becoming more aware and plant quarantine policy (including import risk that emergency management in agriculture is a core assessments), quarantine operations (at the Australian function requiring high levels of resources, especially border) and exports under the Australian Constitution. trained people. The animal health role of the Australian Government is Using the outcomes of the 2009 audit, the performance delivered by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries standards will continue to be refined and a capability and Forestry (DAFF). Within DAFF, Biosecurity Services 11 assessment checklist will be developed. Audit and Group (BSG) carries prime responsibility for biosecurity reporting against the revised standards will commence matters. Animal health issues fall within BSG’s Animal in 2010. Division, and food safety and product integrity issues fall within BSG’s Food Division. Australian Wildlife Health Animal Division includes: Network • Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer • Animal Health Programs Branch AWHN is a not-for-profit organisation initiated by the Australian Government and funded under the Wildlife • Animal Biosecurity Exotic Disease Preparedness Program. AWHN was • Animal Quarantine and Export Operations established to promote and facilitate collaborative links • Biological Quarantine Operations and Marine Pests. in the investigation and management of wildlife health in support of human and animal health, and biodiversity Food Division includes: and trade. It actively encourages multi-organisational • Export Standards collaboration among federal, state, local government and • Food Exports nongovernment agencies. AWHN has about • Residues and Food Safety 350 members. • Export Reform. AWHN aims to maintain and coordinate a network of In addition, the Trade and Market Access Division of wildlife health expertise and resources and to provide DAFF provides policy and strategic support for DAFF’s coordination for national wildlife health surveillance and international activities. research needs and priorities, information about mass mortalities in wild fauna, and emerging diseases in wildlife that affect humans and production animals.

Its activities include: • maintenance of a national database of wildlife health information • contribution to the development of regional and national wildlife health emergencynpreparedness and response strategies • facilitation and monitoring of field investigations of disease incidents • advancement of education and training in

wildlife health 11 www.daff.gov.au/bsg/biosecurity-services-group

12 Animal Health in Australia 2009 CSIRO,12 Australia’s national science agency, works Office of the Chief Veterinary to develop and improve technologies in Australia and Officer overseas, and to improve community understanding of science. It provides diagnostic services, exotic and The Office of the Australian Chief Veterinary Officer 13 emergency disease support, and independent scientific (OCVO) provides national leadership and direction on advice. CSIRO also operates AAHL, which is vital to priority policy issues relating to national animal health. It maintaining Australia’s capability to quickly diagnose manages international disease intelligence gathering, and exotic and emerging animal diseases that may threaten provides scientific advice to government and industry Australia’s livestock, aquaculture species, wildlife or stakeholders to reduce the potential impacts of disease humans. AAHL is a national facility for disease diagnosis, on Australia’s animal health status. An epidemiology and training, technology transfer and animal health research. disease modelling section provides high-level expertise, It develops diagnostic tests, vaccines and treatments for research and analysis to inform policy. endemic animal diseases of national importance. The OCVO provides an international reference point on laboratory is a high-level biocontainment facility and is animal health, manages Australia’s commitments to the recognised as an international, regional and national World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and manages reference laboratory. communication with other international agencies The Australian Government is the nation’s largest single involved with animal health. employer of veterinarians, providing an important reserve for the state and territory governments should there be an outbreak of a major EAD.

Table 1.2 Members of Animal Health Australia Government Industry The Australian Government Australian Alpaca Association Ltd State and territory governments: Australian Chicken Meat Federation Inc • Australian Capital Territory Australian Dairy Farmers Ltd • Australian Duck Meat Association Inc • State of Australian Egg Corporation Ltd • State of Queensland Australian Honey Bee Industry Council Inc • State of South Australia Australian Horse Industry Council Inc • State of Tasmania Australian Lot Feeders’ Association Inc • State of Victoria Australian Pork Ltd • State of Australian Racing Board Ltd Cattle Council of Australia Inc Equestrian Australia Ltd Goat Industry Council of Australia Inc Harness Racing Australia Inc Sheepmeat Council of Australia Inc WoolProducers Australia Ltd Service providers Associate members Australian Veterinary Association Ltd Australian Livestock Export Corporation (LiveCorp) Council of Veterinary Deans of Australia and New Zealand National Aquaculture Council Inc Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)

12 www.csiro.au/li 13 www.daff.gov.au/animal-plant-health/animal

Organisation of the animal health system 13 Animal Health Programs Branch In some circumstances, the state and territory governments may act as agents of the Australian The Animal Health Programs (AHP) Branch represents Government to deliver inspection and export certification DAFF on national animal health programs. AHP services. AQIS-accredited veterinarians provide important coordinates national animal surveillance and laboratory export certification services for live animals and genetic strategies; livestock disease prevention and preparedness material under the AQIS Accredited Export activities; and emergency disease planning, training and Veterinarians Program. awareness programs. The branch supports human and animal health, biodiversity and trade by collaborating with human health authorities and managing programs State and territory animal in wildlife health, aquatic health and veterinary health services public health. Under the Australian Constitution, state and territory AHP provides technical, executive and administrative governments are responsible for animal health services support to national animal health committees, and their within their respective borders (jurisdictions). Australia’s working groups and programs. states and territories experience differences in climate and animal health issues, and therefore have distinctive Biosecurity Australia approaches and separate legislation. A coordinated approach to national animal health issues is managed Biosecurity Australia (BA)14 is a grouping within BSG, through AHC. including Animal Biosecurity. It provides science-based quarantine assessments and policy advice to protect The state and territory governments develop and Australia’s favourable animal health status. administer legislation governing livestock identification and movement (within and between states and BA is responsible for developing and reviewing territories), and manage surveillance, diagnosis, reporting Australia’s quarantine policy through import risk analyses and control of both notifiable diseases and chemical and policy reviews relating to the importation of live residues. Services provided include investigation and animals, animal reproductive material and animal diagnosis of livestock disease outbreaks, and applied products. It provides technical advice for negotiations research. These require close links with livestock on access to international markets for live animals and producers, industry organisations, private veterinarians, animal reproductive material, and contributes to the veterinary laboratories, livestock transport and marketing development of international quarantine standards. agents, and other stakeholders. An animal health unit, headed by the state or territory CVO, maintains Australian Quarantine and these links. Inspection Service The state and territory jurisdictions are divided into AQIS15 is a grouping within BSG and includes Animal regions. Within the regions, regional veterinary officers Quarantine and Export Operations, Biological Quarantine supervise local veterinary officers and inspectors of Operations and Marine Pests, Export Standards, Food livestock, who administer the relevant state and territory Exports, Residues and Food Safety, and Export Reform. Acts and Regulations. The responsibility of regional AQIS delivers quarantine and export field services and veterinary officers includes: manages quarantine controls at Australia’s border to • investigating and managing livestock disease, minimise the risk of entry of exotic pests and diseases. including EADs It also provides import and export inspection and • monitoring and ensuring compliance with animal certification — including export certification for live identification systems and the supply of vendor animals, animal reproductive material and animal declarations products — to help retain Australia’s highly favourable • investigating reports of chemical contamination of animal, plant and human health status and wide access livestock and implementing response plans to protect to overseas export markets. consumers from chemical residues • maintaining producer awareness of best practice in local livestock management systems • investigating complaints about the welfare of 14 www.daff.gov.au/ba livestock 15 www.daff.gov.au/aqis

14 Animal Health in Australia 2009 • monitoring the health of feral animals and native (see Chapter 5) and the National Significant Disease wildlife to detect any incursion of new diseases of Investigation Program (see Chapter 4). significance or exotic diseases There are seven veterinary schools in Australia. Four of • educating livestock producers, industry organisations these — at the University of Queensland, the University and service providers (transport and marketing) of Sydney, the University of Melbourne and Murdoch on their legislative obligations, relevant biosecurity University — are currently producing graduates. Two and market assurance programs, and technological new schools — at James Cook University in regional developments. Queensland and Charles Sturt University in regional New Local veterinary officers and livestock inspectors South Wales — will have their first students graduate maintain records relating to individual enterprises. They in 2010. The University of Adelaide, which opened its ensure reliable certification of the animal health status school of veterinary science in 2008, will see its first of farms in their region, and of animals moving within students graduate in 2014. All Australian veterinary Australia and to overseas destinations. courses include strong undergraduate programs in the health of horses, companion animals, farmed livestock and wildlife, and in biosecurity and public Private veterinary services and health. The veterinary schools also provide research and veterinary education postgraduate training relevant to Australia’s livestock Private veterinary practitioners play a vital role in rural industries. communities by providing livestock owners with animal Once every six years, an accreditation committee audits health advice, investigation and treatment of disease. the curriculum of each of the established veterinary Private practitioners are an integral part of the animal schools. Since 1999, this audit has been conducted disease preparedness programs developed for Australia’s by the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Inc,17 livestock industries. Some private practitioners work as which has an international representative on the animal health consultants, and others work in private accreditation committee. The council sets the standards practice. for veterinary registration in Australasia and conducts the Veterinary practitioners must be registered in the state National Veterinary Examination for overseas-qualified or territory in which they practise. Competency in veterinarians. recognising and diagnosing livestock diseases is an important part of veterinary education in Australia, and Agricultural colleges a prerequisite for registration as a veterinary surgeon. Agricultural colleges and other registered training All veterinary practitioners must be able to promptly organisations within the Australian vocational education detect and investigate possible exotic diseases. State and training sector provide training for veterinary nurses, and territory authorities conduct awareness programs animal technologists and others whose work involves on notifiable and exotic livestock diseases for private the care of animals. This training meets the requirements veterinarians involved in livestock industries. of national competency standards and vocational qualifications under the Australian Qualifications The Accreditation Program for Australian Veterinarians16 Framework. The standards are agreed by industry, is a national program designed to integrate private professional organisations and each jurisdiction. They veterinary practitioners into the national animal health are reviewed regularly and adjusted to meet changing system. This integration supports the international requirements in the workplace and to incorporate the standing of Australia’s animal health capability. The outcomes of research and development. Students can aim of the program is to accredit nongovernment participate in full-time training, mix part-time training veterinarians who can use their skills and knowledge with work, or begin their program while they are still effectively to contribute to government and industry at school. One of the hallmarks of the system is the animal disease programs. active involvement of industry groups and employers in Other national programs that involve private veterinarians providing training opportunities and work experience. in the national animal health system are the Australian Veterinary Practitioners Surveillance Network (see Chapter 4), the Australian Veterinary Reserve

16 www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/training/apav.cfm 17 www.avbc.asn.au

Organisation of the animal health system 15 • a system of national vendor declarations about the health of cattle, sheep, goats and pigs that are being traded • strategies for animal disease issues affecting food safety, including the implications of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy.

SAFEMEAT’s business plan for 2008–10 sets out its strategic direction and future activities, which include: • contributing to the review of national agricultural and veterinary chemicals policy • contributing to briefings for Australia’s participation in the OIE, Codex and other international bodies that set food standards • identifying implications for the meat sector of national and international requirements for residue testing • developing and improving the NLIS for identification and tracing of livestock. National Livestock Identification System The NLIS is Australia’s system for livestock identification and traceability. It is intended that when fully implemented for a type of livestock, such as sheep, it will be a permanent whole-of-life system that allows animals Industry and Innovation NSW to be identified individually, or by mob, and tracked from property of birth to slaughter, for food safety, product integrity and market access purposes. Australia’s SAFEMEAT state and territory governments are responsible for the legislation that governs animal movements, and SAFEMEAT,18 a partnership established by the peak red therefore for the implementation of the NLIS. meat industry bodies19 and the federal, state and territory governments, reports to PISC. Its role is to oversee and Information on animal movements is recorded on promote sound management systems to deliver safe movement documents and submitted to the NLIS and hygienic products to the marketplace. Initiatives database by producers, saleyard operators, livestock developed by SAFEMEAT include: agents and processors. The NLIS has been fully • targeted residue-monitoring programs — the National implemented for cattle, with further improvements being Residue Survey conducts testing on behalf of the red undertaken for sheep, goats and pigs. The NLIS is being meat industries developed for alpacas. • the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) — developed for cattle, sheep, goats and pigs, with a The National Livestock similar system under development for alpacas Identification System database Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) administers the NLIS database on behalf of industry and government stakeholders. This includes managing the development 18 www.safemeat.com.au and operation of the database in accordance with 19 Australian Livestock & Property Agents Association, Australian Livestock Exporters Council Ltd, Meat & Livestock Australia, stakeholder requirements. Sheepmeat Council of Australia, WoolProducers Australia, Cattle Council of Australia, Australian Lot Feeders’ Association, Australian Meat Industry Council, Australian Dairy Farmers Ltd, Australian Pork Ltd, Livestock Saleyards Association of Australia, Saleyard Operators of Australia, and Animal Health Australia

16 Animal Health in Australia 2009 The NLIS database includes a national vendor declaration Development of the National (NVD) database, developed for the cattle, sheep, goat Livestock Identification System for and pig industries. pigs NLIS Express, launched in February 2008, enables The pig industry is continuing to develop NLIS (Pigs), producers to interface with the NLIS database through working towards compliance with National Livestock the use of a Next-G mobile phone and a Bluetooth tag Traceability Performance Standards. Currently, it is a reader. This feature provides producers with greater mob-based system based on tattoos and brands to flexibility in managing their livestock. identify the property of birth, along with a movement document. Only the animal identification part of the The National Livestock system is currently mandatory.

Identification System for cattle During 2009, a pig-tracing exercise, known as Exercise Development of the NLIS tracing system for cattle Pigcatcher, was undertaken to test the system and is now completed. NLIS (Cattle) is an electronic identify areas requiring improvement. Following identification system in which each animal is tagged Exercise Pigcatcher, several recommendations for with an individual radio frequency identification device the improvement of NLIS (Pigs) were made. These (RFID) and accompanied with movement documentation recommendations are currently being considered by when moved from a property. All animal movements governments and industry. from properties are recorded electronically in the NLIS database, and the requirements for animals to be Development of the National identified and their movement recorded are underpinned by legislation in all states and territories. Livestock Identification System for alpacas Implementation of the National NLIS (Alpaca) is under development. The alpaca industry Livestock Identification System for is advocating the use of RFID tags that incorporate both radio frequency and visual readability in the one tag for sheep and goats animal identification. Currently, this system is voluntary. NLIS (Sheep and Goats) is a mob-based system for tracing mobs of sheep and farmed goats. It uses visually readable ear tags that have property identification codes Livestock industry quality printed on them. When mobs are transported, they are assurance programs accompanied with a movement document (such as an The peak livestock industry associations contribute to NVD or a waybill). national animal health policies and strategies, implement Unless NLIS identification was specified by a particular industry biosecurity plans and promote sound animal market, sheep, lambs and farmed goats born before health management practices to livestock producers. 1 January 2006 did not require identification during the QA programs in the livestock industries are critical to transition period from 1 January 2006 to on-farm biosecurity and food safety practices. In general, 31 December 2008. there is an increasing demand for industries to meet high QA expectations. Examples of livestock industry QA During 2009, governments and industry agreed that programs are detailed below. further improvements were required. Initially, work will focus on identifying all options to enhance NLIS (Sheep Livestock Production Assurance and Goats) to make it a more effective tracing system for sheep and goats. Agreement will then be sought on for the red meat industry implementation. The Australian red meat industry (cattle, sheep and goats) has integrity systems to verify and assure food safety and other quality attributes of livestock. Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) is an on-farm food safety and QA certification program for grass-fed livestock. It was developed by MLA in conjunction with the Cattle Council of Australia, Australian Lot Feeders’ Association, Sheepmeat Council of Australia and Goat

Organisation of the animal health system 17 Industry Council of Australia, and is actively supported National Feedlot Accreditation by Australian Dairy Farmers Ltd and WoolProducers Scheme Australia. LPA follows ISO 9002:199420 and hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP)21 principles. The Australian feedlot industry was the first agriculturally based industry in Australia to embrace QA, and its The LPA food safety program (Level 1) has five elements: National Feedlot Accreditation Scheme (NFAS) has • property risk assessment been in place since 1995. This self-regulatory program, • safe and responsible animal treatments which has accredited approximately 600 feedlots, covers animal health and welfare, environmental conservation • treatment of stock foods, fodder crops, grains and product integrity. Third-party annual auditing of and pastures every accredited feedlot ensures that the NFAS’s high • preparation for dispatch of livestock — ensures that standards are met. livestock to be transported are fit for the journey and not unduly stressed, and that contamination is The Australian Lot Feeders’ Association, the peak body minimised during on-farm assembly and transport to of Australia’s feedlot industry, works with governments the destination and other industry bodies to develop animal health • livestock transactions and movements — ensures policies and strategies to continually update the NFAS. that the movement of livestock can be traced if The development of relevant technical information by required, and that the status of livestock with regard the association and AHA was used to develop standards to chemical residues or food safety accompanies and awareness materials for heat stress, biosecurity their movement. and other pertinent disease issues, which have been incorporated into the NFAS. This ensures that feedlot The LPA on-farm QA program (Level 2) incorporates the managers operate in accordance with the requirements CATTLECARE and Flockcare programs, and consists of and expectations of consumers, markets, regulatory three modules: Food Safety Management (LPA Level 1), authorities and the wider community. Systems Management and Livestock Management. The feedlot industry receives new technical information Systems Management comprises: at several levels. An annual feedlot conference highlights • training key research projects that aim to increase awareness • internal auditing and document control of animal health issues. Animal health workshops are presented by experienced feedlot veterinarians in regions • quality records across Australia. These well-attended workshops provide • chemical inventory. practical information for the day-to-day management Livestock Management comprises: of animal health issues. Other promotional materials, including DVDs and fact sheets containing industry case • livestock husbandry and preparation studies, have been used to deliver information • livestock handling facilities on biosecurity. • livestock transport • animal welfare Dairy industry quality assurance • accredited livestock. program LPA programs are owned and managed by AUS-MEAT Australia has comprehensive food standards and a Ltd on behalf of the red meat industry. AUS-MEAT Ltd, system of legislation and regulation across the whole with MLA, works directly with livestock producers to dairy production and processing chain. The system implement the programs. monitors compliance with food standards to ensure the integrity of the dairy supply chain.

The Australian Dairy Food Safety Scheme has three elements:

20 www.iso.org/iso/iso_catalogue/catalogue_tc/catalogue_detail. • Dairy farms and companies must have a dairy food htm?csnumber=16537 safety program that is developed, validated and 21 HACCP is a systematic preventive approach to food safety that addresses physical, chemical and biological hazards by prevention, approved by the competent government authority to rather than inspection of the finished product. HACCP is used in the national and international standards. food industry to identify potential food safety hazards, so that key actions, known as critical control points, can be taken to reduce or eliminate the risk of the hazards being realised.

18 Animal Health in Australia 2009 • Individual programs must be verified under legislation The revised APIQ will be rolled out between April 2010 from farm through to retail or export. and March 2011. Existing producers will move to the • Each business (farm or manufacturing company) revised program as their annual renewals fall due, is licensed, and compliance against the food safety and new producers will move directly to the program. program is checked by audit. The program has two categories of producer — small holders and large holders — with specific tools available Industry and government support programs underpin to each category to assist them with record keeping the scheme, and this partnership between industry and and managing costs of compliance. The small-holder government is a critical factor in the success of program is aimed at producers who own or manage the scheme. 20 or fewer sows, or sell 400 or fewer pigs annually The state dairy food safety authorities license the (or both). Traditionally, these producers have found it operation of farm businesses. All on-farm dairy difficult to participate in QA as it was expensive and food safety programs are HACCP based and cover cumbersome to implement. the following core areas: physical, chemical and APIQ will continue to underpin the PigPass NVD, microbiological contaminants; herd health programs which includes key questions relating to farm practices. (including safe and responsible animal treatments); The PigPass NVD, linked to a certified and audited dairy milking premises; hygienic milking; water supply farm QA program, meets the requirements of state and quality; cleaning and sanitising; identification of food authorities and AQIS under Australian Standard animals from birth; traceability systems for both farm AS4696:2007 — Hygienic Production and Transportation inputs (including treatment of animal feeds and pasture) of Meat and Meat Products for Human Consumption. and farm outputs (milk, and animal or meat products); appropriate records to enable verification; and the The principles underpinning QA programs for verification competency of personnel. of compliance with Australian Standard AS4696:2007 are that they: All dairy companies have product identification and traceability systems to follow raw materials and product • address risks associated with food production from farm to consumer. The Dairy Primary Production • are compatible with joint industry and government and Processing Standard, part of the national Food traceability systems Standards Code, covers the complete supply chain from • are approved or certified by a recognised body farm to consumer. • are auditable and subject to regular audit through a Every licensed dairy farm and dairy manufacturing recognised audit program. company is audited for compliance and verification of Members of the supply chain recognise the APIQ and the mandated food safety program. PigPass QA programs as providing the appropriate level of food safety assurance for their market needs. Australian pork industry quality However, other recognised QA programs, such as assurance program ISO9001:200822 or SQF1000,23 may be applicable if members need to address risks associated with chemical Australian Pork Ltd currently administers two farm QA residues, either from direct use of chemicals or from programs on behalf of the Australian pork industry: the exposure to contaminants. Australian Pork Industry Quality (APIQ) Program and the PigPass QA Program. During 2009, these programs The PigPass NVD and certified farm QA programs are were reviewed in detail. The result is a single program managed through the pork supply chain integrity system that is producer friendly, independently audited, robust, (PigPass), which is available online for registered users.24 transparent, and able to support producers while maintaining high standards of compliance and integrity.

The standards under the revised APIQ program include animal welfare, biosecurity and food safety. The program continues to be HACCP based but will also require producers to adopt the principles of ‘good agricultural practice’ in managing their operations. 22 www.iso.org/iso/iso_catalogue/catalogue_tc/catalogue_detail. htm?csnumber=46486 23 www.sqfi.com/documentation/SQF1000_Code.pdf 24 www.pigpass.com.au/main.asp

Organisation of the animal health system 19 Egg Corp Assured, the national A series of ECA workshops is held annually in all states egg quality assurance program and territories for all egg producers, ECA-licensed farms and ECA-accredited auditors. The purpose of Egg Corp Assured (ECA) is the national QA program the workshops is to educate and inform attendees on for the egg industry. It is an integral part of the egg how to incorporate any new components of the ECA industry’s commitment as a signatory to the Emergency program, from both a practical farm point of view and an Animal Disease Response Agreement. ECA provides auditor’s perspective. The program is continually being standards for best practice in the egg industry relating to: enhanced to maintain its relevance to an ever-changing • animal welfare marketplace and improve its integrity. • animal health • quarantine and biosecurity Australian Chicken Meat • food safety Federation’s customer-driven • egg labelling quality systems • environmental management. The Australian Chicken Meat Federation chaired the Biosecurity Consultative Group established under the ECA’s rationale is to reward all licensed egg producers aegis of AHA and DAFF in 2007. During 2009, the who meet agreed best-management practices with an group finalised the National Farm Biosecurity Manual for identification mark that will become known to the food Poultry Production (see Chapter 5); this generic manual industry and consumers. Launched in November 2004, was subsequently adapted by the federation to make the program now has a manual and is governed by it more specific to meat chicken farming. The revised certification rules, a patented trademark, a registration manual will be an important component of the industry’s and licensing process, and a suite of policies and promotional and training activities in 2010. procedures. An auditable industry animal welfare standard for all ECA has issued 200 licences to date. The program aspects of the chicken meat industry was also finalised covers more than 12 million hens, or 82% of the national in 2009. flock (based on Australian Bureau of Statistics’ data at 30 June 2008). Implementation of these standards relies heavily on the integrated nature of much of the chicken meat industry. Australian Egg Corporation Limited (AECL), the ECA Processors have contractual arrangements with growers trademark owner and program administrator, has and are themselves bound by customer requirements accredited auditors who have RABQSA accreditation (ie — in particular, the quick-service restaurants and accepted by the Registrar Accreditation Board and the supermarket chains. This integrated structure facilitates Quality Societry of Australasia) and have attended the the implementation of biosecurity and animal welfare ECA auditor-training program. All auditor accreditations requirements throughout the industry. must be renewed each year, and prerequisites are that auditors complete at least four ECA audits and attend an auditor-training workshop each year. Q-Alpaca Q-Alpaca, designed and managed by the Australian AECL has appointed two senior auditors to review every Alpaca Association Ltd, is a QA program for voluntary audit, and has implemented a program of spot audits use by Australian alpaca breeders and owners. Q-Alpaca of at least 20% of licensees each year. Other features of is fully endorsed by all national and state animal the program are unique identification master logos for health authorities. egg businesses with multiple farm sites, an egg-labelling panel to approve label designs and critical market The intention of Q-Alpaca is that: information to ensure transparency. • the program encourages development and adoption of easier and more affordable diagnosis, monitoring and management of known diseases • the program reduces the risk that a defined EAD could affect a herd in the event of a disease outbreak

20 Animal Health in Australia 2009 • participating alpaca herd health is closely monitored • an agreement signed between the participant and the by requiring deaths within the herd to be investigated approved veterinarian forms the basis of a partnership by an approved veterinarian — this requirement in adhering to the requirements of Q-Alpaca and the relates to all dead alpacas 12 months of age and adoption of best practice in biosecurity over, and all dead alpacas under 12 months of age • there is minimal chance of introducing certain that show signs of wasting and diarrhoea (Johne’s preventable infections and infestations or transferring disease in differential diagnosis). Necropsy is required them to another alpaca herd — preventable to ascertain the absence of Johne’s disease, severe conditions include Johne’s disease, severe worm worm infestation, liver disease, gastric ulceration, liver infestation, liver disease, gastric ulceration, liver fluke fluke infestation and coccidiosis. The program allows infestation and coccidiosis. other diseases to be included in the necropsy if required. • the program is fully auditable; participating alpaca herds are required to keep movement records and adopt sound biosecurity practices with regard to new arrivals to the herd and appropriate and adequate fencing

Animal Health Australia Darwin

Katherine

Kununurra NORTHERN 8 TERRITORY

QUEENSLAND

WESTERN AUSTRALIA SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Perth AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL Adelaide TERRITORY

VICTORIA 3

Desert region 1. Torres Strait 5. Lachlan district 2. Cape York 6. Riverina district 3. Kangaroo Island 7. Goulburn Valley 4. Sunshine Coast 8. Kimberley region Animal Health Australia 9. Hunter Valley region

22 Animal Health in Australia 2009 1

2

TERRESTRIAL QUEENSLAND ANIMAL HEALTH Australia has a long history of freedom from 4 SOUTH AUSTRALIA the major epidemic diseases of livestock. The geographical isolation of the provides a NEW SOUTH WALES natural quarantine barrier, which is supported 9 5 by sound quarantine Sydney AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL policies and a history TERRITORY 6 of successful disease Canberra eradication campaigns. 7 VICTORIA The spread of endemic diseases in animals in Melbourne Australia can be limited by the variation in climate and differences between animal production enterprises across the country. Tick fever, for example, only occurs in parts of northern Australia where the climate is suitable for the tick vectors.

Animal diseases are managed by state and territory governments, often with the support of industry TASMANIA accreditation schemes. Chapter 1 describes the Hobart coordinating mechanisms that are in place to provide national consistency — for example, the Animal Health Committee (AHC). For some endemic diseases (eg Johne’s disease), government and industry have agreed that a nationally coordinated

Terrestrial animal health 23 program is necessary to reduce the risk of disease spread the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE),26 with between regions and onto individual properties. the addition of endemic diseases of national significance (including diseases of public health significance). This chapter provides information about Australia’s reporting system for animal diseases, the animal health The requirement to report a notifiable disease is contained status for all nationally significant terrestrial animal in individual state and territory legislation. State and diseases, and control programs for endemic diseases of territory lists of notifiable diseases contain all the diseases national significance in terrestrial animals. on the national list and others specific to a state or territory.

Notifiable animal diseases As a member of the OIE, Australia provides the OIE The national list of notifiable animal diseases25 facilitates with information about OIE-listed diseases through disease surveillance and control by ensuring that unusual reports every six months. Information on other diseases incidents involving animal mortality or sickness, and of interest to the OIE is reported through annual diseases of public health significance, are reported. The questionnaires. Tables 2.1 and 2.2 show Australia’s list is regularly reviewed by the AHC, most recently in status for both these categories in 2009. April 2008. It is based on the list of diseases notifiable to

Table 2.1 Australia’s status for OIE-listed diseases of terrestrial animals, 2009 (continued) Disease Status Date of last occurrence and notes Multiple-species diseases Anthrax Present Limited distribution Aujeszky’s disease Free Never occurred Bluetongue Viruses Restricted to specific northern areas of Australia; sentinel present herd program Brucellosis (Brucella abortus) Free Australia declared freedom in 1989 Brucellosis (B. melitensis) Free Brucellosis (B. suis) Serological Occurs only in feral pigs in northern Australia evidence Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever Free Never occurred Echinococcosis/hydatidosis Present Epizootic haemorrhagic disease Virus present Disease has not been reported Equine encephalomyelitis (eastern) Free Never occurred Foot-and-mouth disease Free 1872; officially recognised by the OIE as free without vaccination Heartwater Free Never occurred Japanese encephalitis Serological Detected annually in Torres Strait, and on Cape York in evidence 1998 and 2004 Leptospirosis Present screw-worm fly Free Never occurred (Cochliomyia hominivorax) screw-worm fly Chrysomya( Free Never occurred bezziana) Paratuberculosis Present National control/management programs Q fever Present Rabies Free 1867 Rift Valley fever Free Never occurred

25 www.daff.gov.au/animal-plant-health/pests-diseases-weeds/animal/ notifiable 26 www.oie.int/eng/maladies/en_classification.htm

24 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Table 2.1 Australia’s status for OIE-listed diseases of terrestrial animals, 2009 (continued) Disease Status Date of last occurrence and notes Rinderpest Free 1923; officially recognised by the OIE as free Surra (Trypanosoma evansi) Free Never occurred Trichinellosis Not reported Trichinella spiralis not present; T. pseudospiralis present in wildlife Tularaemia Free Never occurred Vesicular stomatitis Free Never occurred West Nile fever Free Never occurred Cattle diseases Bovine anaplasmosis Present Bovine babesiosis Present Bovine genital campylobacteriosis Present Bovine spongiform encephalopathy Free Never occurred; National Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy Freedom Assurance Program includes surveillance; official OIE ‘negligible risk’ status Bovine tuberculosis Free Australia declared freedom in 1997; last case in any species (including free-living) reported in 2002 Bovine viral diarrhoea Present Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV)-1 — present; BVDV-2 — never occurred Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia Free 1967; Australia declared freedom in 1973; officially recognised by the OIE as free Enzootic bovine leucosis Present Voluntary accreditation and testing programs in place; very low prevalence Haemorrhagic septicaemia Free Never occurred; strains of Pasteurella multocida present, but not the 6b or 6e strains that cause haemorrhagic septicaemia Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis/ Present Bovine herpesvirus (BHV)-1.2b — present; BHV-1.1 and infectious pustular vulvovaginitis 1.2a — never occurred Lumpy skin disease Free Never occurred Theileriosis Free Theileria parva and T. annulata not present Trichomonosis Present Trypanosomosis (tsetse borne) Free Never occurred Sheep and goat diseases Caprine arthritis–encephalitis Present Contagious agalactia Not reported Mycoplasma agalactiae has been isolated, but Australian strains do not produce agalactia in sheep Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia Free Never occurred Enzootic abortion of ewes (ovine Not reported Never occurred chlamydiosis) Maedi–visna Free Never occurred Nairobi sheep disease Free Never occurred Ovine epididymitis (Brucella ovis) Present Voluntary accreditation schemes in all states Peste des petits ruminants Free Never occurred Salmonellosis (Salmonella Abortusovis) Free Never occurred; Salmonella Abortusovis was isolated in 1994 from two children, but surveillance has shown no evidence of infection in sheep Scrapie Free 1952 Sheep pox and goat pox Free Never occurred

Terrestrial animal health 25 Table 2.1 Australia’s status for OIE-listed diseases of terrestrial animals, 2009 (continued) Disease Status Date of last occurrence and notes Equine diseases African horse sickness Free Never occurred Contagious equine metritis Free 1980 Dourine Free Never occurred Equine encephalomyelitis (western) Free Never occurred Equine infectious anaemia Present Limited distribution/sporadic occurrence Equine influenza Free Australia’s first outbreak of equine influenza occurred between 24 August and 25 December 2007; Australia declared freedom according to OIE standards on 25 December 2008 Equine piroplasmosis Free 1976 Equine rhinopneumonitis Present Equine viral arteritis Serological evidence Glanders Free 1891 Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis Free Never occurred Swine diseases African swine fever Free Never occurred Classical swine fever Free 1962 Nipah virus encephalitis Free Never occurred Porcine cysticercosis Free Never occurred Porcine reproductive and respiratory Free Never occurred syndrome Swine vesicular disease Free Never occurred Transmissible gastroenteritis Free Never occurred Avian diseases Avian chlamydiosis Present Avian infectious bronchitis Present Avian infectious laryngotracheitis Present Avian mycoplasmosis (Mycoplasma Present gallisepticum) Avian mycoplasmosis (M. synoviae) Present Duck virus hepatitis Free Never occurred Fowl cholera Present Fowl typhoid Free 1952 Highly pathogenic avian influenza Free 1997 Infectious bursal disease (Gumboro Present Infectious bursal disease occurs in a mild form; very disease) virulent strains not present Low pathogenic notifiable avian Free Not reported in commercial poultry influenza (poultry) Marek’s disease Present Newcastle disease Only Virulent Newcastle disease last occurred in 2002 lentogenic viruses present Pullorum disease Present Not in commercial chickens

26 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Table 2.1 Australia’s status for OIE-listed diseases of terrestrial animals, 2009 (continued) Disease Status Date of last occurrence and notes Turkey rhinotracheitis Free Never occurred Lagomorph diseases Myxomatosis Present Used as a biological control agent for wild rabbits Rabbit haemorrhagic disease Present Used as a biological control agent for wild rabbits Bee diseases Acarapisosis of honey bees Free Never occurred American foulbrood of honey bees Present European foulbrood of honey bees Present Small hive beetle Present Restricted distribution Tropilaelaps infestation of honey bees Free Never occurred Varroosis of honey bees Free Varroa destructor has never been reported in Australia Other diseases Camel pox Free Never occurred Leishmaniosis Novel A new Leishmania species has been isolated from skin organism lesions in a group of captive red kangaroos. Occasionally, found cases of leishmaniosis are reported in imported dogs. OIE = World Organisation for Animal Health

Table 2.2 Australia’s status for other diseases of terrestrial animals that are reported to the OIE each year, 2009 (continued) Disease Status Date of last occurrence and notes Actinomycosis Present Avian encephalomyelitis Present Avian leucosis Present Avian salmonellosis (excluding fowl typhoid and Present pullorum disease) Avian spirochaetosis Present Blackleg Present Botulism Present Caseous lymphadenitis Present Coccidiosis Present Contagious ophthalmia Present Contagious pustular dermatitis Present Distomatosis (liver fluke) Present Restricted distribution Enterotoxaemia Present Equine coital exanthema Present Filariosis Present Footrot Present Restricted distribution Infectious coryza Present Intestinal Salmonella infections Present Listeriosis Present Melioidosis Present Restricted distribution Nosemosis of bees Present Salmonellosis (Salmonella Abortusequi) Free Never reported

Terrestrial animal health 27 Table 2.2 Australia’s status for other diseases of terrestrial animals that are reported to the OIE each year, 2009 (continued) Disease Status Date of last occurrence and notes Sheep mange Free 1896 Strangles Present Swine erysipelas Present Toxoplasmosis Present Ulcerative lymphangitis Free Never reported Vibrionic dysentery Present Warble fly infestation Free Never reported Other clostridial infections Present Other pasteurelloses Present

OIE = World Organisation for Animal Health National reporting system for Surveillance Quarterly newsletter, and are used by the Australian Government in reports to the OIE, the Food animal diseases in Australia and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Australia’s National Animal Health Information System and the World Health Organization. Current disease (NAHIS),27 redeveloped and launched in January 2006, surveillance reports and publications are available on collates data from a wide range of government and the NAHIS page of the Animal Health Australia (AHA) nongovernment surveillance and monitoring programs website.30 to provide an overview of animal health in Australia. The information in NAHIS is essential for supporting trade in Endemic diseases of national animal commodities and meeting Australia’s international reporting obligations. significance This section describes the status of, and programs for, Figure 2.1 summarises the sources of data in NAHIS, endemic animal diseases of national significance in 2009. including surveillance and monitoring programs, control programs, diagnostic laboratories and veterinary investigations. American foulbrood American foulbrood (AFB) is a brood disease of In 2009, NAHIS was expanded to house data that are honey bees caused by the spore-forming bacterium accessed by two other surveillance program applications Paenibacillus larvae subsp. larvae (formerly Bacillus — NAMPInfo (information system for the National larvae). The disease attacks bee larvae, eventually killing Arbovirus Monitoring Program28) and EDIS (Endemic the affected hive. It is particularly virulent because Disease Information System29). All applications managed the bacteria form spores that are resistant to heat, by NAHIS use the same underlying database, but desiccation and chemicals. The recommended treatment maintain separate and distinct web interfaces. NAHIS for AFB-infected hives is to depopulate the hives; burn or provides selected summaries of national animal health bury the dead bees; then burn, bury or irradiate the hive data and disease information sheets — NAMPInfo material. provides the official interactive bluetongue virus zone map, and EDIS has a searchable register of herds and AFB is nationally notifiable and subject to control flocks in the Australian Johne’s disease Market programs in several states. It is endemic in New Assurance Program. South Wales, Queensland, South Australia (except for Kangaroo Island, which remains free), Tasmania, Victoria NAHIS data are routinely reported, together with case and Western Australia. It has not been reported in the reports of veterinary investigations, in the Animal Health Northern Territory.

27 www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/nahis/public.php?page=pub_ home&aha_program=1 28 www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/programs/adsp/namp/namp_ home.cfm 29 www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/nahis/public.php?page=pub_ home&aha_program=3 30 www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/nahis

28 Animal Health in Australia 2009 National Arbovirus Bovine Tuberculosis National Residue Northern Australia

Monitoring Program Surveillance Project Survey Quarantine Strategy

Australian Milk National Enteric Residue Survey Pathogen Surveillance Scheme

Australian Wildlife Health Network Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies Freedom Assurance Accreditation NAHIS Program Programs (enzootic bovine leucosis, ovine brucellosis) Port Surveillance Program LABORATORY TESTING (state/Northern Territory veterinary VETERINARY services — INVESTIGATIONS serological testing Market Assurance National Notifiable (exotic and for a number of emergency disease diseases) Program Diseases (Johne’s disease) Surveillance System investigations)

Surveillance and monitoring programs Control programs

Figure 2.1 Sources of data in the National Animal Health Information System

New South Wales South Australia In New South Wales, from November 2008 to November AFB in South Australia is detected mainly through a 2009, 50 beekeepers (1.7% of those registered) had combination of apiarist reporting, packer testing and an officially recorded outbreak of AFB (some individual active disease surveillance. beekeepers may have had more than one reported In December 2008, the Honeybee Industry Strategic outbreak in that period). Eighteen of these beekeepers Plan Implementation Committee launched BeeSMART had no previous recorded history of the disease. In the AFB, a voluntary program combining best-management same period, 1507 beehives were officially recorded as practices with quality assurance and subsidised honey being infected. testing. The program is designed to assist apiarists to eradicate AFB from their operations, encourage the Queensland widespread adoption of best-management practices, During 2009, some areas of Queensland, including reduce the prevalence of AFB throughout the state and the Sunshine Coast, experienced an increase in AFB enhance existing disease control measures. It is expected outbreaks. Sterilisation, control and management that industry uptake of the program will contribute techniques are covered in monthly information sessions significantly to the goal of reducing the prevalence of for beekeepers in various locations throughout the year. AFB to less than 9% of operations and 1% of hives.

Terrestrial animal health 29 Partial results from testing for AFB in 2009, as part of northern and northeastern districts of Victoria and central the BeeSMART program, suggest that infection levels New South Wales. In these areas, anthrax has a low have decreased from 26% of participating operations prevalence and occurs only sporadically (Figure 2.2). to approximately 19%, although field inspection Anthrax has never been recorded in the Northern results suggest that the overall percentage of infected Territory. In Queensland, the last confirmed cases were operations (for all beekeeping operations in the state) in 2002 (six animals) and 1993 (one animal). South may be slightly higher. Australia’s last recorded anthrax outbreak was in 1914 and Tasmania’s was more than 75 years ago. The last Tasmania case in Western Australia was an isolated case in 1994. In Tasmania, there is no government control program for AFB, but the Tasmanian apiary industry has established All suspect cases of anthrax are investigated. the Apiary Industry Disease Control Program for voluntarily registered beekeepers. Registration fees provide for the testing of honey samples for AFB. This assists in surveillance for the disease by encouraging broad participation by both commercial and recreational beekeepers.

The Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment offers free inspection of hives and an advisory service to apiarists when positive hives are identified from honey samples. In 2009, 263 honey samples were submitted to the laboratory for testing. Of these, 54 tested positive, with spore counts of 1 (39 samples), 2 (9 samples) and 3 (2 samples).

Victoria The Victorian Department of Primary Industries Figure 2.2 Areas of Australia where anthrax is manages an AFB Smart Program — an initiative to help known to occur sporadically; lighter beekeepers detect AFB early and control the disease. colour indicates fewer occurrences Since 2002, free honey culture tests have been offered to all registered beekeepers. New South Wales Three confirmed anthrax incidents occurred in New Western Australia South Wales during 2009. All occurred on properties Beekeepers in Western Australia are required to register located in the known anthrax areas in either the Riverina their beehives and report occurrences of AFB in their or Lachlan district, and all occurred in the spring season apiaries. Eradication action is also required, and failure (the second half of the year). One steer and 416 sheep, to take action can lead to the imposition of quarantine mostly lambs, died in these incidents. Another case measures and a requirement to follow a management suspected to be anthrax, involving a single bovine from plan. The Department of Agriculture and Food Western the Lachlan district, was reported in March 2009 but Australia provides a diagnostic service that allows could not be confirmed. beekeepers to monitor the AFB status of their apiaries All cases were managed according to the state and allows the department to monitor infected apiaries. government’s anthrax policy. Carcases were burned, These measures support a quality assurance program, properties were placed in quarantine, and all stock B-Qual, which has been adopted by the industry. movements were traced. National authorities were notified of all movement and tracing results to manage Anthrax the risk of product entering the export and domestic Anthrax is on the list of nationally notifiable diseases and markets. is subject to compulsory government controls, including quarantine, disposal of carcases, and vaccination and Victoria tracing of at-risk animals and their products. Areas at risk Anthrax caused the death of two cattle on unrelated of anthrax occurrence are well defined; they include the properties in the Goulburn Valley, northeast Victoria,

30 Animal Health in Australia 2009 in August and September 2009. The Department of Cattle ticks mainly infest cattle but may occasionally Primary Industries mounted a rapid response, including affect horses, sheep, deer and water buffalo. Tick the cremation of affected carcases, vaccination of at-risk infestations cause damage to hides, a drop in livestock and tracing activities. The response included production, anaemia and death. Cattle tick can also vaccination of more than 2800 cattle on affected or transmit tick fever (bovine babesiosis or anaplasmosis), surrounding properties. caused by Babesia bigemina, B. bovis or Anaplasma marginale. Babesiosis and anaplasmosis are nationally An ‘animal-side’ immunochromatographic test (ICT) notifiable diseases in tick-free areas. is used in Victoria as a rapid anthrax-screening test for investigating any sudden, unexplained deaths occurring Where ticks occur, tick control by acaricide treatment in ruminant livestock. During 2009, this test was used (dipping, pour on or spraying) has been used widely in on-farm to investigate the sudden deaths of 80 ruminants endemic areas. Acaricide treatment is compulsory for in the state, including the two confirmed anthrax cases. cattle leaving defined tick areas in the Northern Territory, Additionally, 258 cattle carcases received at a northern Queensland and Western Australia, and for cattle from Victorian knackery with signs suspicious of anthrax known infested properties in New South Wales. Spread tested negative with the ICT. The ICT results for all testing from endemic areas is also restricted by state-managed performed in 2009 were consistent with results of zoning policies. In addition, many producers in the tick laboratory-based confirmatory testing. endemic area have changed to Bos indicus-type cattle because of the greater resistance to tick infestation in Caprine arthritis–encephalitis these breeds. Caprine retrovirus causes caprine arthritis–encephalitis No incursions of cattle ticks or cases of tick fever were (CAE), a multisystemic, inflammatory condition of goats. reported in Tasmania or South Australia during 2009. It is found in most countries in the world, including Australia, and has been reported in all Australian states New South Wales and territories apart from the Northern Territory. CAE is Cattle tick generally occurs only in the far northeastern not included in the list of nationally notifiable diseases in corner of New South Wales. Industry and Investment Australia. Although Australia has no regulatory control NSW maintains a surveillance program at all far-north- programs for CAE, there are some voluntary accreditation coast saleyards, where all cattle presented for sale are programs based on serological testing. Animals testing inspected. Cattle returning to a property from a sale positive are removed from the herd. are dipped by inspectors before their dispatch. Infested In New South Wales, a voluntary control program is and at-risk properties are quarantined, and eradication available to goat producers. In South Australia, where programs and movement controls are implemented. CAE is present, the Dairy Goat Society of South Australia Between 1999 and 2009, the average number of new has a voluntary market assurance scheme. cattle tick infestations each year in New South Wales Queensland has had a voluntary control program for dairy was 62. In the 2009 season, 67 new infestations were goats since 1987. In December 2009, there were detected in New South Wales, all in the far-north-coast 39 CAE-accredited herds. Western Australia had a voluntary region. CAE accreditation scheme for many years, but the scheme Tick fever is a sporadic disease in New South Wales with ceased during 2006. CAE is a notifiable disease in Victoria; an average of one occurrence every two years, usually no clinical cases were reported during 2009. on the far north coast; the most recent outbreak was in March 2008. No cases of tick fever were reported in Cattle tick and tick fever New South Wales during 2009. The cattle tick, Boophilus microplus, was introduced Surveillance cameras at seven sites and along the New to Australia in the late 19th century. It spread steadily South Wales – Queensland border monitor livestock from Darwin over northern Australia, stabilising to its movements into New South Wales from the tick-infested current distribution in northern and northeastern coastal area of Queensland. Led and tractable livestock may regions by about 1918. The distribution of cattle tick is be treated at the Kirra border crossing before they determined largely by climatic factors because the tick enter New South Wales from tick-infested areas of needs high humidity and ambient temperatures of at Queensland. Other stock originating from tick-infested least 15–20 °C for egg laying and hatching. areas are treated at clearing facilities on the Queensland tick line before entering New South Wales.

Terrestrial animal health 31 Northern Territory BQ provides laboratory services for the analysis of dip fluids, and for testing and identification of acaricide- Three cattle tick areas are gazetted under Northern resistant strains of cattle ticks. Territory legislation. The cattle tick occurs only in the northern tropical and subtropical regions; the southern Live vaccines produced by BQ’s Tick Fever Centre are half of the Northern Territory is a cattle tick–free zone. A used to control babesiosis and anaplasmosis. During buffer zone, known as the protected area, separates the 2009, the centre sold 707 085 doses of trivalent vaccine infested and free areas. Infested cattle were detected (94% chilled and 6% frozen), significantly less than in during 2009 on several properties that were previously previous years. Vaccine sales are affected by climatic free from ticks, and an active surveillance program has conditions: much of the pasture in the north of the state since started in the protected area to determine the was subject to flooding early in the year and had not extent of the spread of ticks. yet been restocked, and other areas were subject to continuing dry conditions. Tick fever is not commonly diagnosed in the Northern Territory, although the organisms responsible for babesiosis and anaplasmosis are present. Tick fever is Victoria seen mainly in cattle that have had little or no previous Two cattle received by a northern Victorian property exposure to ticks. in October 2009 were found to have originated from a cattle tick–infested property in New South Wales. Parkhurst-strain ticks, which are resistant to synthetic The two animals were treated, the affected part of the pyrethroids often used as acaricides, are present on property was quarantined, and a monitoring program 11 properties in the Darwin region. Movement controls using a mob of sentinel cattle was instigated, and will are used to reduce the threat of further spread of these continue until early 2010. As cattle ticks are unable ticks, and there is an active surveillance program in place to survive for extended periods in Victoria due to to detect changes in their distribution. unfavourable climatic conditions, these incursions are inconsequential. Queensland Queensland regulates the movement of stock to control Western Australia cattle ticks through the declaration of three zones: The cattle tick–infested area in Western Australia includes infected, free and control. The control zone is used as the Kimberley in the north; the southern boundary is a buffer between the free and infected zones in parts generally along the line of 20 degrees south. Cattle of Queensland to minimise the risk of incursions, and moving from the tick-infested area to the tick-free area provisions are made that encourage owners of stock of the state are inspected and treated for ticks. There are to take measures to eradicate or prevent the spread of no regulatory control measures for ticks within the tick- cattle tick. Stock moving from an infected zone, or from infested area, and almost no strategic treatment for ticks restricted properties in either of the other zones, may be or vaccination for tick fever. inspected or treated before movement (or both). The last two detections of cattle tick in the tick-free area For movements from the infected zone, Biosecurity occurred in 1979 and 2001, and the cattle ticks were Queensland (BQ) has a system of approved third party eradicated successfully. There have been no detections providers (TPPs) for inspecting and supervising treatment of acaricide-resistant ticks in Western Australia. of stock at official clearing facilities. The TPPs currently operate at 17 clearing dips and two livestock inspection centres (spray stations). Enzootic bovine leucosis Enzootic bovine leucosis (EBL) is a nationally notifiable BQ inspectors provide regulatory and advisory services disease that occurs rarely in Australia, causing minor on cattle tick control, eradication and management. production loss in dairy cattle and some impediment They also provide inspection and treatment services for to trade. the restricted properties in the free and control zones, and in the 12 clearing facilities that have not progressed All states have carried out testing of their dairy herds to the approved TPP system. At the end of June 2009, for many years. In 2008, building on the state-based Queensland had 41 infected properties in the free zone programs, the Australian Dairy Industry Council and and 140 infected properties in the control zone. animal health authorities implemented the National Dairy Enzootic Bovine Leucosis Eradication Program.

32 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Provisional freedom from EBL in Australia’s dairy herd New South Wales was recently achieved. All dairy herds in Australia have EHV-1 abortion was reported from two horse studs in been tested, either individually or through herd bulk milk the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales during samples, according to the requirements in the Standard August and September 2009. On one stud, there was Definitions and Rules for Control and Eradication of an isolated incident in a mare approximately one month Enzootic Bovine Leucosis in Dairy Cattle (Version 2.0, before foaling. On the second property, EHV-1 abortion February 2009).31 was confirmed in four mares that aborted over a two- Declaration of unconditional freedom from EBL in the week period; two mares had aborted in the preceding Australian dairy herd is expected in 2013, following a week, but the cause of abortion was not investigated. further three years of annual bulk milk testing. In both cases, diagnosis was on the basis of the histopathological changes in the fetus, and positive At the end of December 2009, more than 99.8% of dairy PCR tests on pooled fetal tissue. herds in Australia had ‘monitored free’ status for EBL. It is recognised that maintenance of the status of the Northern Territory Australian dairy herd will require ongoing strict controls During 2009, EHV-1 was included as a differential on the introduction of beef cattle, as EBL is still present, diagnosis in three incidents — two with neurological at a very low prevalence, in sectors of the Australian and one with respiratory signs. One sample returned a beef herd. positive serological test result, but no virus was isolated. There were no abortion investigations. Equine herpesvirus 1 Equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) is a respiratory pathogen Victoria of horses that occasionally causes abortion and, rarely, During 2009, 27 cases of suspected EHV-1 infection neurological disease. EHV-1 is on the list of nationally were investigated. One incident of abortion resulting notifiable diseases. EHV-1 abortions are generally from EHV-1 was recorded on a thoroughbred horse sporadic, but outbreaks do occur. EHV-1 neurological property in southwest Victoria. Abortion was reported disease is an emerging disease of increased prevalence in 8 mares (from a group of 13) over a two-week overseas, and new cases have been diagnosed recently period. Control measures were instigated and no further in Australia. abortions were recorded on the property. All other Herpesvirus infection can be diagnosed by detection 26 investigations were negative for EHV-1. of intranuclear inclusion bodies during histological examination of tissue samples; however, definitive European foulbrood diagnosis of EHV-1 infection, in cases of either abortion European foulbrood (EFB) is a disease of bee larvae or neurological disease, can only be accomplished by caused by the bacterium Melissococcus (formerly detection of the virus by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) Streptococcus) pluton. The disease is usually acquired or virus isolation. Virus detection and categorisation only by larvae less than 48 hours old, and they generally are essential, as there are nine equine herpesviruses. die at four to five days of age, particularly in early spring Also, there is evidence that EHV-1 neurological disease when the colonies are growing rapidly. Colonies infected may be associated with a nucleotide substitution in with EFB release a characteristic odour, and infected the polymerase gene. Without virus isolates for DNA larvae die and turn brown during the coiled stage, (deoxyribonucleic acid) sequencing analysis, the giving a peppered appearance to the brood. Because of prevalence of this mutation in Australian isolates will the young age at which larvae are affected, cells with remain unknown. diseased larvae are usually unsealed. The disease causes During 2009, no cases of EHV-1 abortion or neurological high levels of mortality and reduces the longevity disease were reported in South Australia, Queensland, of queens. Tasmania or Western Australia. In Tasmania, serological EFB occurs in many regions around the world. It was evidence of the disease in mares with an abortion history first reported in Australia in 1977 and is now found in previous years was found. Queensland had an unusual in all the eastern mainland states and in Tasmania. single case of equine herpesvirus abortion due to EHV-4, Western Australia remains free from the disease and which was confirmed by PCR and culture. maintains stringent control measures to minimise the risk of its introduction. The Northern Territory has a small 31 www.daff.gov.au/animal-plant-health/pests-diseases-weeds/animal/ ebl/standard

Terrestrial animal health 33 beekeeping industry that is thought to be free from EFB; to establish a risk assessment system that is suited to its disease freedom is supported by isolation from affected particular needs and disease situation. states, well-informed beekeepers and health import regulations. Beef cattle Johne’s disease is rare in the beef industry. When Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis selling breeding cattle, owners can make a written Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) is caused by declaration that their herds meet the criteria to be bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1), which also causes classified as low risk (‘Beef Only’) if they have had little infectious pustular vulvovaginitis, infectious or no contact with dairy cattle. The ongoing National balanoposthitis and several other clinical syndromes. BJD Financial and Non Financial Assistance Package BHV-1 occurs in all cattle-raising countries except for helps maintain the low prevalence of BJD in the industry. several European countries that have eradicated the The scheme’s counsellors work with government and virus. private veterinarians to help farmers take financially and technically sound approaches to eliminating BJD Three subtypes of BHV-1 are recognised worldwide: from their herds. Since the scheme started in 2004, the BHV-1.1, BHV-1.2a and BHV-1.2b. All subtypes may program has provided assistance to 180 producers, of cause IBR, infectious pustular vulvovaginitis or infectious whom more than 50% have had their herd statuses balanoposthitis, but viruses belonging to subtypes resolved. Despite the detection of new infected herds, 1.1 and 1.2a are more virulent than those belonging the total number of known infected beef herds is about to subtype 1.2b. Subtypes 1.1 and 1.2a can cause half the number of five years ago. severe respiratory disease and several other syndromes, including abortion. These subtypes are present in North Dairy cattle America, Europe and many other parts of the world. The National Dairy BJD Assurance Score (from 0 to 10) A large-scale research project involving typing of helps buyers assess the BJD risk that dairy cattle might 120 Australian bovine isolates of BHV-1 demonstrated present and is used as the basis for control programs that Australia is free from the more virulent subtypes in states where the scores are used. New South Wales (1.1 and 1.2a), and only the benign BHV-1.2b is present. requires all dairy farmers to declare their score when Because of this and a predominance of pasture- selling dairy cattle. In South Australia, the proportion based grazing in Australia, disease due to IBR is rare. of dairy herds enrolled in the state’s Dairy ManaJD Transmission risks are lower under pasture-based assurance program is about 95%, with the great majority systems than in husbandry situations such as housing of these testing negative and attaining a high dairy score. of cattle, where cattle are in close contact. In Queensland, no evidence of BJD infection was found in 2009, increasing confidence in the negative results Johne’s disease of an extensive survey of dairy cattle in Queensland’s The major livestock industries, working with AHA and dairy herds in 2008. Like the BJD Free Zone in Western governments, took further steps in 2009 to consolidate Australia, the Queensland and the Northern Territory control and prevention of Johne’s disease. No Johne’s protected zones maintain regulatory controls on disease incursions were detected in northern Australia. introductions to manage the risk of BJD entering Western Australia retained its free status for bovine those areas. Johne’s disease (BJD). Sheep The Australian National Johne’s Disease Control Program As in other industries, a risk-based approach has been is a cooperative program involving Australian livestock adopted by the sheep industries. A National Sheep industries, government and the veterinary profession. Health Statement enables producers to declare the The program works across all states, territories and animal health status for ovine Johne’s disease (OJD), affected industries to protect the favourable Johne’s as well as for sheep lice and footrot. The statement has disease status of Australia and reduce the impact on streamlined the trading of sheep across Australia and industry of the disease and its control measures. helps producers implement their own farm biosecurity arrangements. Voluntary risk-based trading has become a key element of the program in the endemic regions of southern The sheep industry continued working with AHA and Australia. Each affected industry works with government the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service in

34 Animal Health in Australia 2009 supporting abattoir surveillance at several sites across The principles of Countdown are: southern Australia. Approximately 7500 consignments, • clear, consistent, industry-agreed messages for comprising 1.9 million adult sheep, were inspected mastitis control for evidence of OJD. This program helps estimate the • promoting the mastitis control messages through regional flock prevalence of OJD, provides guidance to advisers to the dairy industry ensure detection of infected flocks in regions where the infection is rare and provides feedback to farmers on • promoting a whole-of-farm, team approach to the occurrence of OJD in their flocks. The data are used mastitis control. in the Assurance Based Credit risk assessment system. The focus of Countdown in 2009 was the development Abattoir surveillance also provides feedback on other of a web-based service that allows farmers across significant endemic disease conditions to sheep owners Australia to generate a Mastitis Focus report for their and to the broader sheepmeat industry. herds. The reports include data collected on the farm and in herd testing to track changes in cell counts over Goats time and therefore highlight management problems — The goat industry has established a risk-based trading for example, in clinical case management, the calving approach that uses a nationally accepted risk ranking system or dry cow management. Focus reports will be a system and associated National Goat Health Statement. key element of Countdown in the future. The aim is for Similar to the sheep statement, this owner declaration farmers and advisers to incorporate problem solving in includes a risk rating for Johne’s disease and provides management planning. herd information on other conditions — such as footrot, The sustainability of mastitis control through Countdown lice and CAE — that can easily spread from herd to herd is assisted by a training course designed through with movements of goats. Countdown and provided by the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia. The course, titled Countdown Mastitis Downunder — Cups On/Cups Off, is intended for Low milk cell counts are internationally regarded as anyone who milks cows. It is delivered by trainers who a key measure of udder health and milk quality. The are technically proficient in mastitis control. Course Countdown Downunder program (Countdown) was graduates receive a formal qualification (RTE2112A Milk launched in 1998 to improve mastitis control on livestock). Australian dairy farms and to ‘keep the count down’. Better udder health increases dairy farm profitability and Newcastle disease helps satisfy the domestic and export market demand for Australia has been free from outbreaks of virulent high-quality dairy produce. Newcastle disease (ND) since 2002, when two incidents The goals of Countdown are cell counts below 250 000 in Victoria and New South Wales were eradicated as cells/millilitre (mL) for 90% of the milk supply and below prescribed in an Australian Veterinary Emergency Plan 400 000 cells/mL for the remainder. Achieving these (AUSVETPLAN) disease strategy for ND. Subsequently, goals over the past decade has been complicated by the National ND Management Plan was developed, and drought, feed shortages and, more recently, reduction a steering committee was formed to oversee further of the payment incentive for producing premium milk. development and implementation of the plan. The Nevertheless, progress is continuing towards the cell- ND Management Plan Steering Committee includes count goals, as shown in Table 2.3. No data are available representatives from the commercial chicken sector, the for 2009. Australian Government, most state governments and the CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory. Several experts on poultry vaccination and poultry disease are Table 2.3 Progress towards the industry cell- also members. AHA manages the plan and chairs count goals the committee. Percentage of vats Cell count of vats Goal 2000 2008 The current ND Management Plan will operate for the Below 400 000 cells/mL 100 90.7 93.4 2008–12 period. The goal is to reduce the spread of viruses that are precursors to virulent ND virus through Below 250 000 cells/mL 90 64.2 93.4 the application of biosecurity plans in the poultry mL = millilitre industry, and the strategic application and monitoring of vaccination using live V4 and inactivated vaccine.

Terrestrial animal health 35 The aim of the vaccination program is for the vaccine Queensland strain to out-compete precursor strains of ND virus that In Queensland, all commercial operators of farms with have sequences close to the virulent sequence and that 500 or more birds are required by law to vaccinate their might result in the emergence of virulent ND virus. The poultry against ND. Vaccination is carried out as directed plan includes vaccination standard operating procedures by the Queensland ND vaccination program. A high (SOPs) for commercial domestic chickens in all states level of vaccination has been achieved in the commercial and territories. All chickens in commercial flocks of poultry sector. Changes in options for vaccination 1000 or more must be vaccinated; this applies to meat procedures, especially for the layer sector (on the basis chickens, laying hens and chickens used for breeding that Queensland is a low-risk jurisdiction), were endorsed purposes. In jurisdictions considered to be at low risk by the AHC in January 2009. These reduced vaccination of an outbreak of ND, vaccination may be reduced; requirements will only be implemented after surveillance however, in flocks that opt for reduced vaccination, results from Tasmania and Western Australia (current surveillance protocols as detailed in the plan must be low-risk states) are completed in October 2010. implemented. The 2008–12 plan is designed to lead to a risk-based exit strategy that may result in minimal or no vaccination in chicken flocks at the end of the South Australia management period (2012). In South Australia, it is mandatory for all birds in commercial poultry flocks, including breeder and genetic The first full review of the 2008–12 plan is scheduled for stock, to be vaccinated against ND. The vaccine is a late 2010. In September 2009, the steering committee restricted product requiring approval from the chief met to consider an update on progress with the veterinary officer for use, and producers apply for implementation of the plan. The steering committee purchase through a permit system. agreed with its Risk Assessment Working Group’s conclusions that reduced vaccination requirements for Tasmania Queensland and South Australia are justified, based In Tasmania, meat chickens are exempt from the on the working group’s scientific assessment of these requirement for vaccination of flocks with more than jurisdictions as ‘low risk’ in the context of the plan. 1000 birds, provided that they comply with testing The steering committee noted its Surveillance Working requirements. Meat chicken breeders are not included Group’s conclusion that, to date, there have been no in this exemption. Vaccine is obtained from the supplier reports of progenitor, precursor or virulent ND viruses. In under licence from the chief veterinary officer and must 2010, results will be available from testing in Tasmania be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions and and Western Australia of nonvaccinated broilers SOPs noted in the licence conditions. (effectively sentinel birds).

New South Wales Victoria In 2009, permits were issued for the purchase and use of Ad hoc monitoring of vaccinated pullet flocks in New approximately 143 million doses of ND vaccine South Wales has found that 90% of the flocks meet the in Victoria. requirements for adequate titres within four weeks of completion of the vaccination course required by the national SOPs. In broilers, a survey of stock originating Western Australia from hatcheries vaccinating one-day-old chickens against In Western Australia, owners of 1000 or more chickens ND by coarse spray found that the required titres were are required to apply for a permit to purchase ND achieved regardless of the maternal antibodies of the vaccine, and must vaccinate their birds (except meat donor flocks; overall, the technique was capable of chickens), keep records, assist with inspections and delivering the titres required by the SOPs. During 2009, undertake any testing required for auditing purposes. ND vaccine coverage was almost 100% of the state’s Targeted auditing of producer compliance is undertaken. known commercial chicken population. No precursor or Surveillance of all poultry in Western Australia is virulent ND viruses were found by surveillance. compulsory, including surveillance of certain meat chicken flocks, surveillance of certain batches of eggs Northern Territory and day-old chicks imported from New South Wales and Victoria, and reporting and sample collection from any There are no longer any commercial poultry flocks in the flock meeting the ND case definition. Northern Territory. The last commercial egg producer from the Darwin region closed during 2007.

36 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Ovine brucellosis South Australia Ovine brucellosis, caused by Brucella ovis, is endemic A voluntary ovine brucellosis accreditation scheme in commercial sheep flocks in some states, but its operates in South Australia. There are currently prevalence is low. Ovine brucellosis is not on the list of 409 accredited producers and 531 accredited flocks nationally notifiable diseases. Accreditation schemes (which is similar to 2008). Incursions of infection were for stud flocks are well supported and are managed by detected as part of 2008 reaccreditation testing in four state animal health authorities and breed societies; the flocks (three producers). All these properties completed numbers of accredited flocks at the end of December eradication testing to become reaccredited in 2009. 2009 are shown in Table 2.4. Tasmania Table 2.4 Ovine brucellosis accredited–free The Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and flocks, 2009 Environment, in conjunction with veterinary practitioners State Flocks free and industry, has developed a voluntary ovine brucellosis New South Wales 909 accreditation scheme to control the disease in Tasmanian Queensland 76 flocks. Accredited private veterinary practitioners test the flocks, and the department keeps the records. Ovine South Australia 531 brucellosis has not been confirmed in any sheep in Tasmania 74 Tasmania since 1988. There are currently 74 accredited Victoria 517 ovine brucellosis–free flocks. No reactors were detected Western Australia 184 during the year in Tasmania. Australia 2291 Victoria New South Wales Ovine brucellosis is present at low levels in Victorian The New South Wales Ovine Brucellosis Accreditation sheep flocks. During 2009, infection was detected in Scheme has been operating since 1981, with some 18 flocks in Victoria. These infected flocks were detected flocks maintaining continuous accreditation. The scheme through the investigation of fertility issues noted during requires the adoption of a biosecurity plan and a testing testing for flock accreditation. regime. Flocks are tested either annually, every second year or every third year, depending on how long they The Ovine Brucellosis Accreditation Scheme is have been in the scheme. The program is strongly administered by the Department of Primary Industries supported by the New South Wales sheep industries and (DPI) as a voluntary accreditation scheme providing show societies. Accreditation is a requirement for entry assurance that rams are free from ovine brucellosis. to many major shows and sales. At 31 December 2009, This is necessary for the purpose of sales, interstate there were 909 flocks in the scheme, predominantly movement, overseas export and attendance at shows. stud flocks. The scheme is based on property risk assessment, regular testing, adherence to best-practice flock Northern Territory management and investigation of suspect cases. Both DPI staff and private veterinary practitioners are involved The Northern Territory has no sheep industry. in implementing the program across Victoria. At 31 December 2009, 517 flocks were accredited as being Queensland free from ovine brucellosis. Queensland has a voluntary ovine brucellosis accreditation scheme for stud flocks, administered by DPI also supports the operation of the Mallee BQ on behalf of the state’s sheep industry. At the end of Ovine Brucellosis Control Area. Ovine brucellosis December 2009, there were 76 accredited flocks was historically of particular significance and high (21 merino/poll merino flocks and 55 flocks of other prevalence in the Mallee region (northwest Victoria) breeds). During 2009, there was no major change in the due to a lack of suitable fencing and a lower focus on low incidence of ovine brucellosis reported in the sheep management in wheat and sheep enterprises. state’s flocks. Voluntary schemes had been unsuccessful. Since 1996, government and industry have implemented a compulsory, systematic program of control in the Mallee, and a dramatic decline in the prevalence of ovine brucellosis across the Mallee has been recorded.

Terrestrial animal health 37 In 2009, no major surveillance testing was conducted New South Wales in the control area, as no positive results were returned SHB was first detected in New South Wales in 2002. from surveillance activities in the preceding two years. It is well established along the coast and is periodically Surveillance testing is planned for 2010, with the moved inland by commercial beekeepers, although it eventual goal of demonstrating freedom from ovine does not appear to be persisting in inland areas. The brucellosis in this area. beetle has a significant impact on hive management; it has caused significant losses of honey bee colonies and Western Australia is a major pest in honey extraction sheds. No regulatory A voluntary ovine brucellosis accreditation scheme is action is taken in New South Wales, although reported available to ram breeders in Western Australia. In 2009, cases of SHB are recorded for interstate movement of 184 flocks participated in the scheme. bee hives and export certification of live bees.

Ovine footrot Northern Territory Ovine footrot, caused by Dichelobacter nodosus There is no evidence of SHB in the Northern Territory. infection, has been present in Australia for many years Import controls to restrict entry of the pest are in place. and was probably introduced in the early days of the Australian sheep industry. Virulent ovine footrot causes Queensland significant economic loss in southern Australia. Ovine SHB is now endemic in most of Queensland, and has footrot is not on the list of nationally notifiable diseases. spread to the northern parts of the state (Mareeba area). Several states have eradication or control programs. It is identified as a major pest species and increases New South Wales has a formal eradication program after rain in warmer months of the year. A trap trial and is approaching freedom,32 whereas Western was undertaken in February 2009, and BQ is providing Australia (where an estimated 1% of flocks are infected beekeepers with trapping information. with virulent footrot), South Australia and Victoria operate control programs. Tasmania does not routinely South Australia quarantine for footrot, although legislation is available to To date, there is no evidence of SHB in South Australia. do so if required. To assist in keeping the state SHB free, hives, package bees and used hive equipment from New South Wales Footrot is not regarded as a significant problem in and Queensland are prohibited from entry into South Queensland, and no clinical cases were reported in 2009. Australia. Beeswax, pollen, propolis, used appliances There are no commercial sheep flocks in the (mobile extraction vans, extraction equipment, etc), Northern Territory. queen cells, queens and escorts are also prohibited entry from these two states, unless accompanied by Small hive beetle both written permission from the South Australian Chief The small hive beetle (SHB) (Aethina tumida) invades Inspector of Stock and a completed health certificate honey bee hives and may cause serious economic declaring freedom from all stages of SHB. concern to some producers and processors, especially From all other states and territories, hives, package under hot and humid conditions. SHB is on the list of bees, used hive equipment, beeswax, pollen, propolis, nationally notifiable diseases. Eradication from Australia used appliances, queen cells, queens and escorts, and has not been attempted; the agreed management any other bee products are prohibited entry into South strategies aim to reduce the impact of SHB on Australia unless accompanied by a completed health productivity, slow its spread and minimise damage in certificate declaring freedom from all stages of SHB. infested apiaries. Before countersigning any health certificate, state Government apiary officers provide advice and guidance departments are encouraged to request evidence that to the honey bee industry. Researchers are investigating beekeepers have undertaken significant inspections to the potential use of chemicals to minimise SHB’s impact confirm the absence of SHB. on beeswax and honey.

32 Virulent footrot program in New South Wales, Animal Health Surveillance Quarterly 14(3):3.

38 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Tasmania Northern Territory There is no evidence of SHB in Tasmania. Apiarists are A limited survey of feral pigs in the Katherine region encouraged to inspect their hives regularly and to submit during 2007 did not detect the presence of swine suspect to the state laboratory for identification. brucellosis. Furthermore, ongoing opportunistic sampling Used beekeeping equipment, packaged bees and of feral pigs from the northern flood plains has not unmelted beeswax are prohibited from entering the detected any clinical signs or serological evidence state. Queen bees, queen cells and escorts may be of brucellosis. imported but must be accompanied by a completed health certificate declaring freedom from SHB. Queensland B. suis is confined to some populations of feral pigs Victoria in Queensland and has not been detected in any SHB was first detected in apiaries in northwestern Queensland domestic piggery since 1991. Victoria and the Goulburn Valley (in the northeast) in The B. suis Accredited Herd Scheme is administered 2005. Detections followed in northwestern Victoria by BQ on behalf of the industry and currently has in 2007 and suburban Melbourne in 2008, the most 11 member herds. The scheme aims to ensure piggery southern detection in mainland Australia. During spring freedom from B. suis and to provide a secure source 2009, SHB was observed in central Victoria, northeastern of disease-free breeding stock for pig producers. Victoria and suburban Melbourne. The occurrence of Producers entering the scheme are accredited on the SHB continues to be monitored. basis of a history of negative herd tests, or because their foundation stocks were sourced from piggeries with an Western Australia adequate testing history. Ongoing accreditation in the In September 2007, SHB was detected in Western Accredited Herd Scheme is based on herd security, as Australia at Kununurra. Surveillance, monitoring and follows: tracing have contained the beetle within the Kununurra • Herds must remain closed or meet specific conditions area. Zoning under legislation has identified an infested set out in the scheme, and must have biosecurity area and a free area of the state. Targeted surveillance measures in place to support a minimal or acceptable was carried out in 2005 and 2006, and none of the risk of exposure to feral pigs. samples collected confirmed the presence of SHB. • Annual certification by a veterinary practitioner must Import controls to restrict its entry are in place. be submitted to confirm that the risk criteria are being addressed. Swine brucellosis • Every two years, member piggeries must submit Swine brucellosis resulting from infection with Brucella a reaccreditation application, and a reaccreditation suis causes sterility and abortion in sows and orchitis in assessment or recommendation from a private boars. Other livestock species may be infected by the veterinarian. organism but do not show clinical signs. The disease is a • All testing results must be negative, and all abortions zoonosis, so humans can also be infected with must be investigated for the presence of B. suis. the bacterium. • Every two years, BQ veterinary officers must review Swine brucellosis is on the list of nationally notifiable adherence to the accreditation requirements to diseases. In 2009, no cases of B. suis infection were enable reaccreditation of piggeries. reported from New South Wales, Victoria or Western Australia, or from South Australia and Tasmania (both of which have specific import controls for breeding pigs from areas where B. suis is known to occur).

Terrestrial animal health 39 Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Australia

40 Animal Health in Australia 2009 AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH In 2009, nine fish diseases, seven mollusc diseases, nine crustacean diseases and two amphibian diseases were notifiable to the World Organisation for Animal Health. Australia is free from most of these diseases.

This chapter provides details on the Australian reporting system for aquatic animal diseases, the status of aquatic animal health in Australia, national aquatic animal health policy, AQUAPLAN 2005–2010, preparedness for managing aquatic emergency animal diseases (EADs), disease events in 2009, and Australian collaboration on aquatic animal health initiatives both globally and in the Asia–Pacific region.

Aquatic animal health 41 Status of aquatic animal health notifiable to the OIE. Australia is free from most of these diseases. Table 3.1 shows Australia’s status for each OIE- in Australia listed aquatic animal disease in 2009. Figure 3.1 shows Australia has a national reporting system for aquatic the distribution of OIE-listed diseases that are present animal diseases of national significance. It includes all the in Australia, based on state and territory reporting of diseases currently notifiable to the World Organisation for findings within their respective jurisdictions. Animal Health (OIE) and other aquatic animal diseases of Table 3.2 lists aquatic animal diseases of national national significance. significance to Australia (other than the OIE-listed In 2009, nine fish diseases, seven mollusc diseases, nine diseases) and their status in 2009. crustacean diseases and two amphibian diseases were

Table 3.1 Australia’s status for OIE-listed diseases of aquatic animals, 2009 Disease or agent Status Finfish diseases Epizootic haematopoietic necrosis Locally present Epizootic ulcerative syndrome (Aphanomyces invadans) Locally present Gyrodactylosis (Gyrodactylus salaris) Never reported Infectious haematopoietic necrosis Never reported Infectious salmon anaemia Never reported Koi herpesvirus disease Never reported Red sea bream iridoviral disease Never reported Spring viraemia of carp Never reported Viral haemorrhagic septicaemia Never reported Mollusc diseases Abalone viral mortality Never reported Infection with Bonamia exitiosa Never reported Infection with Bonamia ostreae Never reported Infection with Marteilia refringens Never reported Infection with Perkinsus marinus Never reported Infection with Perkinsus olseni Locally present Infection with Xenohaliotis californiensis Never reported Crustacean diseases Crayfish plague (Aphanomyces astaci) Never reported Infectious hypodermal and haematopoietic necrosis Locally present Infectious myonecrosis Never reported Taura syndrome Never reported Tetrahedral baculovirosis (Baculovirus penaei) Never reported Spherical baculovirosis (Penaeus monodon-type baculovirus) Locally present White spot disease Never reported White tail disease Locally present Yellowhead disease Never reported Amphibian diseases Infection with Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis Locally present Infection with ranavirus Locally present OIE = World Organisation for Animal Health Note: Aquatic animal diseases reported to the OIE in 2009 are those listed in the OIE’s 2008 Aquatic Animal Health Code. The OIE requires reporting on diseases listed in the 2009 code from January 2010.

42 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Epizootic haematopoietic necrosis Epizootic ulcerative syndrome

2006 2009 2009 1992 2008 2003 2009

ACT 2004 2008 2002

Infection with Perkinsus olseni White tail disease

2008 2003 2009 2005

Figure 3.1 Distribution of World Organisation for Animal Health–listed aquatic animal diseases within Australia

Aquatic animal health 43 Infection with Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis Infection with ranavirus

2008

2008

2009

Infectious hypodermal and Spherical baculovirosis (Penaeus haematopoietic necrosis monodon-type baculovirus)

2003 2008 2008 2002

2002

States reporting that presence of the specific disease is suspected but no information is available to indicate the year when it last occurred

States reporting that the specific disease has never occurred within their jurisdictional boundaries

States reporting that presence of the specific disease is suspected but States reporting the occurrence of the specific no information is available to indicate the year when it last occurred disease and the year the disease last occurred

States reporting that the specific disease has never occurred within their jurisdictional boundaries States reporting that no information is available

States reporting the occurrence of the specific disease and the year the disease last occurred

States reporting that no information is available Figure 3.1 Distribution of World Organisation for Animal Health–listed aquatic animal diseases within Australia (continued)

44 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Table 3.2 Australia’s status for other significant diseases of aquatic animals, 2009 Disease or agent Status Finfish diseases Aeromonas salmonicida — atypical strains Locally present Bacterial kidney disease (Renibacterium salmoninarum) Never reported Channel catfish virus disease Never reported Enteric redmouth disease (Yersinia ruckeri — Hagerman strain) Never reported Enteric septicaemia of catfish (Edwardsiella ictaluri) Reported in 2008 from imported ornamental fish in a research laboratory Epizootic haematopoietic necrosis — European catfish virus/European Never reported sheatfish virus Furunculosis (Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida) Never reported Grouper iridoviral disease Never reported Infectious pancreatic necrosis Never reported Piscirickettsiosis (Piscirickettsia salmonis) Never reported Viral encephalopathy and retinopathy Locally present Whirling disease (Myxobolus cerebralis) Never reported Mollusc diseases Abalone viral ganglioneuritis Locally present Akoya oyster disease Never reported Infection with Bonamia species Locally present Infection with Marteilia sydneyi Locally present Infection with Marteilioides chungmuensis Never reported Infection with Mikrocytos mackini Never reported Iridoviroses Never reported Crustacean diseases Gill-associated virus Locally present Monodon slow growth syndrome Never reported Milky lobster disease Never reported

National aquatic animal Australian Government; the state, Northern Territory, and New Zealand governments; the Australian Animal health policy Health Laboratory of the Commonwealth Scientific Responsibility for policy and government decision and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO); and the making on aquatic animal health transferred to the universities (one representative). Animal Health Committee (AHC) from 1 July 2009. This Aquatic animal industries have formed the National change follows a decision by the National Biosecurity Aquatic Animal Health Industry Reference Group to Committee in July 2008 to disband the Aquatic provide a pathway for communication on aquatic animal Animal Health Committee (AAHC). As part of the new health issues between industry and governments at the institutional arrangements, the National Aquatic Animal national level. Foundation members of the reference Health Technical Working Group, which formerly group include the National Aquaculture Council, the provided scientific and technical advice to AAHC, has Tasmanian Salmonid Growers Association, the Pearl been renamed as the Sub-Committee on Aquatic Animal Producers Association, Recfish Australia and the Pet Health (SCAAH) and will now report to AHC. SCAAH Industry Association of Australia (ornamental fish). will support AHC in its policy deliberations by providing AHC will consult directly with the reference group. robust scientific and technical advice on aquatic animal health issues. SCAAH members represent the

Aquatic animal health 45 AQUAPLAN 2005–2010 Aquatic animal disease AQUAPLAN 2005–2010 is Australia’s national strategic emergency preparedness and plan for aquatic animal health. The plan aims to maximise Australia’s ability to control aquatic animal response disease outbreaks, maintain market access, support Australia’s national system for responding to, and quality assurance, and improve the productivity and preparing for, aquatic EADs encompasses all activities sustainability of Australia’s aquatic animal production relating to disease surveillance, monitoring and industries. AHC now oversees AQUAPLAN 2005–2010. response. These activities are carried out by the Australian Government, state and territory governments, AQUAPLAN Strategy 3 aims to enhance Australia’s industries, universities, CSIRO, private veterinarians and aquatic EAD preparedness and response framework. In laboratories, and other aquatic animal health workers. 2009, significant progress was made under this strategy towards the development of formal arrangements The national response to aquatic animal health between aquatic industries and governments for emergencies is coordinated by the Aquatic Consultative managing aquatic EAD incidents. A working group Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases (Aquatic with industry and government membership is using the CCEAD), which helps to ensure that the most effective abalone industry (including fisheries and aquaculture) as technical response is implemented. a model for developing formal response arrangements The Aquatic CCEAD comprises: for the broader aquatic sector. The group has undertaken a detailed review of emergency response arrangements • the Australian Chief Veterinary Officer in Australia’s terrestrial animal and plant sectors to • representatives from the Australian Quarantine and determine the suitability of these arrangements for Inspection Service application to the abalone industry. The group’s work is • representatives from Biosecurity Australia ongoing and will be reported to AHC. • the chief veterinary officer (or the director of the AQUAPLAN Strategy 4 aims to improve education fisheries department) in each state and territory and training in the aquatic animal health sector. Under government this strategy, a national workshop was held in 2008 to • the head of the CSIRO Australian Animal Health determine priority education and training projects. One Laboratory. of the two projects identified aims to improve training Technical representatives from industry may also be opportunities for practising Australian aquatic animal invited to participate. health professionals. In 2009, the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) and the Australian There was no need for the Aquatic CCEAD to convene Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and in 2009 to respond to any aquatic animal disease Forestry (DAFF) agreed on joint funding for a scholarship emergency. scheme under the project. SCAAH is developing advice on how the scheme should be implemented. The As in terrestrial animal disease emergencies, operational scholarship scheme will be administered by the FRDC responsibility for the response to an aquatic EAD in within its People Development Program. an Australian state or territory primarily lies with the relevant jurisdiction. Each state and territory government AHC has approved a review of AQUAPLAN 2005–2010, will bring together a broad range of resources to to be overseen by SCAAH. This review will report on help fisheries, aquaculture and aquatic animal health the plan’s development, implementation processes authorities address disease incidents. and achievements, and on considerations for the development of a successor strategy.

AQUAPLAN 2005–2010 and AQUAPLAN newsletters are available on the DAFF website.33

33 www.daff.gov.au/animal-plant-health/aquatic

46 Animal Health in Australia 2009 AQUAVETPLAN facility in Tasmania (a different facility from the one affected in 2008). The abalone processing facility was The Australian Aquatic Veterinary Emergency Plan destocked and decontaminated. There has been no (AQUAVETPLAN) is a series of technical response plans finding of disease in abalone in the wild in Tasmania. that describe the proposed Australian approach to an aquatic EAD event. These manuals provide background information and guidance on how to respond to a disease Infection with Batrachochytrium outbreak in Australia. AQUAVETPLAN is based on the dendrobatidis Australian Veterinary Emergency Plan (AUSVETPLAN) Infection with Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis was series for terrestrial animal diseases. Disease strategy reported in January, February and March, and in manuals allow animal health professionals to respond October, November and December 2009 in Tasmania efficiently to EADs in Australia. Operational procedures in a wide range of amphibian species following baseline manuals address important procedural issues and surveillance in that jurisdiction. complement the disease strategy manuals.

In 2009, revised editions of the operational procedures Regional aquatic animal health manuals for destruction and disposal and the disease initiatives strategy manuals for infectious salmon anaemia and furunculosis were published. Two new disease strategy Australia collaborates with many countries to help manuals — for abalone viral ganglioneuritis and improve their aquatic animal health, particularly with piscirickettsiosis — and revised editions of the Enterprise neighbours in the Asia–Pacific region. Cooperation Manual and the Control Centres Management Manual occurs through Australia’s membership of the Food and are in the process of being endorsed for release in 2010. Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the Asia–Pacific AQUAVETPLAN manuals can be downloaded from the Economic Cooperation forum and NACA. Participation in DAFF website.34 these forums ensures that Australia is actively engaged in projects that address aquatic animal disease threats to Disease events in 2009 the region. Reports on the events described in this section were The Asia Regional Advisory Group on aquatic animal provided to the OIE and the Network of Aquaculture health is established under the auspices of NACA Centres in Asia–Pacific (NACA) through the Asia–Pacific to advise NACA members on aquatic animal health Regional Quarterly Aquatic Animal Disease Reporting management. Members of the advisory group include Program. aquatic animal disease experts, the OIE, the FAO and collaborating regional organisations. An Australian Abalone viral ganglioneuritis Government officer serves as a member on the advisory In 2009, abalone viral ganglioneuritis (AVG) continued group and participated in its eighth meeting in Bangkok, to occur in wild abalone in some parts of Victoria. Thailand, in December 2009. Some key elements of the The disease has now been reported at sites along meeting were: approximately 300 km of Victoria’s coastline. A range • a review of the aquatic animal disease status of of measures have been implemented to reduce the risk the region of human activity transferring the disease to unaffected • a review of the diseases listed for reporting in the abalone populations and to protect abalone populations Asia–Pacific regional Quarterly Aquatic Animal recovering from effects of the disease. These measures Disease (QAAD) reporting program include restricted fishing areas, closures and increased • reports from international organisations (eg FAO, minimum size limits for abalone. The commercial NACA) on the progress of their aquatic animal health abalone industry has adopted strict biosecurity protocols, programs in the region and recreational fishers and divers are being encouraged • progress towards using a regional core of the OIE’s to follow biosecurity procedures to reduce the risk of World Animal Health Information System for the spreading AVG. regional QAAD reporting program. In August 2009, AVG was diagnosed in apparently sick, wild-caught abalone held in a live abalone processing

34 www.daff.gov.au/animal-plant-health/aquatic/aquavetplan

Aquatic animal health 47 Animal Health Australia

48 Animal Health in Australia 2009 TERRESTRIAL ANIMAL DISEASE SURVEILLANCE AND MONITORING The Australian Government and the state and territory governments regard disease surveillance and monitoring as a major function of the animal health system.

Australia’s surveillance and monitoring capability is underpinned by the National Livestock Identification System (Chapter 1), which enables livestock identification and traceability from property of birth to slaughter, and the National Animal Health Information System (Chapter 2) for collating data.

This chapter describes government and nongovernment programs that contribute to disease surveillance and monitoring capability at a national level. These programs are listed in Box 4.1 and described in detail below.

Terrestrial animal disease surveillance and monitoring 49 The National Animal Health Surveillance Strategy Box 4.1 National surveillance and monitoring (endorsed in 2007) provides a framework for animal activities disease surveillance in Australia. Its application is Managed by Animal Health Australia overseen by a national reference group. The strategy • National Arbovirus Monitoring Program covers the surveillance requirements to demonstrate • Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy Australia’s animal health status, and gives priority to Freedom Assurance Program areas that may affect human health, animal welfare, • Bovine Tuberculosis Surveillance Project wildlife health, livestock productivity and market access. • National Sentinel Hive Program In February 2008, the strategy reference group began • National Significant Disease Investigation Program to discuss the future needs of national animal health Managed by the Australian Wildlife Health surveillance and, in 2009, made recommendations Network to AHA. The reference group considers that Australia • Wildlife Health Information System has a solid reputation internationally for its surveillance • Wild Bird Surveillance Program activities, and this reputation is critical to maintaining • National bat surveillance consumer confidence and market access for livestock products. The Australian animal disease surveillance Managed by other organisations system is effective in detecting new and emerging • Pig Health Monitoring Scheme disease; however, it needs to improve if it is to • Ports Surveillance Program meet current and future challenges. In making its • Bovine brucellosis surveillance recommendations, the reference group considered the • Surveillance by private veterinary practitioners national and international context, including the ‘One • Australian Veterinary Practitioners Surveillance World, One Health’ principle,36 and the ‘drivers’ of Network future needs from government, industry and veterinary Surveillance in northern Australia perspectives. • Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy A successful pilot of the National Significant Disease • Animal biosecurity in the north Queensland tropics Investigation Program concluded in 2009 and, as a • Japanese encephalitis surveillance result, the program was established by AHA (see below). • Surveillance of bats

Public health surveillance for zoonotic diseases National Arbovirus Monitoring • National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System Program • National Enteric Pathogen Surveillance Scheme The National Arbovirus Monitoring Program (NAMP) monitors the distribution of economically important arboviruses (-borne viruses) of livestock and their Surveillance programs vectors in Australia. Important arboviruses include managed by Animal Health bluetongue, Akabane and bovine ephemeral fever Australia (BEF) viruses. Through an expanding range of programs, Animal Australia’s economy benefits from the export of Health Australia35 (AHA), on behalf of its members, ruminants (for both slaughter and breeding) and their coordinates national surveillance activities and manages semen and embryos. This trade depends on a shared data to support disease management and trade in animal confidence between Australia and its trading partners commodities (Box 4.1). that any risks to the animal health status of the importing country can be accurately assessed and properly AHA also enhances Australia’s surveillance outputs by managed. NAMP was established to provide credible maintaining national data standards for the National data on the nature and distribution of the above arboviral Animal Health Information System (NAHIS), and by infections in Australia, for use by regulatory agencies in supporting formal linkages to the Australian Biosecurity Australia and overseas and by livestock exporters. The Cooperative Research Centre for Emerging Infectious program enables the Australian Government to certify to Disease (AB-CRC) and the Australian Wildlife Health Network (AWHN). 36 World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) (2008). Press release: Avian Influenza International Ministerial Conference consolidated OIE approach. Sharm El Sheikh, 25–26 October 2008. (www.oie.int/ 35 www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au eng/press/en_081103.htm)

50 Animal Health in Australia 2009 trading partners that ruminants are sourced from areas The number and locations of herds are selected to free from important arboviruses. In addition, NAMP data enable determination of the distribution of arboviruses. assist overseas countries to develop import protocols for Hence, most sentinel sites are located either along the Australian livestock. Import protocols increase the range border between the zone where infection is expected of animals available for selection by accurately defining and the zone where infection is not expected, or in areas the geographical areas from which they may be sourced. where infection occurs sporadically. In addition, areas NAMP data also help exporters to identify areas that are expected to be arbovirus free are monitored to verify arbovirus free, on both a regional and a seasonal basis, their freedom, and known infected areas are sampled from which they can purchase livestock. to assess the seasonal intensity of infection with each arbovirus. The location of monitoring sites in 2008–09 is NAMP is jointly funded by its primary beneficiaries: the shown in Figure 4.1. cattle, sheep and goat industries, and the state, territory and Australian governments. To detect incursions of viruses from overseas, routine virus isolation testing occurs on samples from one herd Objectives of NAMP in the Northern Territory and two herds on Cape York in Queensland. Virus isolation tests are also applied NAMP has three specific objectives: strategically in other herds in the Northern Territory, • trade support — to facilitate the export of live sheep, Queensland and New South Wales after seroconversions goats and cattle to countries sensitive to bluetongue, are detected. NAMP surveillance data are supplemented Akabane and BEF viruses by providing scientific by the activities of the Northern Australia Quarantine information for the development of export protocols Strategy (NAQS) on islands off mainland Australia and at and to meet export certification requirements a number of remote mainland sites. • bluetongue early warning — to detect incursions of exotic strains of bluetongue virus (BTV) and Culicoides midge species into Australia by surveillance of the northern BTV endemic area NORTHERN TERRITORY • risk management — to detect changes in the seasonal distribution in Australia of endemic bluetongue, Akabane and BEF viruses and their QUEENSLAND vectors, in support of livestock exporters and producers. SOUTH AUSTRALIA WESTERN AUSTRALIA NEW SOUTH Operation of NAMP WALES NAMP data are gathered throughout Australia by VICTORIA serological monitoring of cattle located in sentinel herds, Desert strategic serological surveys of cattle herds and insect- Monitoring location vector trapping. TASMANIA

Groups of young cattle that have not previously been Figure 4.1 Location of monitoring sites for exposed to arboviral infection have their blood tested the National Arbovirus Monitoring at regular intervals to detect evidence of recent or new Program, 2008–09 infection with bluetongue, Akabane and BEF viruses. The frequency of blood sampling is relative to the probability Monitoring data for 2008–09 of arbovirus activity; that is, the greater the likelihood This report describes the limits of vector and virus of virus activity, the more frequent the sampling. Insect distribution, and the free areas for bluetongue, Akabane traps positioned near the monitored herds indicate and BEF viruses in the 2008–09 arbovirus transmission whether Culicoides vectors are present during the period season (spring to autumn, and limited by winter). of testing. Vector distribution and climate The distribution of bluetongue, Akabane and BEF viruses across the Australian continent is determined by the distribution of insect vectors.

Terrestrial animal disease surveillance and monitoring 51 Vectors have complex interactions with geography, In Queensland, rainfall was well above average in the climate, the host animals and the viruses. These north in January and February 2009, and extensive interactions result in the southern and inland areas flooding occurred in the . The of Australia being continuously free from livestock distribution of C. brevitarsis, C. wadai and C. actoni arboviruses. In the north, and in some of the eastern and appeared less extensive than in previous years. However, western coastal areas, the distribution of arboviruses the detection of a more southerly extension of fluctuates from year to year, depending on the C. brevitarsis, confined to central–western Queensland, distribution of their insect vectors. The principal climatic may account for a similar small southerly extension of factors influencing vector distribution are rainfall and BTV distribution near and Kynuna. A single temperature. male specimen of C. orientalis was detected by NAQS on Boigu Island in Torres Strait in March 2009; this is the The biting midge Culicoides brevitarsis is the main vector first record of this species in Australian territory. There of bluetongue and Akabane viruses in Australia. There is no evidence to suggest this species is a competent is a close relationship between the southern Australian vector, although it is a recognised pest of cattle. limits of this vector and the distribution of the viruses, Subsequent collections at this site have not detected although the viruses are less widely distributed than further specimens. their vectors. Less important vectors of BTV in Australia include C. wadai, C. fulvus and C. actoni. The main Drought persisted in New South Wales; the western, vector of BEF virus (BEFV) is believed to be the mosquito central and southern regions were worst affected. Culex annulirostris. This mosquito mainly occurs in the Although the drought eased between October 2008 and same regions as C. brevitarsis but, because it is less January 2009, conditions worsened again to June 2009. susceptible to climatic extremes than C. brevitarsis, it The north-coast region received higher than average occasionally occurs more widely. rainfall during the season, with three floods recorded during the first half of 2009. Widespread frosts occurred In Western Australia during the 2008–09 arbovirus on the northern and southern tablelands from May 2009, season, rainfall was above average in the north Kimberley but were infrequent on the coastal plains. C. brevitarsis and an isolated area of the north Pilbara, and below did not extend as far south as in previous seasons, and average throughout the rest of the state. Insect trapping C. wadai was not detected anywhere in the state. occurred throughout the state, but Culicoides species were found only in the Kimberley region. The numbers of Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania experienced specimens collected were similar to the previous year. above average temperatures and below average rainfall throughout the season; no arbovirus vectors were In the Northern Territory, the wet season began later detected. than usual in the northern part of the territory and rainfall was below average in most regions. In contrast, Bluetongue virus distribution above average rainfall fell in the central and southern The limits of BTV transmission are shown on the parts of the Northern Territory — the , interactive bluetongue zone map,37 which is based on and regions — and this World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) guidelines may account for the southerly extension of the BTV and defines areas in which no viral activity has been distribution into the southern Victoria River and Tennant detected for at least the past two years. Monitoring Creek districts. The number of C. brevitarsis specimens data showed that BTV continued to be endemic in far collected, and the duration of the seasonal activity of northern Australia, including the Kimberley region of C. brevitarsis were similar to last year. However, C. wadai Western Australia, and was distributed as normal in the and C. fulvus were more widely distributed and were Northern Territory, Queensland and New South Wales. found in greater numbers. Single specimens of each of two species not previously reported in Australia — In Western Australia, BTV was not detected in the Pilbara C. flavipunctatus and C. palpifer — were collected at the region — its previous southern limit in Western Australia. Douglas Daly Research Farm in the north of the Northern In the Kimberley region, the zone boundary was adjusted Territory. Neither of these species is known to attack southward following BTV detection near the southern livestock, and there is no evidence to suggest that limit of the zone of possible transmission. C. flavipunctatus is a vector. Subsequent collections at this site have not detected further specimens of either species. 37 www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/programs/adsp/namp/namp_ home.cfm

52 Animal Health in Australia 2009 At Beatrice Hill in the far north of the Northern Territory, Bovine ephemeral fever virus distribution virus activity began early in the season and was Consistent with the historical average distribution, widespread, with numerous virus detections occurring BEFV retreated from the extension seen in southeastern between October 2008 and June 2009. However, Australia in 2007–08 and was not detected in the at other northern sites, virus was not detected until southern states of South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania. February 2009. BTV was detected in the southern Victoria River and Tennant Creek districts of the Northern BEFV was detected in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions Territory, requiring a small southward expansion of the of Western Australia, throughout the north of the BTV surveillance zone. Similarly, over the border in Northern Territory and extensively in Queensland. In the northwest Queensland, detections of BTV at Mount Isa Northern Territory, the virus was more widespread than and Kynuna required a small southward expansion of the in the previous year and was detected as far south as bluetongue distribution zone. This followed a contraction Alice Springs. In New South Wales, the distribution of of the zone in central–western Queensland in 2007–08. BEFV resumed its usual pattern. The virus was detected along the coast from the state border in the north to the In New South Wales, BTV was detected from Lismore on Hunter Valley in the south, and on the northwest slopes the north coast (from February 2009) to the Hunter Valley and plains. The incidence of BEFV infections in both on the central coast (May and June 2009). The incidence New South Wales and Queensland was high (and above of infection in New South Wales was high. average).

Routine BTV serotyping of virus isolates from the north Figure 4.4 shows the distribution of BEFV in Australia of the Northern Territory detected BTV-2 in animals during the past three years. that showed no symptoms of bluetongue disease. This serotype is novel for Australia but is distributed worldwide, including in Indonesia. Other serotypes Transmissible Spongiform detected included those previously known to be present Encephalopathy Freedom — BTV-1 and BTV-3. Serotyping of samples from Assurance Program Cooktown, Queensland, detected evidence of BTV-23, In 2009, Australia remained free from classical scrapie which was first reported in 2005–06. and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), which BTV was not detected near any of the major sheep are types of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies populations in any state. All regions in southern Australia (TSEs). The purpose of the TSE Freedom Assurance and most pastoral regions in eastern Australia remain Program (TSEFAP) is to enhance market confidence BTV free. that Australian animals and animal products are free from TSEs. This is achieved through the structured and Figure 4.2 shows the distribution of BTV in Australia nationally integrated management of animal-related TSE during the past three years. activities.

Akabane virus distribution Projects that operate under the TSEFAP are: Akabane virus was not detected in the southern states of • the National TSE Surveillance Program (NTSESP) South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania. • ruminant feed-ban inspections and testing • imported animal surveillance, including trace-back Monitoring data continued to show Akabane virus schemes for certain imported cattle activity in the Pilbara (one herd only) and Kimberley regions of Western Australia, throughout the north of the • communications. Northern Territory, and in northern Queensland, where National Transmissible Spongiform the virus distribution was similar to that of BTV. In New South Wales, Akabane virus was detected only on the Encephalopathies Surveillance far-north coast. Program NTSESP aims to demonstrate Australia’s ongoing Figure 4.3 shows the distribution of Akabane virus in freedom from scrapie and BSE, and provide early Australia during the past three years. detection of these diseases should they occur. It involves the collection of samples from ‘clinically consistent’

Terrestrial animal disease surveillance and monitoring 53 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09

Akabane virus-free areas Akabane virus-free areas Akabane virus-free areas Akabane virus distribution Akabane virus distribution Akabane virus distribution Desert Desert Desert

2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09

Bluetongue virus-free areas Bluetongue virus-free areas Bluetongue virus-free areas Bluetongue virus distribution Bluetongue virus distribution Bluetongue virus distribution DesertAkabane virus-free areas DesertAkabane virus-free areas DesertAkabane virus-free areas Akabane virus distribution Akabane virus distribution Akabane virus distribution FigureDesert 4.2 Limits of bluetongue virus in DesertAustralia, 2006–07 to 2008–09 Desert

2006–07 2007–08 2008–09

2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09

Bovine ephemeral fever Bovine ephemeral fever Bovine ephemeral fever virus-free areas virus-free areas virus-free areas Akabane virus-free areas Akabane virus-free areas Akabane virus-free areas BluetongueBovine ephemeral virus-free fever areas virus distribution BovineBluetongue ephemeral virus-free fever areas virus distribution BluetongueBovine ephemeral virus-free fever areas virus distribution Akabane virus distribution Akabane virus distribution Akabane virus distribution BluetongueDesert virus distribution DesertBluetongue virus distribution BluetongueDesert virus distribution Desert Desert Desert Desert Desert Desert Figure 4.3 Limits of Akabane virus in Australia, 2006–07 to 2008–09

2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09

Bluetongue virus-free areas Bluetongue virus-free areas Bluetongue virus-free areas Bovine ephemeral fever Bovine ephemeral fever Bovine ephemeral fever Bluetonguevirus-free areas virus distribution Bluetonguevirus-free areas virus distribution Bluetonguevirus-free areas virus distribution Desert Desert Desert Bovine ephemeral fever virus distribution Bovine ephemeral fever virus distribution Bovine ephemeral fever virus distribution Desert Desert Desert

Figure 4.4 Limits of bovine ephemeral fever virus in Australia, 2006–07 to 2008–09

54 Animal Health in Australia 2009 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09

Bovine ephemeral fever Bovine ephemeral fever Bovine ephemeral fever virus-free areas virus-free areas virus-free areas Bovine ephemeral fever virus distribution Bovine ephemeral fever virus distribution Bovine ephemeral fever virus distribution Desert Desert Desert Table 4.1 Summary of results from the National Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies Surveillance Program, 2009 Cattle Sheep Number Number Number Number State or territory examined Pointsª positive examined positive New South Wales 149 31 429.8 0 124 0 Northern Territoryb 19 9 330 0 0 0 Queensland 319 95 397.8 0 34 0 South Australia 36 13 296.4 0 73 0 Tasmania 25 6 129.8 0 9 0 Victoria 224 72 091 0 140 0 Western Australia 68 22 743.4 0 168 0 Total 840 250 418.2 0 548 0 a Points are awarded according to the criteria in the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code. b There are no commercial sheep farms in the Northern Territory. sheep and from ‘clinically consistent’,38 ‘fallen’39 and consistent cattle’, and ensure that cattle from the fallen ‘casualty slaughter’40 cattle. Details of the sampling and casualty slaughter subpopulations are also tested. program for sheep and cattle are provided in the NTSESP AHA manages NTSESP with funding from 10 industry National Guidelines for Field Operations.41 stakeholders (livestock and associated industries), the For sheep, NTSESP is a targeted surveillance program Australian Government, and the state and territory that has an annual sampling intensity designed to be governments. Table 4.1 shows the results from NTSESP 99% confident of detecting scrapie if it is present in at for the 2008–09 financial year. Data for other periods are least one in a million adult sheep. This is achieved by available from the NAHIS database.43 the annual laboratory examination of a minimum of 450 sheep brains, collected from animals showing Australian Ruminant Feed-Ban clinical signs of a neurological disorder (as classified in Scheme the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code42). Since 1997, Australia has had a total ban on the feeding For cattle, Australia is assessed by the OIE as BSE to ruminants of any meals derived from vertebrates ‘negligible risk’ and therefore should implement OIE Type (including fish and birds). The ban is enforced under B surveillance. This is designed to allow the detection legislation in each state and territory and by a uniform of at least one BSE case per 50 000 in the adult cattle approach to the inspection of all parts of the ruminant population at a confidence level of 95%. Surveillance production chain. points are assigned to cattle samples according to In the 2008–09 financial year, 641 operations were the animal’s age and subpopulation category (ie the inspected, from renderers to end users. This revealed likelihood of detecting BSE). Australia’s target is to 10 instances of noncompliance, none of which required achieve a minimum of 150 000 surveillance points prosecution. Approximately 8500 audits were completed during a seven-year moving window. Australia also aims through industry quality assurance programs over the to meet OIE recommendations to investigate all ‘clinically same period. None required referral to the relevant central agency. 38 A clinically consistent animal is defined by the AUSVETPLAN disease strategy for BSE as ‘an animal that is found with clinical signs considered consistent with BSE’. This is analogous with the term ‘clinical suspect’ used in the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Imported animal tracing Code, Article 11.6.20, on surveillance for BSE. All cattle imported between 1996 and 2002 from 39 Fallen cattle are defined by the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code, Article 11.6.20, as ‘cattle over 30 months of age which are found countries that have experienced a native-born case of dead or killed on farm, during transport or at an abattoir’. BSE are placed under lifetime quarantine, electronically 40 Casualty slaughter cattle are defined by the OIE as ‘cattle over 30 months of age that are non-ambulatory, recumbent, unable to rise tagged as part of the National Livestock Identification or to walk without assistance; cattle over 30 months of age sent for System for cattle, and inspected by government emergency slaughter or condemned at ante-mortem inspection’. 41 www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/aahc/programs/adsp/tsefap/ authorities every six months. These animals may tse_ntsesp.cfm 42 www.oie.int/eng/normes/Mcode/en_sommaire.htm 43 www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/nahis

Terrestrial animal disease surveillance and monitoring 55 not enter the human or animal feed chains. They Other surveillance activities include the investigation of are slaughtered and tested as part of NTSESP, then granulomatous lesions detected during the slaughter incinerated or buried. The Cattle Council of Australia of deer, buffalo and camels for the domestic market, funds the removal of the cattle from the Australian herd. and testing of cattle before live export where this is a requirement of import conditions. The single intradermal Program communications caudal fold test, the main diagnostic tool for detection of TB in cattle during the Brucellosis and TB Eradication During 2008–09, TSEFAP communications included: Campaign, is performed by an AQIS-accredited • a pamphlet aimed at producers, informing them to veterinarian. Summary surveillance data are reported supply the relevant government agencies (as part online by NAHIS45 and in Animal Health Surveillance of NTSESP) with sheep and cattle brains from any Quarterly,46 published by AHA. animals showing clinical signs similar to a TSE • a series of pamphlets for stockfeed manufacturers In the unlikely event of a TB case occurring, eradication and users, promoting awareness of their activities will be guided by the current Bovine responsibilities under the ruminant feed-ban Tuberculosis Case Response Manual — Managing an 47 legislation Incident of Bovine Tuberculosis. This provides for an ‘approved property or herd’ eradication program agreed • a series of media releases on the ruminant feed ban by the owner and the relevant jurisdictional government, and its importance in keeping the Australian ruminant and is endorsed by cattle industry representatives. industries free from TSEs. Reimbursement for livestock destroyed for disease control will be provided by the cattle industry, through Bovine Tuberculosis Surveillance the Cattle Disease Contingency Fund. Project The Australian Reference Laboratory for Bovine TB (at the The Australian Bovine Tuberculosis Surveillance Project Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia) 2007–2010 (ABTBSP)44 provides the framework for a provides quality assurance for surveillance and supports nationally integrated approach to surveillance for bovine epidemiological investigations. tuberculosis (TB). The ABTBSP follows the completion of the Tuberculosis Freedom Assurance Program (TFAP) Part 1 (1998–2002) and Part 2 (2003–06). National Sentinel Hive Program The National Sentinel Hive Program (NSHP) was Australia’s Brucellosis and TB Eradication Campaign established in 2000 to enhance post-border monitoring ran from 1970 to 1997, achieving freedom from TB around Australia for exotic pests of honey bees, including by OIE standards several years before the end of the varroa mite (Varroa destructor and V. jacobsonia), campaign. The official declaration of freedom was made tropilaelaps mite (Tropilaelaps clareae), tracheal mite on 31 December 1997. Cases of TB were last detected (Acarapsis woodi) and Asian honey bee (Apis cerana). during TFAP Part 1 — in cattle in December 2000, and Early detection of these exotic pests is critical to in buffalo in January 2002. No cases were detected eradicating an incursion, and to limiting the size and cost during TFAP Part 2, and none has been detected during of an eradication program. the ABTBSP. Australia continues to conduct surveillance for bovine TB to ensure continuing freedom from the The program is implemented nationally through the disease. expertise of state apiary officers and cooperating beekeepers. AHA is contracted by the Australian The purpose of the ABTBSP is to collect, analyse and Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries report data from surveillance activities coordinated by and Forestry (DAFF) to deliver the program services, the Australian Government and state and territory animal including quarterly inspections (sentinel bee hives and health agencies. Meat inspection for granulomas, which coconut log traps), subsequent laboratory work and is conducted by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection reporting the results to NAHIS. Service (AQIS), has been the primary surveillance activity for bovine TB since 1992. This activity involves the In 2009, the Rural Industries Research and Development submission of granulomas, found in the head and thorax Corporation began a review of bee pest and disease of slaughtered cattle, for laboratory examination. Results 45 are reported through the ABTBSP. www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/nahis/public.php?page=pub_ home&aha_program=1 46 www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/status/ahsq.cfm 44 www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/programs/adsp/abtbsp/abtbsp_ 47 www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/programs/adsp/abtbsp/abtbsp_ home.cfm home.cfm

56 Animal Health in Australia 2009 surveillance activities in Australia. This includes National Significant Disease identifying any changes required to the operations of the Investigation Program NSHP. Significant diseases are broadly defined as those that During 2009, 34 sentinel hives for bee parasites were may impact trade, regional or national productivity, maintained at sea ports and airports across Australia or public health. The National Significant Disease that receive significant volumes of imported cargo or Investigation Program,48 funded by Animal Health regular berthing of vessels from international locations Australia from livestock industry and government where exotic pests of honey bees are known to occur. subscriptions, aims to boost Australia’s capacity for the In addition, 15 coconut log traps for A. cerana were early detection of diseases by increasing the participation maintained at the ports of Darwin, Gove and Brisbane. of private veterinary practitioners and subsidising Trap boxes (empty hives) are deployed at some southern the cost of their disease investigations. Disease ports as an additional surveillance measure for detecting investigations are subsidised where there are financial swarms of exotic bees. Experience suggests that these limitations to the investigation — for example, cases trap boxes are highly attractive to swarming bees. Tables in which the individual livestock are of low economic 4.2 and 4.3 show sample data for sentinel hives located value compared with the cost of veterinary services. at Australian ports in 2009. Subsidies are available for the initial field investigation, clinical evaluation, and a follow-up investigation. In As well as providing early detection of exotic bee return, the practitioner must provide a case report of parasites and bees, the NSHP supplies data to support the investigation to their government animal health health certification for exports of live bees. authority. This program is additional to state or territory government initiatives for disease investigations. Table 4.2 Samples examined for parasites of bees and pest bee species (by state or Summary case data — including presenting symptoms, territory), 2009 animal numbers and the response taken — are collated State or territory Samples examined centrally in NAHIS.49 These data show the activity of New South Wales 51 private veterinary practitioners and enable analysis of disease trends. Northern Territory 62 Queensland 21 Greater involvement by private veterinary practitioners South Australia 12 as a result of this program will significantly strengthen Tasmania 16 Australia’s general surveillance capability. General surveillance has a key role in the early detection of Victoria 14 emergency diseases, as demonstrated in outbreaks of Western Australia 60 Menangle virus in a New South Wales piggery (in 1997), Total 236 Hendra virus in Queensland horses (in 1994, 1999, 2008 and 2009) and sporadic anthrax in New South Wales and Table 4.3 Samples examined for parasites of Victoria. bees and pest bee species (by agent), 2009 During the 2008–09 pilot period for the program, a Agent Samples examined subsidy was paid and data were collected for 240 cases. Apis cerana 51 A budget has been provided for approximately 300 cases in 2009–10. Tracheal mite 85 Varroa/tropilaelaps mite 100 Total 236 Programs and activities managed by the Australian Chapter 5 (Managing animal health emergencies) Wildlife Health Network provides an update on the emergency response to an Australia’s wildlife disease surveillance is coordinated incursion of A. cerana by Queensland Primary Industries nationally through AWHN, working with a wildlife and Fisheries. coordinator in each state and territory. AWHN has established links with government agencies responsible

48 www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/programs/adsp/sdi.cfm 49 www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/nahis

Terrestrial animal disease surveillance and monitoring 57 In 2009, the focus of activities for AWHN was on: • assisting Australia’s states and territories and national agencies in general wildlife health surveillance • supporting the work of NAHIS • providing wildlife health information for national and international reports prepared by the Australian Government • managing and coordinating the surveillance program for avian influenza in wild birds • assisting the Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) focus group with its review of the Australian Veterinary Emergency Plan (AUSVETPLAN) disease strategy manuals for ABLV and rabies • establishing and coordinating a small representative focus group to improve communication between universities and government in the area of wildlife biosecurity • establishing and coordinating a small analysis group to identify and analyse significant new information on diseases that have wildlife as part of their ecology and may impact on Australia • completing a comprehensive examination of the electronic Wildlife Health Information System (eWHIS 2.0), which was funded by the AB-CRC Application and Linkage Program.

Approximately 330 significant wildlife health events were added to the national database in 2009. Of these, approximately one-third were wild-bird mortalities, all of Animal Health Australia which were atypical of deaths due to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

One interesting event involved a spectacled flying for human health and for the environment and fox (Pteropus conspicillatus) from a captive colony in conservation, and with zoos and universities. The Queensland. It showed neurological signs, but was network promotes and facilitates collaboration around diagnosed with severe disseminated toxoplasmosis. Australia in the investigation and management of wildlife Although toxoplasmosis is found in many Australian health, to support human and animal health, biodiversity mammals, no record of it in flying foxes is known. and trade. In addition to surveillance, AWHN assists Salmonellosis (with concurrent coccidiosis) was with investigations and research into wildlife and feral diagnosed in two mortality events in early 2009 involving animal disease, and provides education and training to Tasmanian pademelons (Thylogale billardierii) and ensure that Australia is well prepared for serious disease eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus giganteus). outbreaks in livestock, wild animal and feral animal Salmonella Typhimurium DT160 was also isolated from populations. a number of sparrows from locations in Tasmania, and links to human salmonellosis cases were investigated. Surveillance focuses on six disease categories: OIE-listed Environmental sampling showed negative results diseases, bat viral diseases, mass or unusual mortality for Salmonella where human cases of DT160 were events, Salmonella cases, arbovirus infections, and potentially associated with animal links. Sampling of any diseases that wildlife coordinators consider unusual or new cases will continue until the incident is resolved. interesting. AWHN administers a ‘first-alert system’ and produces weekly electronic digests of wildlife health Current disease information and publications are information. available on the AWHN website.50

50 www.wildlifehealth.org.au

58 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Programs and activities these pests. The Ports Surveillance Program increases the capacity to detect any screw-worm fly incursions managed by other at an early stage, which increases the probability of a organisations successful eradication program. Culicoides surveillance supports the livestock export trade by confirming the Pig Health Monitoring Scheme continuous or seasonal absence of Culicoides vectors at ports from which livestock are loaded. The Pig Health Monitoring Scheme involves visual examination of pig carcases and organs at slaughter for the presence of 11 disease conditions that may Bovine brucellosis surveillance limit production. These include enzootic pneumonia, After an eradication campaign that began in 1970, pleuropneumonia, pleurisy, mange and ileitis. Participants Australia achieved freedom from bovine brucellosis in five states conduct abattoir inspections; herd coverage (caused by Brucella abortus) in July 1989, and is estimated at 50% of Australia’s pig production. remains bovine brucellosis–free. Targeted serological Disease reports, which can validate disease management surveillance, performed by serological testing of blood practices, are then generated by Pigmon©3 software and samples collected from adult female cattle at slaughter, sent to producers and their veterinarians. From 2007, continued until the end of 1993. Since then, extensive collection and quality assurance of data have been the general surveillance by investigation of abortions has responsibility of participating states. demonstrated ongoing freedom from bovine brucellosis.

Table 4.4 shows the number of serological tests for Ports Surveillance Program B. abortus carried out at state veterinary laboratories The Ports Surveillance Program is conducted for as part of abortion investigations. Table 4.5 shows the Culicoides and screw-worm fly by Biosecurity Australia. number of tests performed for other reasons, such as export requirements. Sampling is conducted on other Seaports that service returning livestock vessels are species on an ad hoc basis, as shown in the tables. considered to be high-risk locations for incursions of

Table 4.4 Serological tests for Brucella abortus in Australia, abortion serology, 2003–09 Number of testsa Livestock 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Cattle 647 959 1165 746 293 626 289 Horse 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 Sheep 0 0 0 18 0 0 0 Total 647 959 1165 765 293 626 289 a All test results were negative for Brucella abortus. Note: In previous years, Animal Health in Australia presented aggregated totals for brucellosis surveillance.

Table 4.5 Serological tests for Brucella abortus in Australia, other serology, 2003–09 Number of testsa Livestock 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Alpaca 0 0 0 8 0 0 8 Cattle 13 104 8 036 4 975 9 875 13 209 9 860 5 672 Deer 0 0 0 0 519 0 53 Dog 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 Goat 0 0 0 473 2 190 0 905 Horse 0 0 0 8 9 0 0 Pig 0 0 0 22 0 0 33 Sheep 29 0 37 361 273 45 5 Total 13 133 8 036 5 012 10 754 16 200 9 905 6 676 a All test results were negative for Brucella abortus. Note: In previous years, Animal Health in Australia presented aggregated totals for brucellosis surveillance.

Terrestrial animal disease surveillance and monitoring 59 Surveillance by private veterinary South Australia practitioners The Primary Industries and Resources South Australia’s states and territories have legislation that Australia (PIRSA) Biosecurity group maintains close requires all private veterinary practitioners to report communication with rural private veterinary practitioners. suspicion or confirmation of a notifiable disease. PIRSA Biosecurity has an Enhanced Disease Surveillance Program to help promote disease incident investigations New South Wales in South Australian livestock. The program funds laboratory submissions for suspect infectious diseases In New South Wales, investigation of suspect notifiable in livestock and reimburses contracted private veterinary diseases usually occurs after private practitioners practitioners for costs incurred investigating unusual submit diagnostic specimens to a veterinary laboratory disease events. in the New South Wales Department of Industry and Investment. District government veterinary officers Tasmania collate data from these investigations, and often assist in the investigation or manage cases referred by private The Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, practitioners. Private practitioners receive subsidised Water and Environment contracts 10 veterinary practices laboratory testing for cases in which they investigate to supply information from their visits to farms. This mortalities of commercial livestock. They also receive program is in its sixth year. The information includes training in sample submission and disease investigation classification of diseases into 18 syndrome categories for some notifiable diseases. across seven livestock species. In 2009, between 42 000 and 75 000 animals were seen each month Northern Territory by the contracted practices, producing surveillance information on more than 550 000 animals from almost Private practitioners in the Northern Territory are asked to 7000 visits to 4700 farms. It should be noted that report significant animal disease events to departmental about half the animals were inspected during routine veterinary officers (in the Northern Territory Department assessments of large herds and flocks for purposes of Resources), who manage the investigations. such as drought management. In addition, 26 disease Practitioners are encouraged to submit livestock samples investigations were conducted by contracted private for laboratory investigation, which is performed free veterinary practitioners for cases where the clinical signs of charge. or the level of stock loss raised suspicion of a new or emerging disease. Queensland Seven contracted veterinary practices also report Private veterinary practitioners involved in large animal information on wildlife illness investigations, by and equine practice are visited or contacted by telephone classification of cases into 11 syndromes. During 2009, by veterinary officers from the Queensland Department syndromic information on more than 1240 individual of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation wild animals was reported. at least once each year to discuss disease incidents in their area. The veterinary officers also work with Contracted practitioners were provided with training in private veterinary consultants to the intensive pig and necropsy and disease investigation during 2009. poultry industries to manage serious disease issues. The department funds a senior veterinary pathologist to In addition to the contract, the department participates in assist private practitioners and field veterinary officers to the National Significant Disease Investigation Program. investigate complex disease cases, particularly where no clear cause for the problem has been identified. Victoria The Department of Primary Industries in Victoria Following the death of a veterinarian from Hendra involves private veterinary practitioners in animal health virus infection during 2009, considerable liaison surveillance activities by providing a subsidy for disease with practitioners has occurred with regard to the investigation and an investigation training program. management of suspect Hendra virus cases, including With prior approval from the department, a private the use of appropriate personal protective equipment. veterinary practitioner may carry out an extensive disease Private veterinary practitioners contribute to national investigation and claim subsidies for both reporting and surveillance programs, particularly the NTSESP. laboratory costs. During 2009, 113 investigations were undertaken.

60 Animal Health in Australia 2009 In 2009, the Department of Primary Industries offered increases the confidence in Australia’s current animal two short courses in animal disease investigation health status. As part of the program, veterinary methods. Both courses were well attended by private practitioners are provided with information such as veterinary practitioners. emergency animal disease (EAD) newsletters, and EAD updates are provided at the annual Australian Western Australia Veterinary Association conference. This raises the level of awareness of EADs among practitioners working in all In recent years, Western Australia has promoted production areas of Australia. surveillance and reporting of significant livestock disease events by private practitioners through personal The AVPSN was initiated by the Australian Government networking by departmental veterinary officers, regional and is managed by DAFF; it reports annually to NAHIS. training workshops in disease investigation and the production of a quarterly surveillance newsletter. Laboratory diagnostic work on cases of suspect notifiable Surveillance programs in diseases, or cases that are considered to be of public Northern Australia benefit, is exempt from laboratory charges. Northern Australia Quarantine During 2009, the Sponsored Veterinary Investigation program was introduced to rural practitioners in the Strategy agricultural regions. This program provides a subsidy NAQS contributes to national biosecurity through: for the investigation of significant diseases of livestock, • identifying and evaluating the unique quarantine risks including payment of travel costs, waiving of laboratory facing northern Australia fees, and assistance with the collection and dispatch • developing and implementing measures for the early of samples. Close liaison between practitioners, district detection of targeted pests and diseases in northern veterinary officers and pathologists occurs under Australia the program. • managing the quarantine aspects of border movements through Torres Strait Australian Veterinary Practitioners • contributing to collaborative capacity-building Surveillance Network activities in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and East The Australian Veterinary Practitioners Surveillance Timor (Timor-Leste) — these activities are coordinated Network (AVPSN) is a web-based system designed by the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer and the to collect information about on-farm investigations by Chief Plant Protection Officer. nongovernment veterinarians. Veterinarians are recruited strategically across Australia’s animal production regions, ensuring geographic coverage as well as coverage of the range of livestock industries and animal production systems Australia-wide.

The AVPSN collates information that adds to and complements information provided by existing surveillance activities. In particular, the AVPSN: • collects data on the frequency of on-farm investigations by nongovernment veterinarians — the data are organised geographically, by livestock type and by reasons and outcomes for farm visits • enhances Australia’s ability to recognise the emergence of new disease syndromes • enables the detection of changes to the range of endemic diseases.

The network provides quantitative evidence for Bronwyn Hall the amount of passive surveillance performed by nongovernment veterinarians in Australia and thereby

Terrestrial animal disease surveillance and monitoring 61 NAQS objectives are delivered through a program of Onshore surveillance integrated activities, including: In addition to the priorities outlined above, onshore • animal and plant health surveillance of targeted pests, animal health surveillance continued for exotic strains weeds and diseases of BTV, as well as targeted pests and diseases including • quarantine operations surra, screw-worm fly, Japanese encephalitis (JE), 51 • stakeholder and community engagement foot-and-mouth disease and classical swine fever. Surveillance activities include: • collaborations with stakeholders on matters of relevance to onshore quarantine surveillance • sampling and testing of domestic animals, wild birds and feral animals • onshore surveillance capacity building, particularly with Indigenous communities. • regular testing of sentinel cattle and pig herds • monitoring for target pests and disease vectors, Organisational restructures in response to the Quarantine including adult screw-worm fly, Culicoides species, and Biosecurity (Beale) Review in 2008 included the exotic bees and bee parasites. transfer of NAQS management functions to a newly No targeted exotic pests or diseases were detected established northern region of DAFF. In addition, through the above activities in 2009, with the exception responsibility for offshore animal surveillance and related of one male Culicoides orientalis from Boigu Island in capacity building initiatives was transferred to the Office March 2009 (see NAMP report in this chapter). of the Chief Veterinary Officer from 1 July 2009 (see separate report in Chapter 9). NAQS staff continue to NAQS works closely with the DAFF Corporate contribute to offshore initiatives as required, in addition Communications Branch to deliver the Quarantine Top to undertaking core onshore surveillance focused on Watch! awareness campaign. This campaign provides coastal regions in northern Australia (including Torres information to the public in coastal areas of northern Strait). Australia about targeted quarantine pest, weed and disease threats, and informs residents in Torres Strait Strategy priorities about quarantine regulations specific to the area. Since 2006, the Australian Government has prioritised quarantine surveillance associated with illegal foreign Animal biosecurity in the north fishing activity and threats posed by HPAI in northern Queensland tropics Australia. In 2009, NAQS increased its survey activity Biosecurity Queensland (BQ), part of the Queensland and surveillance relating to these quarantine risks; Department of Employment, Economic Development a significant proportion of these activities were in and Innovation, conducts surveillance and awareness collaboration with Indigenous communities. Services activities for exotic pests and diseases across tropical provided by Indigenous communities in 2009 included north Queensland. These activities complement those of brokering access for NAQS survey teams to Indigenous other programs, such as border security and quarantine land, sampling feral animals, pest trapping and coastal barrier activities undertaken by AQIS and NAQS. patrol activities. BQ activities also contribute to national pest and disease Surveillance relating to HPAI included sample collection surveillance programs, including: and testing of more than 1000 migratory waders and waterfowl across northern Australia and domestic poultry • NAMP in Torres Strait. Results of serological testing confirm • NTSESP waterfowl as natural reservoirs of low pathogenic strains • emergency animal disease preparedness of avian influenza. • apiary surveillance • peri-urban biosecurity • livestock identification and traceability • screw-worm fly surveillance • AB-CRC projects • aquatic animal health surveillance.

51 www.daff.gov.au/aqis/quarantine/naqs/target-lists

62 Animal Health in Australia 2009 BQ personnel aim to raise biosecurity awareness, and to liaise with Queensland Health regarding surveillance provide training to government and nongovernment results and response measures associated with JE in personnel in: the region. • management and minimisation of zoonotic disease • promotion of animal welfare and animal ethics Surveillance of bats • emergency pest and disease incident management Surveillance of bats for pathogens threatening livestock • decontamination, movement controls and sample and public health targeted five agents in 2008–09: ABLV, collection coronaviruseses, Hendra virus, leptospira and Nipah virus. The coronaviruses responsible for severe acute • identification and reporting of suspect animal pests or respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Nipah virus have not diseases been found in Australian bats. Surveillance outcomes • disease prevention strategies, including swill-feeding increased understanding of diseases of significance regulations. to the health of Australian bats, and helped safeguard A key activity for BQ officers is to investigate reported biodiversity. Outcomes will also provide a better outbreaks of disease and losses in livestock and wild understanding of bat-facilitated pollination and insect animals. During 2009, north Queensland cases involving control in ecosystems. suspected emergency animal diseases included several State animal and public health laboratories and the Hendra virus exclusions, as well as avian influenza and CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) Newcastle disease exclusions in domestic poultry and continue to screen Australian bats for ABLV. This is partly dead wildfowl. All cases proved negative. in response to increasing reports of human and domestic BQ continued response activities against an incursion of animal disease from bat lyssaviruses in Europe, Russia the Asian honey bee, Apis cerana (originally detected in and the United States (several novel bat lyssaviruses May 2007). A combination of surveillance activities and have recently been identified in Russia). Six bats tested public awareness campaigns has led to the detection positive for ABLV in 2009. They included two black flying and destruction of more than 35 nests and swarms in foxes (Pteropus alecto), one little red flying fox (Pteropus the Cairns region since January 2009. The response aims scapulatus) and three grey-headed flying foxes Pteropus( to eradicate this exotic pest from Australia. poliocephalus). These are the first positive cases of ABLV reported in Australia in approximately two years. AWHN During 2009, BQ continued to lead a taskforce to coordinates an ABLV focus group that works to improve investigate unexplained deaths of wild javelin grouper national coordination of issues associated with ABLV, (Pomadsys kaaken) in north Queensland coastal waters. including a review of the AUSVETPLAN disease strategy The taskforce successfully identified the bacterium manual for ABLV. AWHN collates and publishes ABLV Streptococcus agalactiae as the causal agent of these test results in collaboration with NAHIS. fish mortalities. This is the first time this agent has been identified as a cause of fish kills in Australia. In response to the recent cases of Hendra virus in Epidemiological investigations are continuing. Queensland, BQ, in collaboration with AAHL, will continue to survey Australian bats for evidence of infection with Hendra or Nipah viruses. Japanese encephalitis surveillance NAQS undertakes limited surveillance for transmission of JE in Torres Strait and mainland Australia. Testing of a Public health surveillance for sentinel pig herd at Bamaga, on the Cape York Peninsula zoonotic diseases in Queensland, has shown no serological evidence of The Communicable Diseases Network Australia (see transmission of the virus on the mainland since early Chapter 7) coordinated the national public health 2004. Serological testing of samples collected from response to the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza domestic pigs during a survey of Torres Strait in 2009 outbreak that affected Australia in 2009. Queensland indicated exposure to JE. This result is not uncommon; Health coordinated the public health response to the evidence of exposure to JE in Torres Strait has frequently two Hendra virus incidents (see Chapter 5 for more been found in annual NAQS surveys since the mid- information on both of these responses). 1990s. AQIS continues to provide biological samples from its surveillance activities to Queensland Health and

Terrestrial animal disease surveillance and monitoring 63 National Notifiable Diseases National Enteric Pathogen Surveillance System Surveillance Scheme The National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System The National Enteric Pathogen Surveillance Scheme (NNDSS) coordinates the national surveillance of more (NEPSS) collects, analyses and disseminates data on than 50 communicable diseases or disease groups enteric pathogens isolated from humans, animals, food, related to people. Unit records of disease notifications water, the environment and other sources. NEPSS made to state or territory health authorities, under is operated and maintained by the Microbiological the provisions of the public health legislation in each Diagnostic Unit at the University of Melbourne. Data jurisdiction, are supplied daily to the Office of Health on pathogens — such as Salmonella spp., pathogenic Protection, Australian Government Department of Escherichia coli, Yersinia spp. and Campylobacter Health and Ageing. The data are published weekly spp. — isolated from humans and nonhuman sources on the NNDSS website52 and quarterly in the journal are submitted from participating laboratories around Communicable Diseases Intelligence. Data on five Australia. Data for human notifications are reported important zoonoses are replicated in Animal Health within NNDSS. Surveillance Quarterly. NNDSS data show that, as in recent years, the most Table 4.6 reports the incidence of selected zoonotic frequently reported foodborne infections in 2009 were diseases in 2009 and compares these data with the campylobacteriosis53 (15 822 cases) and salmonellosis previous year and a five-year mean from 2004–05 to (9517 cases). 2008–09.

Table 4.6 Incidence of selected zoonotic diseases, 2009 Number of casesa Zoonotic disease 2008 2009 5-year mean Anthrax 0 0 0.4 Barmah Forest virus infection 2112 1486 1672.4 Brucellosisb 49 30 43.0 Kunjin virus infection 1 2 2.4 Leptospirosis 111 143 134.0 Murray Valley encephalitis virus infection 2 4 1.2 Ornithosis 99 59 152.2 Q feverc 357 304 406.4 Ross River virus infection 5641 4754 4425.6 a Data accessed on 27 January 2010 by diagnosis date. b Australia is free from zoonotic Brucella spp. except Brucella suis, which is endemic in feral pigs in some areas. c The Australian Q Fever Register stores information on the Q fever immune status of individuals. The website www.qfever.org has general information on Q fever and information on the register.

52 www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/cda- surveil-nndss-nndssintro.htm 53 This disease is not notifiable in New South Wales.

64 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Pauline Barnes 66 Animal Health in Australia 2009 MANAGING ANIMAL HEALTH EMERGENCIES Emergency animal disease responses in Australia are coordinated nationally — all states and territories work together to ensure a successful outcome.

This chapter describes the arrangements and initiatives that are in place to prepare for, and respond to, emergency animal diseases (EADs).54 The chapter also provides information on disease incidents that have occurred during the year.

The Australian government, state and territory governments, livestock industries, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), private veterinarians and laboratories, and other animal health workers all contribute to the management of EADs. Animal Health Australia (AHA) participates on behalf of its members.

Animal Health Australia 54 Details specific to the management of aquatic health emergencies are given in Chapter 3.

Managing animal health emergencies 6791 Response plans and Australian Veterinary Emergency coordination Plan 56 EAD responses in Australia are coordinated nationally AUSVETPLAN is the national contingency planning — governments and industry work together to ensure framework for the effective management of animal a successful outcome. Responses are underpinned by disease emergencies in Australia. The components of the Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement AUSVETPLAN are developed and agreed in ‘peace time’ (EADRA), which ensures that the response: by the Australian federal, state and territory governments and relevant livestock industries to ensure that a • accommodates the relevant state’s or territory’s response can be implemented with minimal delay and legislative, industry, government and community in a coordinated manner, including with regard to cost- structures sharing arrangements. • is guided by a nationally agreed plan, the Australian Veterinary Emergency Plan (AUSVETPLAN). AUSVETPLAN is a comprehensive framework that sets out the various roles, responsibilities and policies that all The Emergency Animal Disease agencies will follow in an EAD response. The procedures are contained in a series of 51 manuals that deal with Response Agreement more than 60 diseases, and some specific enterprise and The EADRA is between the Australian Government, the operational procedures, including decontamination state and territory governments, 10 livestock industries and compensation. and AHA. It supports a rapid and efficient response to an EAD outbreak. The AUSVETPLAN Summary Document describes the components of AUSVETPLAN and outlines their The agreement is a world first — it establishes basic functional relationships. operating principles and guidelines, and defines roles and responsibilities of the parties. The EADRA includes Because the overarching policy, technical issues and provisions for formal consultation and dispute resolution arrangements for the management of responses between government and industry on resource have been agreed nationally and are clearly set out in allocation, funding, training and risk management, and AUSVETPLAN, when an EAD incident occurs, all those ongoing biosecurity arrangements. involved in the response quickly focus on controlling the disease in each particular circumstance. EAD responses The signatories to the EADRA are committed to: are planned and implemented at three levels — national, • minimising the risk of EAD incursions by developing state or territory, and local — and involve animal health and implementing biosecurity plans for their authorities, emergency management agencies and jurisdictions or industries industry organisations.

• maintaining capacity to respond to an EAD by having In 2009, the following manuals were updated: available adequate numbers of trained personnel to • disease strategies — Aujeszky’s disease, classical fill roles specified in AUSVETPLAN swine fever, transmissible gastroenteritis, swine • participating in decision making relating to vesicular disease, Australian bat lyssavirus, bee EAD responses, through representation on the diseases and pests, infectious bursal disease, lumpy Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal skin disease, peste des petits ruminants, rinderpest, Diseases (CCEAD) and a National Management scrapie, and sheep pox and goat pox Group (NMG) • enterprise manual — beef feedlots • sharing the eligible response costs of EAD incursions. • response policy briefs — brief policy statements for The EADRA is regularly reviewed so that it remains swine influenza and vesicular exanthema. relevant, flexible and functional. A number of minor All AUSVETPLAN documents are subject to ongoing changes relating to procedures were agreed in 2009 review. In 2009, AHA reviewed the disease strategy for and incorporated into the latest version.55 There were equine influenza, taking into account the lessons learnt no EADs during 2009 for which cost sharing under the from the 2007 outbreak in Australia. As well, AHA is EADRA was invoked. reviewing a small number of disease strategies that have not yet been published as Version 3 documents.

55 www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/programs/eadp/eadra.cfm 56 www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/programs/eadp/ausvetplan/ ausvetplan_home.cfm

68 Animal Health in Australia 2009 What happens in a response? Preparedness initiatives Operational responsibility for the response to an EAD lies with the relevant state or territory, which develops Australia’s Emergency Animal an EAD Response Plan (EADRP). In most jurisdictions, Disease Preparedness Program the government agriculture or primary industries Australia’s preparedness to manage and respond to department manages the response to an EAD outbreak EADs is coordinated through the EAD Preparedness and implements the EADRP. State and territory chief Program, which is managed by AHA. The main veterinary officers (CVOs) have leadership roles; and objective of the program is to ensure that Australia is state emergency services, public safety services and well prepared for EAD incidents through a range of other government departments are involved in the activities, including public awareness, EAD training, response, as needed. Pre-existing whole-of-government simulation exercises and surveillance. When outbreaks arrangements allow agriculture or primary industries occur, preparedness ensures that Australia can mount a departments to draw upon resources and expertise from rapid and effective response with minimal disruption to these agencies. the livestock and food industries. The program is funded CCEAD has responsibility for technical coordination through a tripartite arrangement involving the Australian of an EAD response. The committee is chaired by the Government, state and territory governments, and Australian CVO and comprises the state and territory livestock industry organisations. CVOs, the Director of the CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL), members from Biosecurity National Emergency Animal Australia and the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Disease Training Program Service (AQIS), and technical representatives from In the event of an EAD incident, government officers, relevant industries. Industry representatives comprise livestock producers, private veterinary practitioners and one nominee agreed by all industry parties and one emergency workers are called upon to help eradicate nominee from each of the affected industries. AHA or control the disease. AUSVETPLAN defines how a attends CCEAD meetings as an observer. response to an EAD incident is to be conducted and the To ensure the most timely and effective response, roles that require specific training. CCEAD oversees implementation of EADRPs, strategy The National Emergency Animal Disease Training development and planning, and the development of Program was developed by AHA to provide education technical policy. CCEAD provides advice to an NMG and training in the various response roles. Most training that is established for each incident. The Secretary of is delivered in-house by the jurisdictions and AHA as it the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, is needed. Further training to underpin the program is Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) chairs the NMG, and available online. members are chief executives of the state and territory agriculture or primary industries departments and chief executives from each affected industry. AHA attends Australian Veterinary Reserve NMG meetings as an observer. The Australian Veterinary Reserve (AVR) was created in 2004 and comprises nongovernment and rural veterinary On receipt of technical advice from CCEAD, the NMG practitioners. The 100 members of the AVR are trained considers policy and financial issues associated with to immediately adapt to the conditions of an emergency the EADRP. The NMG’s agreement to an EADRP is an response and perform veterinary response roles. In the undertaking to share costs under the EADRA. 2007 equine influenza response, nearly half the AVR This structure ensures that all the resources needed to members were actively deployed to affected states help agriculture and animal health authorities deal with and demonstrated their commitment, expertise and an EAD are available and coordinated for the most professionalism. effective response. In ‘peace time’, AVR members maintain their skills and Further information about the mechanism of an continue their professional development by attending EAD response and how cost-sharing provisions are dedicated AVR sessions at annual conferences of the implemented can be found in the AUSVETPLAN Australian Veterinary Association and by participating Summary Document.57 in EAD exercises. In addition, they monitor EAD developments worldwide through AVR Intelligence, a

57 www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/programs/eadp/ausvetplan/ ausvetplan_home.cfm

Managing animal health emergencies 69 fortnightly bulletin produced by AHA specifically for Other training activities the AVR. During 2009, DAFF contributed to 10 workshops for private veterinary practitioners in the Northern Territory, Rapid Response Team South Australia, Queensland and Victoria. The workshops The national Rapid Response Team (RRT) is an Australian focused on raising awareness of EADs and appropriate government initiative, originally developed to assist response actions if veterinary practitioners suspect smaller jurisdictions with limited expert resources an EAD. to establish emergency control centres for disease outbreaks. RRT members are employees of agriculture International collaboration on or primary industries departments who, collectively, have expertise in establishing the key components of modelling for preparedness a local disease control centre or a state disease control To strengthen EAD preparedness, Australia is a key headquarters. Members of the RRT participate in player in an international collaboration on epidemiology professional development programs designed to increase and disease modelling. The EpiTeam is a subgroup of the their response skills. Group for Emergency Management of the Quadrilateral Group of countries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand The major activity in the RRT calendar is the annual and the United States). The EpiTeam was formed in training exercise. In 2009, the Victorian Department May 2005 following a workshop on FMD modelling and of Primary Industries hosted Exercise DIVA ’09 — policy. It includes members from the Quadrilateral Group named after the strategy to ‘differentiate infected from of countries, as well as Ireland and the . vaccinated animals’. RRT members joined with Victorian Priority tasks for the EpiTeam include: staff and a range of government and industry personnel • completing a comparison of countries’ FMD models to respond to a simulated foot-and-mouth disease • developing banks of FMD outbreak scenarios to (FMD) outbreak in an intensive dairy region of the support policy development state. RRT members facilitated the exercise and, acting as mentors, assisted Victorian staff to plan a disease • sharing methodologies for data collection and response, including a livestock standstill, vaccination and analysis communication strategies. • evaluating the expansion of modelling methods to other priority diseases EAD Response Preparedness and • developing decision-support tools for use in the initial Capability Enhancement Program stages of an outbreak The EAD Response Preparedness and Capability • developing guidelines for proper uses of simulation Enhancement Program (RPCEP) was introduced in models both before and during EADs. 2009. The program is designed to enhance national EAD In 2009, the EpiTeam completed phase 3 of a response capability and capacity by delivering learning comparison of FMD models developed by Australia and development to government and nongovernment (AusSpread), New Zealand (InterSpread plus), and the sectors. United States and Canada (North American animal During 2009, more than 50 RPCEP training courses, diseases simulation model — NAADSM). The first attended by more than 1000 people, were delivered phase of the model comparison study was based by the jurisdictions. The training has mainly focused on on a descriptive comparison of conceptual models. developing the basic responder skills of jurisdictional The second phase involved comparing basic model personnel. Some AUSVETPLAN role-specific training functions using results of a series of simplified disease has also been delivered for veterinary investigations scenarios. The results for these first two phases have 58 managers, infected premises operations managers, been reported in the New Zealand Veterinary Journal. restricted area movement and security managers, Phase 3 of the study involved simulating a series of more field surveillance teams and infected premises site complex scenarios based on a real farm dataset, and supervisors. realistic livestock movement and marketing data from the Republic of Ireland. These scenarios included an uncontrolled epidemic, as well as epidemics controlled

58 Dubé C et al (2007). A comparison of predictions made by three simulation models of foot-and-mouth disease. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 55:280−288.

70 Animal Health in Australia 2009 with various stamping-out and vaccination programs. to the EADRA. It actively manages communications The predicted numbers of infected premises, the during emergencies, in accordance with the MOU. duration of each epidemic, and the sizes and patterns Key aspects of this include: of predicted outbreak areas were compared. Within • promotion of collaborative communication activities models, variations resulting from the application • agreement on key messaging and spokespeople of different control strategies or different resource • responsibility for dissemination of information within constraints were analysed. jurisdictions and industry. Although there were some differences in absolute These arrangements were used extensively in the 2007 outcomes, the models demonstrated similar levels equine influenza response and are also used regularly for of effectiveness of different control strategies. It is smaller incidents, such as the early detection of human reassuring that the three models would lead to consistent pandemic H1N1 (swine influenza) in pigs in 2009. policy advice, despite their different approaches. The study has also reinforced the value of international collaboration in building and deploying these types Training in communications for of models. Outbreaks of exotic diseases like FMD in an emergency animal disease previously free countries are rare, and validating models response for these types of diseases in the absence of recent experience can be very difficult. The ability to compare To date, more than 350 people have participated in results when using identical input data and to explore the two-day ‘Public Relations in an Emergency Animal reasons for any differences is invaluable in interpreting Disease Control Centre Environment’ course. This course and gaining confidence in the outputs. The study has will be reviewed and amended following the updating of also highlighted the challenges in obtaining suitable the AUSVETPLAN Public Relations Manual (see below). data to use in disease simulation models. Although During 2009, NCN members endorsed the development modern simulation models are powerful planning tools, of an online course for communications professionals a good understanding of disease epidemiology and who are brought in to assist in a response. It is expected access to high-quality data on livestock management that this course will be created in 2010. and marketing systems are essential if the models are to realistically represent disease spread in livestock Communicating globally populations. The study has reinforced the need for In February 2009, the second meeting of the countries to understand what data are required, and Quadrilateral Group of countries communicators group to obtain the necessary data through research or other was held in Hobart, Tasmania. A number of lead-up systems. teleconferences were conducted to enable input from representatives unable to attend the meeting. Topics Increasing awareness and discussed included risk communications, best-practice case studies, and capacity building in the Pacific and understanding Southeast Asian regions. Subsequent discussions have been held on a regular basis, and the third meeting will National Agricultural Emergency be held in Washington, DC, in April 2010. Communications Arrangements In October 2009, DAFF officers attended the World In 2002, the Council of Australian Governments signed Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Regional a communications memorandum of understanding Workshop Seminar on Communications in Singapore. (MOU) requiring all jurisdictions to identify a key Representatives from the office of the Australian communications manager, to limit public comment to CVO gave a presentation on Australia’s animal health key spokespeople, to have consistent public comment communication arrangements. and to brief the media regularly.

The MOU led to the establishment of the National Communications Network (NCN), which is a central part of the emergency communication arrangements. The NCN comprises communications managers from all Australian agricultural agencies and the communications manager from AHA, representing the industry signatories

Managing animal health emergencies 71 The Farm Biosecurity campaign The peri-urban research was a culmination of a project managed by the Australian Centre for Risk Analysis. All Australian governments and livestock industries have Key findings will be incorporated into future biosecurity biosecurity and communications initiatives to increase education and engagement campaigns. awareness of the biosecurity practices needed to protect landholdings and Australia against EADs. The Protect The CALD research was conducted by a specialist Australian Livestock Campaign is now promoted as Farm in CALD communications. It reinforced long-held Biosecurity,59 with a tag-line of ‘Secure your farm: secure knowledge about the unique issues faced in this your future’. The campaign, which is a joint initiative of biosecurity target group, especially language issues and AHA and Plant Health Australia, encourages livestock the fact that most itinerant workers have no knowledge producers to be vigilant about EADs and to report any of biosecurity and its importance. This research formed unusual signs in their livestock. the basis of the material targeting specific backpacker groups (see above). Research will underpin more work The campaign uses the media, educational materials and with this group. stakeholder engagement to deliver messages to livestock producers and related service providers. It promotes the EAD Watch Hotline60 to report unusual signs of Communication preparedness disease in livestock. The campaign encourages livestock The NCN is the primary liaison group for communication producers to use biosecurity measures as everyday activities during a disease response. At other times practice in their enterprises in order to reduce the risks of the network refines emergency communication EADs and other diseases. arrangements and promotes positive biosecurity practices in Australia.

Communicating biosecurity The NCN met twice during 2009 and discussed a range awareness of issues, including the use of the EAD Watch Hotline, Communication work continues to target identified high- a review of the AUSVETPLAN Public Relations Manual risk areas for biosecurity. to define the role and function of the NCN during an EAD response, the ongoing form and structure of In 2009, DAFF produced material including translated the NCN, and how the NCN can work more closely posters and brochures targeted at itinerant French with industry communication representatives. The and Korean agricultural workers. These workers have NCN also contributed to the communications strategy been approached through labour hire companies and used for Exercise DIVA ’09. NCN members remain in temporary accommodation providers. Their employers contact throughout the year to consider biosecurity have also been provided with this material through communications activities and coordinate ongoing relevant industry groups. biosecurity messages, where possible. DAFF’s Biosecurity Services Group created a series of five simple, informative biosecurity videos, which are Biosecurity planning 61 hosted on the group’s website. Covering a range of Effective biosecurity at the enterprise and industry basic biosecurity topics, the videos are designed to give levels is extremely important in mitigating the risk of the biosecurity novice an introduction to biosecurity and the introduction or spread of animal diseases. This describe simple measures that can be taken to reduce is recognised by Australian livestock industries and biosecurity risks. governments in the EADRA, which requires that all signatories develop, implement and maintain biosecurity Research for better biosecurity plans aimed at industry, regional and farm levels for and communication their sector. In 2009, DAFF conducted and oversaw research The farm-level biosecurity plans contain the measures with a focus on peri-urban farmers and culturally and that are used to mitigate the risks of disease entry or linguistically diverse (CALD) audiences. spread. Each plan is endorsed by the other EADRA signatories and is subject to ongoing review and maintenance to ensure its currency.

59 www.farmbiosecurity.com.au Livestock industry members are currently reviewing 60 Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline: 1800 675 888 61 www.daff.gov.au/biosecurity the need for industry biosecurity plans. These are

72 Animal Health in Australia 2009 effectively business plans that identify the threats to State government biosecurity the industry, provide a risk assessment of the threats, strategies prioritise the threats, and provide methodologies for industry to meet expectations regarding preparedness, The states of Queensland, South Australia and Victoria surveillance, training, communications and research. The have been busy developing biosecurity strategies for biosecurity plans provide industry with an overview of its their respective jurisdictions. Extensive consultation has commitments to the national animal health system and occurred to ensure that all parties have been included. guide the use of industry resources. The strategies encompass biosecurity for livestock, crops and horticulture, the environment, wildlife and Pork industry aquaculture. The pork industry started to review its farm biosecurity plan during 2009, aiming to pull together farm Preparedness against specific biosecurity, food safety, traceability and quality diseases assurance. This will provide industry constituents with a Historically, many of Australia’s EAD preparedness single approach to key industry issues. The process will activities have been primarily targeted at FMD. In be completed during 2010. 2009, international collaboration on FMD continued, as described above. There was also a focus on other Poultry industries important diseases, and work continued to ensure that As an adjunct to the release of the National Farm Australia is well prepared for any incursion of avian Biosecurity Manual for Poultry Production (see Chapter 1), influenza. work was completed on the National Water Biosecurity Manual for Poultry Production (see below, under ‘Avian Avian influenza influenza’). Global situation The chicken meat sector undertook a major review of Continued outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza its farm biosecurity plan. The revised plan has been (HPAI) remain a major global challenge. Throughout accepted as exceeding the nationally agreed standards 2009, outbreaks of HPAI in birds were reported across and accepted by all other livestock industry groups. Asia, Europe and Africa, and the global human infection The Australian Duck Meat Association has finalised the and deaths associated with subtype H5N1 continued to development of its farm biosecurity plan. Although it is rise. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) not a signatory to the EADRA, the association has been (November 2009) show that 444 people have been proactive in the development of a plan, which has been infected worldwide and 262 have died from the disease endorsed by all signatories to the EADRA. since 2003.

The concern remains that some avian influenza (AI) virus Extensive grazing industries subtypes, such as H5N1, have the potential to mutate The beef, dairy, sheepmeat, wool, alpaca and goat into a form that is easily transmissible between humans, sectors have continued to develop standards for triggering a global human influenza pandemic with high biosecurity that can be adopted by mixed farmers, with a mortality rates. view to minimising the impact of implementation on the farm. Australia is particularly concerned about the HPAI situation in nearby countries. Australia assists with the control of disease in neighbouring countries to reduce Australian Alpaca Association the risk of an incursion into Australia and help address In 2009, the Australian Alpaca Association finalised its the threat of a human influenza pandemic. To help farm biosecurity plan after rigorous consultation with its countries prevent and manage outbreaks of the H5N1 members. Although the association is not a signatory to subtype of HPAI in the region, DAFF works closely with the EADRA, it has been proactive in developing its plan, the Australian Agency for International Development which has been endorsed by all signatories to (AusAID), other government agencies, and international the EADRA. agencies and forums. Activities focus on building sustainable capabilities for prevention, detection and response.

Managing animal health emergencies 73 Australian situation of AI in domestic commercial poultry, the Australian Government works closely with AHA, the states and Protection of the health of Australian poultry and territories, and poultry industry sectors through the Avian birds from HPAI is a high priority. DAFF’s primary AI Influenza Surveillance Taskforce. The taskforce comprises objectives are to protect Australia’s favourable animal representatives of the Australian and some state health status, and to strengthen Australia’s domestic governments, AHA and the commercial poultry industry preparedness and response capacities. In support of sectors (chicken meat, layers, turkey, ducks, game birds these objectives, DAFF carries out a range of activities and ratites). Considerable progress was made during to enhance border security at airports (to detect poultry 2009 by the taskforce, which completed a first draft of a and poultry products), and to strengthen Australia’s early national AI surveillance dossier. The dossier will provide warning systems, on-farm biosecurity and EAD response a comprehensive overview of existing AI surveillance capabilities. activities across all sectors of the poultry industry and a Wild bird surveillance, a key element of the Australian basis for future national AI surveillance arrangements. Government’s AI program, leads to a better Another collaborative effort between commercial understanding of the AI viruses circulating in wild birds poultry industry sectors, governments and AHA led in Australia, contributes to better decision making and to the publication of two biosecurity manuals for the a better understanding of risk factors, and provides a poultry industry. The National Farm Biosecurity Manual critical early warning system. Surveillance of wild birds for Poultry Production was launched at the third and poultry, including investigation of bird mortality Government–Industry AI Forum on 18 June 2009. The events, has found no evidence of the presence in manual provides a set of minimum standards applicable Australia of the HPAI H5N1 virus that is currently causing across all poultry industry sectors, with information outbreaks overseas. In 2009, cloacal and faecal swabs on everyday biosecurity procedures, procedures to and blood samples were collected from 7643 wild be undertaken in the event of a disease outbreak, and birds. To date, more than 38 000 wild birds have been a range of useful resources and links. Copies were tested for influenza viruses under the program, which is distributed to poultry farmers, industry associations, coordinated by the Australian Wildlife Health Network. and state and territory government departments across A summary of the program’s results for AI and wild Australia. The document is freely available on the DAFF birds from July 2005 to June 2007 was published in the website.63 In 2010, activity will focus on assisting the Australian Veterinary Journal in July 2009.62 poultry industry with the implementation of the farm AI surveillance activities in wild birds have shown that biosecurity manual at farm level through producer a variety of low pathogenicity AI (LPAI) virus subtypes training and workshop activities. (including H5 and H7) are circulating in Australian The National Water Biosecurity Manual for Poultry wild birds. The presence of these LPAI subtypes is to Production was produced to supplement the National be expected; however, it does reinforce the need for Farm Biosecurity Manual for Poultry Production. The use vigilance with on-farm biosecurity, and the importance of of untreated surface water is identified in the manual regular monitoring and surveillance of domestic poultry and in scientific literature as a major biosecurity risk for and wild birds. transmission of AI viruses to commercial poultry. The The third Government–Industry AI Forum was held in National Water Biosecurity Manual for Poultry Production June 2009, with attendees from the Australian, state provides guidance to producers on water sources and and Northern Territory governments, AHA and poultry sanitation systems for use on commercial poultry farms industry sectors — including free-range, exhibition in Australia, including guidelines on how to effectively stud poultry, egg, game bird, chicken, duck and turkey. sanitise surface water used for drinking and cooling. This The forum provided an opportunity for key poultry document has been distributed to the poultry industry stakeholders to review progress since the previous and state and territory government departments, and is forum, discuss policy issues and priorities related to AI, also available on the DAFF website. discuss the roles of stakeholders in preparedness and Overseas, live bird markets have been shown to have response, and agree on future areas of work. a major role in the transmission of AI viruses in poultry To advance national arrangements for surveillance and other birds. A research study was commissioned by DAFF to evaluate the biosecurity risks associated 62 L Haynes et al (2009). Australian surveillance for avian influenza with sales of live birds in Australia. The study, carried viruses in wild birds between July 2005 and June 2007. Australian Veterinary Journal 87(7): 266–272. 63 www.daff.gov.au/birds

74 Animal Health in Australia 2009 out by the University of Sydney, found that there DAFF will also enter into a new partnership with AusAID are no continuously populated live bird markets in to minimise the risks posed by H5N1 to Australia by Australia. Commercial flocks raised for meat are sold assisting neighbouring countries to identify and address directly to processors and do not enter a market the disease at its source in birds. Regional capacity- system. Live bird sales that do take place in Australia building activities will assist countries in the region to pose a low biosecurity risk to the commercial poultry improve their capacity to deal with zoonotic diseases industry, because of the low number of birds sold, the through implementation of the collaborative ‘One characteristics of the sales, and the limited physical World, One Health’ concept. This approach to infectious links between the sales and the commercial poultry diseases refers to the interconnectedness between industry. However, the study indicated that vendors human health, animal health and the environment, and and purchasers attending bird sales have only a limited the need to integrate these concepts in strategies for understanding of biosecurity. combating infectious diseases.

DAFF continues to engage with the noncommercial Australian authorities will also continue to contribute poultry sector, including poultry exhibitors, on biosecurity regularly to the efforts of global and regional agencies issues. In 2009, the noncommercial poultry sector was such as the OIE, the Food and Agriculture Organization represented for the first time at the Government–Industry of the United Nations (FAO), the Asia–Pacific Economic AI Forum. The AI program has also sought to engage the Cooperation forum, the Secretariat of the Pacific zoo industry on biosecurity issues, and established the Community and the Association of Southeast Asian Zoo Animal Health Reference Group. The priority of this Nations. group is AI, but discussions cover a range of issues of mutual concern to zoos and governments. Wildlife and emergency diseases The National Avian Influenza Vaccine Expert (NAIVE) The Wildlife and Exotic Disease Preparedness Program group, which comprises vaccine experts from (WEDPP) is a joint national, state and territory program governments and industry, provides guidance on that was established in 1984–85. It aims to develop national issues relating to the potential use of AI practical field strategies for eradicating, controlling and vaccine in the event of a disease outbreak in poultry. managing wild animals in the event of an outbreak The group met in 2009 to address issues relating to the of an exotic disease or other EAD that could threaten establishment of supply arrangements for AI vaccine as a Australia’s livestock industries. In recent years, the contingency in case of emergencies, occupational health program has focused on improving wildlife disease and safety issues for vaccination crews, procedures for surveillance. AI vaccination, and guidelines for the vaccination of rare The WEDPP management group considered 11 project and zoo birds. In 2010, NAIVE will develop operating applications for 2009–10. It supported funding for five procedures for vaccine use where a decision has been projects, including continued funding for the Australian made to vaccinate during an outbreak response. Wildlife Health Network (see Chapter 4). Other projects AQIS issued permits to the Australian CVO for the selected for funding this year are listed below: importation of four inactivated AI vaccines for use in an • Identifying and mapping Hendra virus strain diversity. emergency. Specific requirements apply to the use of Because of the importance of Hendra virus as a the vaccines, which will be permitted only in accordance cause of fatal disease in humans and horses, more with a decision by CCEAD and with the authorisation of knowledge is urgently needed about the ecology of the relevant state or territory CVO in the event of an HPAI the virus in bats. The key research question with this or significant LPAI outbreak. proposal is ‘What is the diversity of Hendra viruses occurring in Australia?’ This project has continued Looking forward from 2008–09. It appears that the threat of HPAI will not diminish in the • Development and validation of testing for Newcastle foreseeable future. DAFF will continue working in this disease viruses. The main objective of this project area with state and territory governments, AHA, other is to evaluate and refine new real-time polymerase Australian government agencies and industry. Wild bird chain reaction technology, use the technology to surveillance, domestic poultry surveillance, biosecurity understand the epidemiology of Newcastle disease, and vaccination work programs will all continue. and apply the knowledge gained to improve strategies for controlling Newcastle disease in commercial farming.

Managing animal health emergencies 75 • Field surveillance and monitoring for Leishmania In October 2009, a range of international and regional transmission by the blood-sucking midge Forcipomyia, technical experts met in Queensland to discuss Hendra subgenus Lasiohelea, in the Northern Territory. This virus and other emerging diseases, and to identify new project will collect Lasiohelea species from the Darwin research directions to fill gaps in our understanding of region during the wet and dry seasons and determine these diseases. The meeting was cosponsored by WHO, whether specimens are carrying Leishmania infection. the Australian Government Department of Health and • Avian influenza surveillance in Bolivar, South Australia Ageing (), OIE, FAO, the Australian Biosecurity (a continuing project). This will use opportunistic and Cooperative Research Centre for Emerging Infectious targeted field surveillance to seasonally monitor the Disease, Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries, presence of AI viruses in locally nomadic waterfowl and Queensland Health. and in migratory shorebirds that travel to South DAFF, Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries, Australia in large numbers from AI-infected zones in AAHL, Queensland Health and DoHA continue to Asia. explore future avenues for Hendra virus research. More information about WEDPP and results from previous projects are available on the DAFF website.64 Asian honey bees The Asian honey bee incursion in Cairns (north Emergency animal disease Queensland), which began with the detection of the first nest in May 2007, continued throughout 2009. responses in 2009 More than 35 nests or swarms were detected to Appendix 3 lists investigations of potential exotic and 31 December 2009, bringing the total to 57 detections other emergency diseases in Australia during 2009. since the incursion began. The area of infestation grew, Responses to several diseases are discussed below. with new detections in the Landsborough Valley south of Cairns, at Yarrabah to the east of Cairns, and south Hendra virus incidents of Gordonvale along the Mulgrave River. In addition, a In 2009, two unrelated Hendra virus disease incidents single nest and a swarm believed to have originated from occurred on properties in Queensland — one near that nest were detected at Mareeba on the Atherton Rockhampton and another near Bowen. Both properties Tableland. Extensive surveillance failed to detect further were placed under quarantine by Queensland veterinary evidence of Asian honey bees in the Mareeba area, and authorities when Hendra virus infection was confirmed. this introduction is believed to be associated with the A total of six horses were confirmed with Hendra virus movement of a shipping container from Cairns. Foraging infection from the two properties — all died or were bees, active in the Yarrabah and Greenhill areas, indicate euthanased. At the peak of the response, a total of the presence of as-yet undetected nests in these areas. 22 properties had movement restrictions in place, The peak of detections occurred in July–September, in including one property in New South Wales, due to line with the known behaviour of Asian honey bees to tracing of horses that had moved off the infected produce reproductive swarms in the spring. The size property shortly before confirmation of the disease, of both nests and swarms is showing a downward and horses that had come into contact with horses trend, with the three latest swarms being very small and or equipment from the infected property. Four people containing only about 100 bees. This may represent a from the property near Rockhampton who had high-risk reduction in the viability of Asian honey bees due to exposure received antiviral prophylaxis, which required inbreeding of bees in the incursion. hospitalisation. Tragically, one of them — a veterinarian — contracted the infection and subsequently died. As a result of the finding at Mareeba, the exclusion area for export of bees was extended further to the west. This Updated information on Hendra virus precautions has little effect on the export trade of package bees or that should be taken by people who work with horses queen bees — Mareeba is 30 km to the west of Cairns, is available on the websites of Queensland Primary and the extension to the 100 km exclusion area (a region 65 Industries and Fisheries. 100–130 km west of Cairns) incorporates an area around the town of Chillagoe that contains no major queen bee producers or commercial apiarists.

64 www.daff.gov.au/animal-plant-health/emergency/wedpp 65 www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_2900.htm

76 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Animal Health Australia

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 outbreak Australia’s approach to the management of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 infection in piggeries is framed within the A new subtype of influenza A virus, subsequently broader approach to swine influenza that is outlined known as the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus, in the recently revised AUSVETPLAN response policy was detected in humans in in April briefs.67 The policy is to implement a set of strategies 2009. WHO declared a pandemic in June 2009 due appropriate to the circumstances to contain the spread to the rapid spread of the virus from person to person of swine influenza, including pandemic (H1N1) 2009, worldwide. By late 2009, there had been approximately until the outbreak dies out or has been eradicated. 37 000 confirmed human cases of the pandemic (H1N1) In a situation where there is a reservoir in the human 2009 virus in Australia.66 population and little effect on pigs — as has occurred Between 30 April and 18 June 2009, as part of border with pandemic (H1N1) 2009 — the policy is one of measures to minimise entry of the pandemic (H1N1) minimal intervention, consistent with animal health, 2009 virus into Australia and at the request of DoHA, public health, and industry and marketing requirements. AQIS put in place pre-arrival reporting requirements for The policy includes ensuring that pigs slaughtered for all incoming international flights and vessels. AQIS was human consumption are free from clinical signs of also responsible for managing the operation of thermal disease. This approach is consistent with advice from the scanners and referring identified passengers to WHO, FAO and OIE that the risk of people becoming medical staff. infected with this virus through consuming pork or pork products is negligible. The large number of humans infected with the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus worldwide resulted in some spillover infections to animals, including pigs, in a number of countries. From July to September 2009, a small number of piggeries in Australia were confirmed to be infected with the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus, the most likely source being infected people. The signs observed were mild; pigs recovered quickly and these outbreaks have all been resolved.

66 Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing (2009). Australian Influenza Surveillance Summary Report No. 27, 2009. The number of cases reported represents a small proportion of those 67 www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/aahc/index.cfm?3C0F6E04- that have occurred in the community. A431-F6AE-22C9-37D7C61C6BB7

Managing animal health emergencies 77 78 Animal Health in Australia 2009 IMPORTS AND EXPORTS Due to the high value of Australia’s agricultural industries and the importance of protecting its fauna and flora, Australia adopts a conservative approach to managing animal health risks in quarantine policy and border controls.

As a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Australia ensures that import policies and procedures meet international obligations under the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement). Rights and obligations under this agreement help Australia to gain access to overseas markets under conditions that reflect Australia’s animal health status.

Dan Fellow

Imports and exports 79 Biosecurity Australia and the Australian Quarantine Imports and Inspection Service (AQIS) help maintain Australia’s Import legislation includes the Quarantine Act 1908 and animal health status by managing pest and disease the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation threats that imports may pose. They also support Act 1999. Imports are also overseen by Biosecurity technical market-access activities for the export of Australia and AQIS. Also included in this section are agricultural produce; this work is coordinated by the the recommendations arising from the equine influenza Trade and Market Access Division of the Australian review (released in June 2008). Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). Legislation This chapter discusses the import- and export-related The importation of animals and animal products into activities of Biosecurity Australia and AQIS in 2009. Australia is regulated by DAFF under the Quarantine Act 1908 and its subordinate legislation, and by the Quarantine and biosecurity Australian Government Department of the Environment, review Water, Heritage and the Arts under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and its On 18 December 2008, the Australian Government subordinate legislation. released One Biosecurity: A Working Partnership — the Independent Review of Australia’s Quarantine and Biosecurity Arrangements (the report of the Beale Biosecurity Australia Review), and the Australian Government’s preliminary Biosecurity Australia’s primary role is to develop response to the report. In its preliminary response, the and review biosecurity policies so that animals and government agreed in principle to the review panel’s animal products can be imported safely and with 84 recommendations. minimal restriction on trade. To prevent pests and diseases from entering, establishing and spreading in The government is carefully considering the reforms Australia, preborder, border and post-arrival measures recommended by the Beale Review; its response may be required. Biosecurity Australia assesses the will take some time and will be subject to whole-of- risk associated with import proposals, and develops government budget processes. Existing systems will appropriate import requirements that are based on continue to operate until the new arrangements are in scientific evidence and are consistent with Australia’s place. conservative approach to quarantine risk. The policy recommendations are passed to the Director of Animal Key activities that are in progress to improve Australia’s and Plant Quarantine, or AQIS, and are taken into biosecurity system include: account when applications for import permits are • development of new biosecurity legislation to replace assessed. the Quarantine Act 1908 and other relevant pieces of legislation Many of Australia’s quarantine requirements are based • development of a national agreement on biosecurity on the standards, guidelines and recommendations with state and territory governments to implement a established by international organisations, such as the working partnership for biosecurity activities World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). However, additional measures are sometimes needed to reduce • scoping of options for updated information risk to an acceptable level. Import conditions are applied technology systems and future post-entry quarantine only to the extent necessary to protect human, animal or arrangements plant health. • commencement of interim arrangements, including the consolidation of the biosecurity functions in A regulated import risk analysis (IRA) process came DAFF, appointment of an interim Inspector General into effect in September 2007. Timeframes for the of Biosecurity, and the appointment of an eminent completion of IRAs are prescribed through regulations, economist to the Eminent Scientists Group. and provide for either a standard or expanded IRA process, depending on the complexity of the science and the nature of the biosecurity risks. A standard IRA will be completed within 24 months and an expanded IRA within 30 months. IRAs can also be conducted using a nonregulated pathway; for example, where an existing policy is reviewed.

80 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Hans Boessem

The methods used in conducting an IRA are in line with for a 30-day appeal period in October 2009. In late Australian Government policy, the Quarantine Act 1908 December 2009, the IRA Appeal Panel disallowed the and its subordinate legislation, the requirements of four appeals received. the SPS Agreement, and relevant international animal health standards. The process provides for a number Policy reviews of public consultations, including consultation on the Policy reviews that are science based and involve draft IRA report. The IRA report is a key document that consultation with stakeholders can lead to minor assesses the quarantine risks and, where appropriate, changes to, or extension of, policy. recommends risk management measures. In 2009, policy reviews were finalised for hatching (fertile) eggs of domestic ducks and for red rainbowfish Import risk analyses for ornamental purposes. A draft policy review for In 2009, the Animal Biosecurity Branch of Biosecurity zoo bovids from New Zealand was issued for public Australia made progress with a number of IRAs: comment. • A review of the ornamental finfish policy with respect to the risks associated with iridoviruses, as a standard Australian Quarantine and regulated IRA. A draft IRA report was issued in March 2009 for 60 days of public comment. The Inspection Service 18 submissions received are being considered as a AQIS is responsible for regulating the importation provisional final IRA report is prepared. of biological substances, live animals and animal reproductive material. AQIS manages government- • Importation of horses from approved countries, as operated animal quarantine stations and develops a nonregulated IRA. This is part of the Australian criteria for AQIS-approved privately operated quarantine Government’s response to the inquiry into the equine premises. influenza outbreak in Australia in 2007. A draft IRA report was issued in November 2009 for a 60-day consultation period (this closed on 1 February 2010). Biological products • Importation of chicken meat from all countries. Biological products include a wide range of The IRA was well advanced when the regulated products derived from humans, animals, plants and process was introduced, and was completed under microorganisms that are used for food, therapeutics, the preregulated process. Biosecurity Australia research or analytical work. Examples of biological announced the policy determination of the Director of products are diagnostic and analytical kits and reagents, Animal and Plant Quarantine in March 2009. vaccines and other therapeutics, human and animal food products, bioremediation agents and organic fertilisers. • Importation of prawns and prawn products from all countries. This IRA is also being finalised under the The importation of biological products into Australia is preregulated process. A final IRA report was issued governed by the Quarantine Act 1908. Under the Act,

Imports and exports 81 many biological products need an import permit from The quarantine stations are situated at Eastern Creek the Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine. Permits are (New South Wales), Spotswood (Victoria), Torrens Island issued based on an assessment of the risk associated (South Australia) and Byford (Western Australia). In each with importation. The assessment takes into account: state, the quarantine station is approximately a one-hour • policy advice from an appropriate authority (for drive from the international airport terminal, allowing example, Biosecurity Australia and the Australian animals to be transferred for examination and post-arrival Government Department of Health and Ageing) quarantine soon after their arrival. • the biological contents of the product • the relevant plant or animal health status of the Equine influenza review country of origin for each biological component On 12 June 2008, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries • the manufacturing processes for the ingredients and and Forestry released the findings of an inquiry into the product the equine influenza outbreak in August 2007 — conducted by the Hon. Ian Callinan AC — along with the • the proposed end use of the product government’s response. The government accepted all • the facility (if any) in which the product is to be held. 38 of Commissioner Callinan’s recommendations. Appropriate conditions are included in the import permit Professor Peter Shergold AC, former Secretary of the to manage the quarantine risk of each biological product. Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, was appointed to ensure that the government’s response is During 2009, more than 7000 applications for import implemented in full and to oversee the process. Professor permits for biological products were processed. Import Shergold will report regularly to the minister over the next permits are normally issued for multiple shipments two years. The reports are on AQIS’s website.68 over two years; however, permits may be revoked or amended if there are changes to the quarantine risk for Recommendations from the inquiry that have been an import. implemented include: • revised interim quarantine measures Live animal import program • upgraded facilities at the Melbourne and Sydney Under the live animal import program, AQIS: international airports and Spotswood and Eastern Creek quarantine stations • assesses applications to import animals • updated work instructions for quarantine officers and • issues import permits with appropriate conditions private-sector personnel • audits health certification for compliance with • the introduction of new interim horse fees at import conditions government quarantine stations of $165 a day for • examines imported animals and genetic material thoroughbred stallions and $65 a day for all other on arrival horses. • liaises with overseas certifying authorities to verify that certification is consistent with import conditions Dr Kevin Dunn was appointed as the interim Inspector and international standards for the live animal trade General of Horse Importation and has now been appointed as interim Inspector General of Biosecurity. • formulates standards for AQIS-approved privately operated quarantine premises An expert group on horse importation, established by • inspects, monitors and audits AQIS-approved AQIS to assess the facilities at the airports and quarantine privately operated quarantine premises. stations, provided its report to the Executive Director of AQIS in March 2009. The report, which is being Animal quarantine program considered by AQIS, recommends further upgrades. AQIS operates four animal quarantine stations with the Biosecurity Australia has been working on the IRA for the capacity to manage imported animals that are subject importation of horses from approved countries. A draft to a period of quarantine. These animals are dogs, cats, IRA report was issued in November 2009 for 60 days horses, ruminants, hatching eggs and live pigeons. of public comment. Biosecurity Australia also inspected The animal quarantine program manages the stations quarantine operations at a range of pre-export and post- to ensure that facilities and the care of animals being arrival quarantine facilities, and has provided its reports quarantined meet acceptable standards for biosecurity to the Executive Director of AQIS. and for animal health and welfare. 68 www.daff.gov.au/aqis/about/eiimplementation

82 Animal Health in Australia 2009 A Horse Industry Consultative Committee69 has been meat, processed food and some other animal products is established; it includes the Australian Horse Industry covered by other subordinate legislation, including the: Council, the Australian Racing Board, the Equestrian • Export Control (Meat and Meat Products) Orders Federation of Australia, Australian Harness Racing, 2005 Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and the Australian • Export Control (Eggs and Egg Products) Orders 2005 Veterinary Association, as well as major horse importers • Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Orders 2005 and airport representatives. • Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Orders 2005 Exports • Game, Poultry and Rabbit Meat Orders 1985. The Australian Government seeks to improve trade These orders operate in conjunction with the Export opportunities and access arrangements for Australian Control (Prescribed Goods — General) Orders 2005. agricultural products through active participation in More detail can be found in Chapter 7. multilateral negotiations, including the Cairns Group70 All exporters of red meat and livestock (cattle, sheep, and the Doha round of WTO negotiations. In addition goats, buffalo, deer and camelids) require an export to gains realised through multilateral activities, licence. The Australian Meat and Livestock Industry Act Australian producers have benefited from bilateral (free 1997 gives legislative effect to the conditions attached to trade) agreements with New Zealand, Singapore, the the licence. United States, Thailand and Chile. Negotiations on the agreement establishing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)–Australia–New Zealand Free Technical input for market access Trade Area have concluded and the agreement is expected to begin in early 2010. Bilateral agreements Biosecurity Australia with China, the Gulf Cooperation Council, Japan, Korea Biosecurity Australia assists DAFF in delivering policy and Malaysia are currently under consideration. advice, in scientific submissions and in international negotiations for the export of live animals and genetic Biosecurity Australia and AQIS help develop further material. In 2009, Biosecurity Australia assisted with market-access opportunities. Major activities have approximately 90 issues in more than 45 countries, included: including technical matters associated with the export of: • consultation with industry on export priorities • livestock to China (sheep, cattle and pigs) and the and strategies Middle East (sheep and cattle) • identification of impediments in importing country • breeder and dairy cattle to several markets requirements and international standards, and • sheep, cattle, goats and genetic material to development of arguments that can be used to resolve them • bees to various countries. • development of relationships with key trading partners and, where appropriate, implementation of bilateral formal agreements or memorandums maintenance of access to foreign markets during disease or pest emergencies by contributing to technical negotiations with overseas authorities • contributing to the development of international standards. Legislation The Export Control Act 1982 controls the export of goods, including live animals and meat, processed food, animal reproductive material and a range of other animal products. The export of live animals and animal reproductive material is documented more specifically in the Export Control (Animals) Order 2004. The export of

69 www.daff.gov.au/aqis/about/clients/consultative-committees/hicc 70 www.cairnsgroup.org Tamara Kenneally

Imports and exports 83 Increased acceptance by trading partners of Australia’s Export certification and inspection bluetongue-free zone for exports of ruminants remains a services for live animals high priority. AQIS confirms the fitness of Australian live animals Australian Quarantine and Inspection and genetic material for export, and verifies that the requirements of the importing countries have been met. Service These activities involve: AQIS assists with negotiating access to new markets • inspecting live animals and animal reproductive for Australian meat, processed food and other animal material for export, and assessing documentation products, as well as responding to the challenges • issuing export permits and health certificates to presented by changes in importing countries’ nontariff Australia’s exporters of live animals and animal measures. Changes in Australia (and elsewhere) in food products safety and in animal and public health may threaten established market-access conditions, and resources • auditing the preparation and inspection procedures are directed to maintaining access for Australian food undertaken by accredited service providers exports to more than 160 countries. • registering premises for the assembly, isolation and quarantine of animals intended for export The Export Standards Branch of AQIS assists with • accrediting AQIS-approved veterinarians for the negotiating technical market access and export inspection of livestock for export. certification for all food and inedible products of animal origin (in contrast to nontechnical market access issues, International standards such as tariffs and quotas). In 2009, a wide range of DAFF contributes to the development of international matters was addressed by the Export Standards Branch, standards through its involvement in multilateral including: organisations and groups. These include the WTO and • facilitation of numerous reviews of Australia’s its committees, the Food Safety and Animal Health production systems for meat and other processed Quadrilateral Forum (Australia, New Zealand, Canada and food by international delegations, including from the United States), the OIE, and the Codex Alimentarius Russia, , Israel and the European Union Commission of the United Nations Food and Agriculture (reviews are integral to the maintenance of many Organization. export markets) • negotiation of new or improved market access, DAFF’s active participation in these groups helps develop and development of certification for a range of international rules and standards that reflect Australia’s commodities and markets, including beef and interests and situation. sheepmeat to Iran; beef, sheep and goat meat to Brazil; pet food to Mexico; dairy products to ; and kangaroo, donkey meat, edible donkey skins and seafood to China • facilitation of market access for meat and meat products to Muslim countries through the Australian Government Authorised Halal Program • assistance to Australian exporters when problems arise in clearing consignments arriving in importing countries.

AQIS’s role in certifying and inspecting meat and other food products for export is covered in detail in Chapter 7.

84 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Caroline Wardrop 86 Animal Health in Australia 2009 CONSUMER PROTECTION Consumers in Australia and overseas expect that the food they purchase will be safe. The Australian Government and industries work together to protect the public and ensure the safety of locally produced foods.

Programs that achieve this are administered by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS),71 the National Residue Survey (NRS), Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ),72 the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing,73 state and territory government authorities, and Animal Health Australia.74

71 www.daff.gov.au/aqis Animal Health Australia 72 www.foodstandards.gov.au 73 www.health.gov.au 74 www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au

Consumer protection 87 Animal Health Australia

Activities in the many networks and partnerships that contaminants, residues of veterinary drugs and help to protect consumers include: pesticides, food hygiene, food labelling, food nutrition • surveillance, prevention and control of communicable and food for special dietary uses, and antimicrobial diseases resistance in foods. In addition, Australia participates in commodity-specific committees concerning milk, fish, • identification of outbreaks of foodborne illness fats and oils, and fruit and vegetables. • monitoring of chemical residues and environmental contaminants in products Australia is strongly committed to participation in Codex • promotion of sound management systems to deliver and works to develop the strategic and policy direction safe and hygienic food products to the marketplace. of the Codex Executive and Commission, as well as the regional coordination committee for North America and Regulations and standards the South West Pacific. The following two sections outline the international and national regulations and standards applicable to National arrangements Australian consumers. The Australian domestic food regulatory system covers three distinct areas: policy development, food standard International setting, and implementation and enforcement of food standards. An intergovernmental agreement ensures During 2009, Australia participated in the development an effective and cooperative national approach to food of international science-based food standards through safety and regulation in Australia. the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex) and its subsidiary bodies. Ongoing communication initiatives Policy is agreed by the Australia and New Zealand Food — the publication of Setting the Standard and the Regulation Ministerial Council (ANZFRMC) and is then broad circulation of Codex documents — encouraged used by FSANZ (a statutory authority) to develop food stakeholders from government, industry, academia and standards for the Australia and New Zealand Food public interest groups to participate in the development Standards Code. ANZFRMC is chaired by the Australian of Australian positions on Codex standards under Government Minister for Health and Ageing (or delegate) development. and consists of representatives from the state, territory, Australian and New Zealand governments. Australia chaired the Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems. The committee made significant progress on proposed draft Food standards principles and guidelines for the conduct of foreign Primary production and processing (PPP) standards on-site audits and inspections, and began developing for seafood and dairy products have been developed principles and guidelines for national food control and implemented by all states and territories. FSANZ is systems. currently developing PPP standards for poultry meat, eggs and egg products, raw milk products, meat and Australia plays a strong leadership role in Codex meat products, and seed sprouts. committees dealing with food additives and

88 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Protective measures Residue monitoring Australia has two protective measures in place to ensure Industries participate in residue monitoring programs consumer safety — communicable disease surveillance to assess whether existing controls on the use of (Communicable Diseases Network Australia and agricultural and veterinary chemicals are appropriate, and OzFoodNet) and residue monitoring. to determine the levels of environmental contaminants. The programs are risk based, and are designed to identify Communicable disease and monitor chemical inputs into Australian production systems that may affect food safety. The scope of the surveillance annual surveys is designed to reflect the Australian risk Communicable Diseases Network profile. If noncompliance with controls is detected, the relevant state or territory authority conducts a residue Australia trace-back investigation to identify and resolve the Communicable Diseases Network Australia75 (CDNA) source of the noncompliance. The results of monitoring provides national leadership and coordination for the programs are also used to provide confidence for surveillance, prevention and control of communicable Australian consumers and important overseas markets human diseases that pose a threat to public health. Its that Australian products meet relevant standards. members include Australian national, state and territory governments, and key nongovernment organisations For animal products, the NRS conducts residue concerned with communicable diseases. CDNA offers monitoring programs for the cattle, sheep, goat and pig advice to governments and other bodies on public industries, and for camel, deer, horse, kangaroo, poultry, health strategies to minimise the effect of communicable ratite, wild boar, honey, eggs and some aquatic species. diseases in Australia and the region. The network The NRS is located within the new Food Exports Division oversees the development and implementation of of the Biosecurity Services Group in the Australian the National Communicable Diseases Surveillance Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries Strategy, which provides effective national surveillance, and Forestry. preparedness and responses for communicable disease The Australian Milk Residue Analysis (AMRA) Survey risks. CDNA reports to the Australian Health Ministers’ provides a national, independent monitoring program Advisory Council through the National Public Health for residues of agricultural and veterinary chemicals and Partnership. environmental contaminants in raw cows’ milk. Dairy Food Safety Victoria (DFSV) coordinates AMRA on OzFoodNet behalf of the Australian New Zealand Dairy Authorities’ In 2002, the Australian Government Department of Committee (ANZDAC) for the Australian dairy industry. Health and Ageing, in collaboration with state and The South Australian Research and Development territory health agencies, established OzFoodNet Institute (SARDI) implements national residue monitoring to improve surveillance for foodborne disease. This plans for salmon, trout and prawns, and exporter or collaborative network of epidemiologists, microbiologists producer programs for yellowtail kingfish, mulloway, and food safety specialists conducts applied research barramundi and southern bluefin tuna. into foodborne disease and methods for improving surveillance. Reports from OzFoodNet are published In developing residue monitoring programs, NRS, in Communicable Diseases Intelligence, a quarterly ANZDAC, DFSV and SARDI consult with the relevant publication of the Australian Government Department of industry sector and AQIS to ensure that the programs Health and Ageing.76 address any specific export market requirements, as well as domestic requirements. OzFoodNet provides early warning, or identifies outbreaks, of foodborne illnesses anywhere in Australia. Laboratories involved in residue monitoring are The network ensures a consistent national response accredited by the National Association of Testing to such outbreaks (which may include recall of a food Authorities. For programs managed by the NRS, product) and reduces the level of morbidity from laboratories undergo proficiency testing before being foodborne illness by prompt preventive action. contracted. The testing confirms a laboratory’s capacity to conduct analyses to international standards, which 75 www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/cda-cdna- underpins the technical validity of results. cdna.htm 76 www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/cda-pubs- cdi-cdiintro.htm

Consumer protection 89 Inspection and monitoring FSANZ has begun the process to develop a PPP standard for meat to replace AS4696 (the new PPP standard will Consumer protection is also ensured by inspection and apply to meat and game, but not poultry). This standard monitoring. In Australia’s meat sector, meat-hygiene should be finalised in late 2010–11. A separate PPP assessment and the hazard analysis critical control points standard for poultry meat is nearing completion and is (HACCP) system are used to ensure meat and meat expected to be considered by ANZFRMC in April 2010. products are safe for consumption. Also, premises used New standards have a two-year phase-in period from the for processing and storing dairy, seafood and eggs and date of approval. their products for export as food are regulated by AQIS to ensure consumer safety. The Export Control Act 1982 and subordinate regulations require export-registered meat industry establishments Meat to implement documented meat safety and product To implement control measures for animal health, food integrity systems, and to verify compliance with them safety and chemical residues, the Australian Government on an ongoing basis. These systems include the rigorous works closely with state and territory departments application of HACCP and its prerequisite programs. of agriculture and industry. The Australian, state and The programs include sanitation standard operating territory governments — together with industry — review procedures, objective assessment of meat hygiene, and update rules, regulations and industry practices in microbiological monitoring of raw and ready-to-eat response to international and national developments products, residue controls in livestock that are verified by in food safety. Australia has gradually introduced new random and targeted testing in raw meat, and product meat-inspection initiatives, such as product and process integrity and security controls throughout the processing controls based on meat-hygiene assessment and the chain. AQIS formally approves these programs, which HACCP system. These controls increasingly focus on are described as ‘approved arrangements’. minimising the level of enteric pathogens on carcases Establishments that process red meat and game for and processed meat. export have AQIS-employed veterinarians and meat Since 1985, the Australian export meat industry has inspectors on-site to verify that meat-inspection activities progressively adopted quality assurance systems. These satisfy export-certification requirements under the AQIS are closely aligned with international standards — the meat-inspection program. Senior AQIS veterinarians and International Organization for Standardization series and auditors conduct regular audits of inspection activities. Codex codes of practice. The quality assurance systems Australia has 390 export-registered establishments, are designed to ensure that the industry assumes greater comprising abattoirs (red meat, pig, poultry and game responsibility for the quality of its product and the meat processing), further processing establishments, accuracy of its documentation. independent boning rooms and storage facilities. The state and territory governments are responsible for Inspection and verification activities for these verification of the quality assurance systems at domestic establishments are undertaken by 104 on-site establishments, and AQIS is responsible for verification of veterinarians and 456 meat-safety inspectors. All systems these systems at export establishments. are subject to verification by senior AQIS veterinarians, and all meat inspectors are required to have completed HACCP has been used in the export meat sector since the AQIS-approved national training program. 1994. The HACCP-based approach allows AQIS and the export meat industry to demonstrate effective controls AQIS inspection and verification ensure compliance and guarantee the integrity of certification to trading with approved arrangements and so support export partners. Domestic red meat processors also follow certification. Administrative instructions for regulatory HACCP-based procedures under the Australian Standard staff aid AQIS in its inspection, verification and for the Hygienic Production and Transportation of Meat certification activities. AQIS also manages audits of the and Meat Products for Human Consumption (AS4696).77 meat-inspection system by Australia’s major trading Other Australian standards exist for game, ratite and partners. poultry meat. The standards describe the requirements To keep Australia at the forefront of food safety and that must be met by all Australian slaughter and meat export-certification systems, AQIS, in conjunction processing establishments during the inspection, with industry, is undertaking a number of projects. slaughter, processing and transport of meat. The Export Control (Meat and Meat Products) Orders 77 www.safemeat.com.au/English/Meat_Safety/Processing/ 2005 have been reviewed, and amendments should be Australian+Standard.htm

90 Animal Health in Australia 2009 completed in 2010. Other important projects are the AQIS provides export inspection, audit and certification review of verification processes and the development of services to industry in line with the Export Control Act, objective measures of food safety and wholesomeness at and associated regulations and orders. Approximately establishments. 30 AQIS staff deliver services to the seafood and egg industries. Staff from state regulatory authorities perform Exports of dairy products, seafood dairy export inspections on behalf of AQIS, with AQIS and eggs dairy staff maintaining a verification role. Premises used for processing and storing dairy, seafood In 2008–09, AQIS certified the export to 122 countries and eggs and their products for export as food must be of Australian dairy products worth $2.92 billion, as registered with AQIS. They must comply with structural well as exports of eggs and egg products of a lesser and operational requirements laid down in the Export value. Exports of Australian edible and inedible fisheries Control Act 1982 and its subordinate legislation. These products in 2008–09 (80% of which was edible product) establishments must have an approved arrangement, were worth $1.34 billion. which is a fully documented quality assurance AQIS currently registers 174 establishments that arrangement that includes practices and procedures process dairy products for export, and 223 dairy storage carried out by the establishment to demonstrate establishments, 101 of which are multicommodity compliance with legislative requirements. Process establishments. Export registration is given to 383 fishing controls are based on HACCP principles. When an vessels, and 381 land-based establishments that prepare approved arrangement or the establishment registration and process fish or fish products, including 103 dairy is suspended, product from the establishment is and fish multicommodity establishments. There are ineligible for export. 13 export-registered egg processing establishments.

Phoebe Cox 92 Animal Health in Australia 2009 ANIMAL WELFARE Under Australia’s federal system, each state and territory government is responsible for its own legislation relating to animal production and welfare.

The Australian Government’s involvement includes ensuring that the state and territory requirements for animal welfare are met at export abattoirs and during live animal exports. Australian Government legislation defines requirements for people and procedures in the export process.

Animal welfare is managed by each jurisdiction through ‘prevention of cruelty to animals’ or ‘animal welfare’ legislation. Each jurisdiction has a bureau that deals with animal welfare matters through specific administrative and enforcement arrangements. In four jurisdictions, this bureau exists within the agriculture portfolio.

Animal Health Australia

Animal welfare 93 Australian animal welfare legislation focuses on the duty Council (PIMC) in May 2009 of new Australian Animal of care owed by all people responsible for delivering Welfare Standards and Guidelines: Land Transport animal welfare outcomes. The ongoing development of Livestock of standards, guidelines and model codes of practice • endorsement by PIMC of mechanisms for assists people to understand their responsibilities and implementation of national animal welfare standards, expectations concerning animal welfare. The standards so that the individual animal welfare legal frameworks and guidelines inform the development of contemporary, of Australia’s states and territories will produce evidence-based quality assurance programs for nationally consistent animal welfare outcomes individual industries. • endorsement by PIMC of a pathway for approving The defining feature of the Australian policy environment national standards for nonproduction animals for animal welfare is the array of mechanisms for • participation by Australian animal welfare experts as engaging key stakeholders — governments, animal tutors in European Union (EU) training courses for industries, service providers, animal welfare bodies, veterinarians on animal welfare aspects of slaughter, the veterinary profession and the research community transport and natural disasters under the EU–Australia — in the development of animal welfare policies and cooperation agreement on animal welfare standards. Mechanisms that are used to develop and • funding by industry and private companies of implement animal welfare policies include animal ethics research trials of alternatives to the mulesing committees within individual institutions, state and operation on sheep; industry is working to phase out territory animal welfare advisory committees and, at this operation to meet customer requirements for the national level, the National Consultative Committee ethical sourcing on Animal Welfare and the Australian Animal Welfare • commercial implementation of a voluntary mulesing- Strategy (AAWS) Advisory Committee. status declaration for wool provided at auction so that Further information on Australia’s animal welfare buyers can make decisions in line with their clients’ arrangements is available on the website of the ethical purchasing requirements for wool Australian Government Department of Agriculture, • public release of a comprehensive scientific review Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).78 of the risks to animal welfare associated with ritual slaughter of livestock. Significant events in 2009 Australian Animal Welfare Significant events in 2009 included: • ongoing implementation of the AAWS, with Strategy increased stakeholder engagement and commitment Overview of the AAWS sectoral to the process • continued development of Australian animal welfare working groups standards and guidelines for livestock industries. The AAWS79 was jointly developed by the Australian Government, state and territory governments, industry • preparation for the regulation of livestock industry bodies and community organisations. Endorsed by standards in state and territory legislation PIMC in May 2004, the AAWS provides a national • an external review of the AAWS in 2009 that framework to improve animal welfare outcomes. It is acknowledged impressive progress, given the broad aimed at all Australians and encompasses all uses and scope of the strategy management of sentient animals. The published strategy • endorsement in May 2009, by the World Organisation has been distributed domestically and internationally, for Animal Health (OIE) International Committee, of and an updated version was produced in June 2008. The the New Zealand Australia Collaborating Centre on Australian Government has committed approximately Animal Welfare Science and Bioethical Analysis $1 million per year since 2005 to assist implementation • endorsement in November 2009, by the OIE Regional of the AAWS. Commission for Asia, the Far East and Oceania, of the The AAWS builds on the existing animal welfare implementation plan for the Regional Animal Welfare framework in Australia to achieve animal welfare Strategy for Asia, the Far East and Oceania improvements across six defined animal sectors: • endorsement by the Primary Industries Ministerial

78 www.daff.gov.au/animal-plant-health/welfare 79 www.daff.gov.au/aaws

94 Animal Health in Australia 2009 • animals in the wild Projects have included: • aquatic animals • an analysis of attitudes and awareness of animal • companion animals welfare in the community • livestock or production animals • an analysis of stakeholders • animals used for work, sport, recreation and • a stocktake of communication activities. display The AAWS science summit on pain and pain • animals used in research and teaching. management was held in May 2007. The summit examined national and international developments in An expert working group has been established for each scientific research and community attitudes towards sector. Working group members include scientists; animal welfare and pain management. Summit papers researchers; veterinarians; and representatives of state and selected additional papers were published by the and territory governments, animal industries and service OIE in 2008,80 and the summit proceedings are available providers, animal welfare organisations and animal on the DAFF website.81 welfare lobby groups. The AAWS 2008 International Animal Welfare A National Implementation Plan, endorsed by PIMC Conference (held in September 2008) was a high-profile in 2006, outlines the national priorities and expected event, with key international and national speakers. outcomes from the AAWS. Each working group has It explored issues and progress across the breadth developed an action plan for its sector to identify and of AAWS activities. Papers are available on the DAFF undertake projects that address the national priorities, website.82 support the overall AAWS objectives and improve animal welfare outcomes on a sector-by-sector basis. An external review of the AAWS in 2009 acknowledged impressive progress, given the broad scope of the In addition to the sectoral working groups, three strategy, but noted that there was more work to be done. additional working groups were appointed to It found that stakeholders are extensively engaged with manage cross-sectoral issues: education and training, and committed to the strategy. communications, and research and development. Highlights for 2009 across the six AAWS animal AAWS implementation activities management sectors are described below. Since 2005, the AAWS has achieved several implementation milestones, beginning with the Aquatic animals establishment of the AAWS Advisory Committee. The Aquatic Animal Welfare Working Group has developed a set of overarching principles for the welfare A national workshop of key stakeholders in 2005 led to of vertebrate finfish. The principles aim to minimise the endorsement of the National Implementation Plan by suffering during practices undertaken by this sector. They stakeholders and agriculture ministers. Further national cover fish that are farmed, being transported, kept in workshops were held in 2006 and 2007. aquaria (including aquaria in restaurants) and captured Stocktake reports of current animal welfare from the wild (commercially and recreationally). arrangements, activities and key issues were A project was started in 2009 to begin developing commissioned in each sector. The stocktakes identified welfare codes of practice for the commercial wild- priorities, gaps and risks that may impede progress of capture fishing industries. This work is expected to be the AAWS. completed and distributed to industry in 2010. With an emphasis on effective communication strategies, research has been undertaken to build a better understanding of stakeholders’ views, interests and capacities regarding implementation of the AAWS.

80 OIE Technical Series, Scientific Assessment and Management of Animal Pain, Volume 10, 2008 81 www.daff.gov.au/animal-plant-health/welfare/aaws/summit 82 www.daff.gov.au/animal-plant-health/welfare/aaws/aaws_ international_animal_welfare_conference

Animal welfare 95 Animals in the wild to develop Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Horses, which was initiated by The codes of practice (COPs) and standard operating the Queensland Department of Primary Industries procedures (SOPs) for the humane control of invasive and Fisheries. DAFF has now passed this project to animals have been finalised after their national Animal Health Australia to manage the final stages of endorsement by state and territory governments and the development and consultation for the document. Vertebrate Pest Committee. It was agreed that a number of control methods, considered to be unacceptable The first national survey of working dogs in Australia — a on animal welfare grounds, would be phased out by project initiated by the dogs subgroup of the working July 2013. These include toothed, steel-jaw traps (for group on animals used for work, sport, recreation and capturing and restraining rabbits, foxes, wild dogs and display — was conducted between June and October feral cats); strychnine baiting of foxes and wild dogs; 2008. The aim of the survey was to build baseline data chloropicrin fumigation of rabbit warrens; warfarin on how working dogs are sourced, trained, treated, baiting of feral pigs; and yellow phosphorus baiting of handled and housed. The report of the findings from the feral pigs. survey is expected to be released in early 2010, and a follow-up project will develop a national action plan to The inclusion of animal welfare in vertebrate pest- address priority animal welfare issues in the sector. control management ensures that invasive animals are controlled in a humane manner. A model to assess humaneness has been developed and published.83 It Companion animals is a useful guide to assist vertebrate pest controllers to The pet-care industry contributes around $5.7 billion consider humaneness as an integral part of vertebrate to the Australian economy, and 84% of the Australian pest-control methods. community has pets.84 The sector covers dogs, cats, birds and other small animal pets. It also encompasses Seven COPs and 43 SOPs for humane control of invasive companion animal horses, which contribute an animals have been written for 10 pest animal species. estimated $1 billion to the Australian economy. There are still pest species for which no COPs or SOPs are available. New COPs are being developed for cane Following agreement by PIMC on a pathway to approve toads, camels, donkeys, rodents and exotic fish (carp). national standards for nonproduction animals, work has The humane control of feral camels is a particularly begun on the development of national animal welfare complex issue, and a national control strategy is standards for dogs and cats. being developed. AAWS provided funding to Animal Management in A report titled The Characteristics and Success of Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities85 for a Vertebrate Translocations within Australia was funded and project to develop an educational DVD, Caring for finalised under the AAWS. It reviews the management Dogs, Community and Country, for environmental and release of threatened native species, and makes health practitioners. This educational DVD (launched in recommendations to improve survival rates. December 2009) will be used to provide information to individuals, schools, communities and groups on issues Animals used in work, sport, such as: recreation and display • stopping skin sores in dogs Work began on Australian Animal Welfare Standards and • controlling ticks and fleas Guidelines for the Exhibition of Animals (zoo animals) • desexing dogs and the benefits of doing this at a workshop at Taronga Zoo in July 2008. General • stopping dog bites and what to tell children for standards and guidelines are well advanced, and the staying safe around dogs development of taxon-specific standards and guidelines • worming dogs and its importance is under way. Both general and taxon-specific standards • preventing dogs from getting diarrhoea and and guidelines are expected to be released for public spreading harmful microorganisms to people. consultation in early 2010 and then progress to PIMC for endorsement later in the year. 84 BIS Shrapnel Report, Contribution of the Pet Care Industry to the Australian Economy, 6th edition, 2006. An expert consultative group completed its work 85 Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities is an independent group of veterinarians, academics, health workers and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. They facilitate 83 www.daff.gov.au/animal-plant-health/welfare/aaws/humaneness_ sustainable dog programs in remote Indigenous communities to of_pest_animal_control_methods improve the health and wellbeing of the entire community.

96 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Livestock production animals In 2009, the AAWS Livestock Production Animals Working Group identified the need for better training of livestock handlers as a high priority for improved livestock welfare. An AAWS-funded project was undertaken to identify the principles, and an acceptable framework for applying national animal welfare standards and guidelines within industry quality assurance arrangements. The project explored the feasibility of developing a consistent approach to the training of stock Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Australia handlers to advance progress in this area. Sheep and beef cattle were the major animals targeted. Guidelines to Promote the Wellbeing of Animals Used for The revised Model Code of Practice for the Welfare Scientific Purposes: The Assessment and Alleviation of of Animals: Pigs is currently being implemented in Pain and Distress in Research Animals,86 has been noted legislation by the states and territories. internationally.

The Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines: Land Transport of Livestock was endorsed by PIMC in Communication strategy May 2009. Implementation by the states and territories is A goal of the AAWS is effective communication, a priority for 2010. education and training across the entire Australian community to improve understanding of animal welfare. Standards and guidelines for the welfare of cattle and This has proven to be a large and difficult task. Some sheep are now being written (see below). activities, such as the AAWS 2008 International Animal Welfare Conference, have been extremely successful. In Animals in research and teaching other areas, progress has been slower than expected. The working group on animals in research and teaching In June 2009, the AAWS Advisory Committee requested is developing welfare measures for animals used in a review of the AAWS communication strategy and research, which will be applied in animal houses and development of an annual communication workplan. research institutions. The aim is for the measures to The communication and education working groups confirm that the structures and processes implemented combined for a workshop in July 2009 to re-examine the under the Australian Code of Practice for the Care of communication strategy and priorities, and to develop a Animals Used in Research and Teaching, the guiding tactical implementation plan for 2009–10 and beyond. document for the sector, provide ethical outcomes when Priority areas of activity are building and maintaining animals are used. communication networks through the animal welfare The working group has provided informed advice for stakeholder group, delivering better information and Australia’s representative at the International Council for easier access to information about animal welfare issues Laboratory Animal Science (ICLAS), which has linkages and the national strategy, and facilitating sharing of with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and information across the sectors. Cultural Organization (UNESCO). In addition, a working group member has been invited to join a working group Animal welfare education and of ICLAS and the Council for International Organizations training of Medical Sciences to review and update the International Guiding Principles for Biomedical Research In February 2008, the AAWS Education and Training Involving Animals. Working Group finalised a comprehensive review of animal welfare education and training in both the formal At the international level, members have successfully and informal education sectors across Australia.87 promoted a number of documents that underpin Australia’s animal welfare practices and standards in The working group commissioned a follow-up study this sector. Working group members made substantial to compare Australia’s animal welfare education and comment on the draft OIE guideline Use of Animals training efforts with international best practice. This in Research, Testing or Teaching. The 2008 publication by the National Health and Medical Research Council, 86 www.nhmrc.gov.au/publications/synopses/ea18syn.htm 87 www.daff.gov.au/animal-plant-health/welfare/aaws/stocktake/ stocktake_of_animal_welfare_education_and_training

Animal welfare 97 The AAWS Animal Welfare Research and Development Advisory Group finalised its strategic review of Australia’s animal welfare research and development framework and capacity in December 2007. Its current work, largely driven from the AAWS sectoral working groups, aims to develop a national research and development portfolio and workplan. The portfolio will address cross-sectoral areas that are important to AAWS stakeholders and relevant to the sectors. The research and development will be funded by animal welfare stakeholders outside Australia’s government sector, and undertaken by Kodie Payne Australia’s animal welfare research consortium.

benchmarking study aimed to assess how well Australia National standards and performed against five key criteria, and how it could guidelines for the welfare of learn from a range of innovative international education and training programs. animals

The study identified possible future directions in animal Conversion of model codes of welfare education in Australia, including certificate practice into Australian animal courses in animal welfare, bioethics and social concerns; masters-level studies in animals and public policy; welfare standards and guidelines undergraduate and postgraduate courses in animal The development of nationally consistent arrangements law; and the inclusion of animal conservation in animal for animal welfare is a key goal under the AAWS. welfare studies. The model COPs for the welfare of animals are In 2009, work was undertaken with school teachers in referenced in different ways in the animal welfare focus groups to understand approaches and barriers legislation of the states and territories. This lack of to teaching animal welfare in the classroom. The consistency has been identified by PIMC, industry and need to develop and to share teaching resources was animal welfare groups as a priority issue to be addressed. highlighted. A major initiative to improve the consistency of animal welfare outcomes and arrangements is the revision and A study into secondary school agricultural students’ conversion of model codes of practice into Australian behavioural attitudes to working with sheep and the animal welfare standards and guidelines. Animal impact of these attitudes on stock handling was also Health Australia is leading the process for the livestock completed. Further work will continue to develop industries. national resources for training students and others in low-stress stock handling. Codes for the Land Transport of Livestock were the first to be reviewed and converted into standards and guidelines, under an agreed national process. Animal welfare research The livestock transport standards apply to the major Australia’s animal welfare research consortium, commercial livestock industries in Australia: cattle, comprising three key animal welfare research groups in sheep, goats, horses, pigs, alpacas, poultry (meat 88 Australia, joined with DAFF, two New Zealand research chickens, layers, turkeys, ducks, geese, pheasants, groups and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, guinea fowl, partridge, quail and pigeons), emu, ostrich, New Zealand, to form a joint New Zealand–Australia OIE buffalo, deer and camels. Collaborating Centre for Animal Welfare Science and Bioethical Analysis. This initiative was endorsed by all Although PIMC endorsed the livestock transport 174 member countries of the OIE at its general session standards in May 2009, it also agreed that more work in May 2009. needed to be undertaken on standards for maximum allowable time off feed for bobby calves, use of electric 88 The Animal Welfare Science Centre in Victoria, the Centre for prodders on pigs and transport time for spent hens. A Animal Welfare and Ethics at Queensland University, and the Animal Welfare Stream within the Livestock Industries division of regulatory impact statement will be required to cover any the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation changes to the bobby calf standards. PIMC will consider (CSIRO)

98 Animal Health in Australia 2009 proposed solutions to these concerns at its second Achieving nationally consistent meeting in late 2010. welfare outcomes Representatives from the states and territories met Recommendations developed during an AAWS-funded in December 2009 to determine a mechanism to project in 2007–08 aimed at national harmonisation harmonise implementation in regulation of animal of animal welfare regulation were endorsed by all welfare standards, and those in the livestock transport Australian state and territory governments in May 2009. standards in particular. Timely and consistent Implementation of these recommendations will provide implementation and communication of the livestock legislative consistency in animal welfare in all states and transport standards is a major project for 2010. territories. This will facilitate consistent animal welfare Development of sheep and cattle standards and outcomes through the application of the new standards guidelines began in late 2008, and the sheep and and guidelines. Further work on harmonisation will be cattle writing groups began drafting the standards and needed, covering national competency requirements discussion papers in early 2009. Both writing groups for animal welfare inspectors, cross-border policy have had several meetings throughout the year, and the agreements, options for the livestock industries to first meeting of the sheep standards reference group develop national quality assurance schemes, and further was held in June 2009. Further writing and reference evolution of a national approach to monitoring Australia’s group meetings will occur in the first half of 2010 before animal welfare performance. the standards and guidelines and a regulatory impact statement are released for public consultation. International animal welfare Livestock exports World Organisation for Animal Health Version 2.2 of the Australian Australia strongly supports the OIE leading development Standards for the Export of of scientifically based international animal welfare Livestock guidelines. These guidelines are not intended to underpin nontariff barriers to international trade through Version 2.2 of the Australian Standards for the Export of prescriptive animal welfare requirements. The Australian Livestock is currently in force. Exporters must comply Government consults closely with the livestock industries with the standards to be permitted to export livestock by in developing an Australian position on issues being the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service. discussed in this forum. Livestock Export Standards The OIE: Advisory Group and consultative • has endorsed animal welfare guiding principles forum on the livestock export • has developed welfare guidelines for land transport, sea transport, humane slaughter and killing for industry disease control The Livestock Export Standards Advisory Group was • is currently working to develop guidelines for broilers, established in 2009 to provide advice to DAFF and beef cattle, and the use of animals in research, testing the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on and teaching. the revision, development and implementation of the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock. Australian experts have participated in most of the OIE working groups that developed these guidelines, and A consultative forum on the livestock export industry Australia has provided comment to the OIE on each will be convened in 2010 to provide views from a wide draft. selection of stakeholders in livestock or live export.

Animal welfare 99 Regional Animal Welfare Strategy Engagement with the European for Asia, the Far East and Oceania Union Australia is assisting the OIE with the development of regional and subregional strategies in Asia, the Far East EU–Australia Animal Welfare and Oceania, as well as the Middle East. An inaugural Cooperation Forum animal welfare workshop for the Asia, Far East and In September 2008, the EU and DAFF agreed to terms Oceania region was held in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2007. of reference establishing the Animal Welfare Cooperation The Regional Animal Welfare Strategy for Asia, the Far Forum of the European Commission and the East and Oceania (RAWS) was endorsed in May 2008 Australian Government. by the Regional Commission for Asia, the Far East and The aim of the forum is to provide a regular opportunity Oceania and the OIE International Committee. for information exchange and cooperation on animal DAFF, in conjunction with the OIE, hosted a workshop welfare issues of operational and strategic importance in Bangkok in November 2008, which agreed on an to both participants. The forum promotes dialogue on implementation framework for the RAWS and drafted current animal welfare systems, activities and priorities. It an implementation plan. The plan was endorsed by the will further develop a science-based approach to animal Regional Commission for Asia, the Far East and Oceania welfare and strengthen the bilateral relationship on in November 2009. The next step is a training course animal welfare issues, including advancing OIE work in for OIE animal welfare focal points and a workshop this area. to consider issues arising from the implementation A subgroup of the Animal Welfare Cooperation Forum plan; these activities will take place in Bangkok in the met in July 2009 in Australia. Strategic issues discussed first half of 2010. Key to the success of the RAWS is a included social science research into community practical and applied implementation process, and the attitudes, bilateral agreements and risk assessment in ongoing support of governments, welfare organisations, animal welfare. Opportunities for research collaboration practitioners, scientists and industry. were considered on matters such as pain and pain management in animals, with an emphasis on farm Welfare activities with Middle animals, and ways to collaborate on international Eastern trading partners capacity building. In May 2009, the Australian Government announced Australian animal welfare experts also acted as tutors a three-year, $3.2 million Live Trade Animal Welfare in a number of EU training courses for veterinarians on Partnership program funded jointly by government and animal welfare aspects of slaughter, transport and natural industry. Through this program, government and industry disasters during 2009. are working together to support Australian agriculture and trade. The Food and Agriculture The Live Trade Animal Welfare Partnership builds Organization of the United Nations on previous investments to support a range of The Animal Production and Health Division of the Food improvements, including better infrastructure to reduce and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) livestock stress or injury, and training for feedlot and organised an expert panel in 2008 to review current transport staff in overseas markets. knowledge on animal welfare standards, practices and policies, and to advise on requirements for capacity Quadrilateral Animal Welfare building, especially in developing countries. A DAFF Working Group expert was a member of the panel. Issues explored In 2009, Australia participated in the Animal Welfare included how the FAO could contribute to informing and Working Group of the Animal Health Quadrilateral supporting producers in developing countries, and the Group of countries — Australia, Canada, New Zealand benefits of promoting good animal welfare practices. and the United States. The working group held regular In the context of FAO activities, it was agreed that animal teleconferences and a face-to-face meeting in 2009, welfare can and should contribute to the implementation updating member countries on developments of interest. of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.89 In delivering improved animal welfare outcomes, the

89 www.un.org/millenniumgoals

100 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Amy Smith

FAO needs to work with other international agencies, Australian, state and territory ministers for primary governments, nongovernment organisations and the industries considered the scientific evidence on the private sector. matter in November 2009. They determined that jurisdictions use risk-management measures that are DAFF met with the FAO again in 2009 to update it on compatible with religious belief in order to manage the Australia’s efforts in international capacity building and identified animal welfare risks where unstunned animals progress with the AAWS. are subjected to slaughter.

Livestock slaughter Mulesing There are community concerns about risks to animal Significant research efforts are continuing into welfare- welfare associated with the practice of ritual slaughter of friendly alternatives to the mulesing operation to meet livestock without stunning. In response to this, in 2007, customer requirements for ethical sourcing of wool. the intergovernmental Animal Welfare Working Group In 2008, the Australian Wool Exchange amended the of the Animal Health Committee was asked to review National Wool Declaration to implement a sourcing Australia’s currently accepted practices. This review statement for the mulesed status of wool to enable included whether these practices adequately protect the producers to identify whether their wool was from sheep welfare of livestock. that were not mulesed or mulesed with pain relief, or if To inform the process, DAFF commissioned a the wool came from a property that had stopped or did scientific review of ritual slaughter and consulted not perform mulesing. The declaration statement and the with representatives of the Jewish and Islamic faiths. descriptors of practices were reviewed in 2009. The resulting paper — Specifying the Risks to Animal Welfare Associated with Livestock Slaughter without Induced Insensibility — was peer reviewed by eminent international experts and was published on DAFF’s website in 2009.90

90 www.daff.gov.au/animal-plant-health/welfare/reports

Animal welfare 101 102 Animal Health in Australia 2009 REGIONAL ANIMAL HEALTH INITIATIVES Australia collaborates with many countries to improve the health of their livestock. Concerns expressed by international public health agencies about the potential impact of zoonotic diseases have led to increased public and official attention being given to animal disease control.

Australia’s involvement in regional animal health initiatives is through aid and research activities. Aid activities are primarily resourced through the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), and research activities are primarily resourced through the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR). In addition, Australia is involved through direct liaison with the government agencies, veterinary associations and private organisations Josh Estey, AusAID of collaborating countries.

Regional animal health initiatives 103 Australia provides technical and financial assistance human diseases originate in animals, control at the at global and regional levels by supporting the World source is fundamental to a comprehensive health Health Organization (WHO), the World Bank, the World security strategy. Animal disease control and capacity Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the Food and building can have major benefits in productivity at the Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), farm level and may improve the trading potential of a the Asia–Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC), developing country by increasing its capacity to meet the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), trade-related sanitary requirements. the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and the Most of Australia’s aid is designed, delivered and Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia–Pacific. Support subsequently assessed in consultation with collaborating to international animal health collaborators ensures that countries’ governments and other agencies to meet Australia’s involvement in regional projects addresses their most pressing development needs. AusAID takes a animal health issues and requirements that are important whole-of-government approach to development issues for Australia as well as for the collaborating countries. and responds to challenges in the region by drawing This chapter summarises Australia’s main areas of activity upon broad expertise in government, business, academia in terrestrial animal health through AusAID and ACIAR and the community. in the Asia–Pacific and African regions. Information on Australia’s contribution to the global development effort regional aquatic animal health initiatives is provided in focuses primarily on the Asia–Pacific region, where a Chapter 3. majority of the world’s poor live. Assistance to Africa and will also increase as the aid program Overseas aid scales up to 0.5% of gross national income by 2015. Australia’s overseas aid program aims to assist developing countries to reduce poverty and achieve AusAID sustainable development in line with Australia’s national Current AusAID projects that include animal health interest. Australia’s development assistance is guided activities are described below. by the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the internationally agreed targets for poverty reduction. Achieving MDG1 (eradicate extreme hunger and poverty) OIE Southeast Asia Foot-and-Mouth requires attention to key drivers of economic growth, Disease Campaign including rural productivity, private sector development Australia has supported the OIE Southeast Asia Foot-and- and trade. The health MDGs are also a central focus Mouth Disease Campaign (SEAFMD) since 1997. The for Australian aid, and the Australian Government goals of this project are to control and eradicate foot-and- has announced the first National Security Statement, mouth disease (FMD) in eight countries in the ASEAN which recognises the potential security threat posed region, increase food security and alleviate poverty by pandemic disease. In this context, animal health among rural smallholder producers of livestock. The initiatives are highly relevant. Since many devastating participating countries are Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Although free from FMD, Indonesia is a member of the campaign.

SEAFMD is coordinated through an OIE Regional Coordination Unit in Bangkok, Thailand. The unit has five staff, including a regional coordinator, and delivers the program as agreed by the OIE subcommission for FMD in Southeast Asia.

Major achievements in 2009 included: • recognition of SEAFMD as a good model for regional control of FMD by the Global FMD Conference in Paraguay • cross-border animal movement studies and Josh Estey, AusAID identification of critical points for interventions to reduce risks of FMD spread

104 Animal Health in Australia 2009 • outbreak investigation and management training managerial capacities of regional and national agencies • continued development of a progressive zoning responsible for managing SPS matters. approach to control FMD in priority areas All ASEAN countries participated in the SPSCBP. The • acceptance by the OIE General Assembly of the Pak Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Chong laboratory (Thailand) as an OIE reference Laos and Burma were sponsored under the program; laboratory for FMD. Singapore and Brunei met their own costs; and Malaysia shared costs with the program. The Program for Strengthening Major achievements in the final year of the program Veterinary Services included: The three-year Program for Strengthening Veterinary • completion of a series of training workshops on Services (PSVS), funded by AusAID and managed by the integrated approaches to disease management OIE, was initiated in late 2007. It has engaged with high- • integration of the epidemiological network, EpiNet, level government officials and ministers to advocate for into the strategic operations of the Malaysia– the need to resource and commit to stronger veterinary Thailand–Myanmar FMD Campaign services. Funding has been provided to assist countries to realise the OIE Performance of Veterinary Services • completion of a detailed study of livestock trade (PVS) pathway of: patterns affecting FMD programs in Southeast Asia • independent assessment of veterinary systems • development of a proposal to deal with sources of against international standards (OIE PVS evaluation) FMD in Burma. • development of strategic planning based on this Avian influenza and other emerging assessment and national priorities, with preliminary costing (OIE Gap Analysis) infectious diseases in Asia The Asia–Pacific region continues to be at risk from avian • facilitation of countries attaining resourcing to influenza (AI) and other emerging infectious diseases implement these plans to improve veterinary services (EIDs). Australia has invested in initiatives to combat the (higher level government or donor liaison, and threat of pandemics and EIDs at global, regional and matchmaking). national levels. Guided by the Pandemics and Emerging The PSVS has also conducted specialist training within Infectious Diseases Strategy 2006–2010,91 the Australian the Southeast Asian region in veterinary legislation and aid program is assisting partner countries to strengthen governance, emergency preparedness and response, their national systems for human and animal health. Near communications, and veterinary laboratory quality neighbours at significant risk — Indonesia, Papua New assurance. The program has held national seminars Guinea and East Timor (Timor-Leste) — are identified to raise awareness and engage a broader range of as priorities. Other countries at risk receive Australian stakeholders in strengthening veterinary services. It is assistance, mainly through regional or multilateral expected that more funding will be allocated to further agencies such as ASEAN, APEC, SPC, the World Bank, support the OIE PVS pathway to strengthen veterinary WHO, FAO and OIE. Australia is currently developing a services in the Southeast Asian region. new strategy to begin in July 2010.

The Australian response includes contributions to: Sanitary and Phytosanitary Capacity • the World Bank Multi-Donor Avian and Human Building Program Influenza Trust Fund, to assist the East Asia, Pacific The Sanitary and Phytosanitary Capacity Building and Africa regions Program (SPSCBP) was formally completed on • the OIE project to strengthen veterinary services to 30 June 2009. combat AI and other priority diseases in Southeast The SPSCBP aimed to increase the capacity of ASEAN Asia, including regional veterinary laboratory countries to meet international sanitary and phytosanitary networking (SPS) standards consistent with the WTO Agreement on • a pilot program to strengthen community capacities the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures. in prevention, surveillance and response to highly This required boosting capability to describe and pathogenic AI (HPAI) in Cambodia, Laos, Burma and manage animal and plant health, and to implement SPS Vietnam measures. With funding of $4 million over four years, the program aimed to strengthen the technical, scientific and 91 www.ausaid.gov.au/publications/pdf/pandemics.pdf

Regional animal health initiatives 105 • the SPC Regional Influenza Pandemic Preparedness International animal health Project to help build the capacity of Pacific island countries and territories research • initiatives through APEC — for example, to create Australia funds international animal health research linkages between Australian institutions and mainly through ACIAR. Its research programs92 include counterparts in developing APEC economies Animal Health, in which research projects of three to five years are commissioned to meet the research priorities • ASEAN + 3 (ASEAN countries, plus South Korea, of partner countries and Australia, and to have the China and Japan) EID Program Phase II, to develop widest possible impact. Projects are linked with ongoing regional protocols and collaborative mechanisms on programs of AusAID and the Australian Government risk communication, laboratory surveillance, outbreak Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. investigation and response • Indonesian assistance, including ACIAR Animal Health program −− technical assistance to the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture, through the FAO, for the control of AI The Animal Health program supports research in poultry organisations in Australia and partner countries to work −− Veterinary Laboratory Strengthening Program in a multidisciplinary approach to solve problems in — a comprehensive capacity-building initiative animal production and health. The program is focused on to develop a high-quality and reliable Indonesian Indonesia, the greater Mekong region (with emphasis on veterinary laboratory network, implemented by the Cambodia and Laos) and Papua New Guinea. Technical Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research focus is on transboundary disease control (in cooperation Organisation (CSIRO) Australian Animal Health with regional agencies) and on diseases that affect Laboratory in partnership with the Indonesian livestock production and human health (in partnership Ministry of Agriculture with national institutions). Diseases of interest include: −− strengthening the animal quarantine system • AI, which continues to be a major concern for poultry to control HPAI — delivered by the Australian and human health Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) in • important animal diseases that affect humans collaboration with the Indonesian Agency for (anthrax, brucellosis and rabies) Agricultural Quarantine • diseases spread by movement of livestock (AI, −− Veterinary Systems Strengthening for South and classical swine fever and FMD). West Sulawesi — implemented by CSIRO, the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture and the FAO A cluster of projects provides some of the research to strengthen disease surveillance, response and required to implement effective control programs for AI. animal health services These include: −− Healthy Traditional Market Program — focused on three ‘wet’ markets in Makassar to improve • epidemiology and control of AI in ducks hygiene and sanitation • appropriate methods of disease surveillance for major transboundary diseases • Papua New Guinea projects, including • control and characterisation of HPAI strains in poultry −− the Avian Influenza Enhanced Surveillance and • biosecurity in nonindustrial commercial poultry Reporting Project — implemented by AQIS production. in collaboration with the Papua New Guinea National Department of Health and the National Another group of projects is undertaking research on Agricultural Quarantine and Inspection Agency surveillance systems, control programs and risk analysis (NAQIA) to support decentralised strategies, including: −− a twinning arrangement between AQIS and • improving veterinary service delivery in a NAQIA to build longer term relationships and decentralised Indonesia capacity • livestock movement and managing disease in eastern • a biosecurity strengthening project in Timor- Indonesia and eastern Australia. Leste, implemented by the Timor-Leste Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and the FAO, to improve preparedness, prevention and response to AI.

92 www.aciar.gov.au

106 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Diseases of livestock have a major impact on household Domestic and regional trade in cattle is emerging as income in upland Laos. Rapidly spreading viral diseases important for Cambodian agriculture. An integrated are important, given the position of Laos as a major program of cattle health and production projects livestock transit route. Projects to assess the risks of focuses on the constraints of disease, poor reproductive livestock movement, improve diagnosis and develop management and inadequate nutrition, including: control strategies in the northern provinces include: • best-practice cattle health and husbandry • understanding livestock movement and the risk of • improved feeding systems for more efficient beef spread of transboundary animal diseases cattle production • best-practice health and husbandry of cattle • understanding livestock movement and the risk of and buffalo spread of transboundary animal diseases. • management of pig-associated zoonoses Livestock and plant biosecurity is high among the agreed • improved livelihoods through development of pig- priorities for Papua New Guinea. Veterinary services based enterprises in upland Laos (including health, in Papua New Guinea are seeking new approaches production and zoonoses) to animal health control with few qualified personnel • improved resource management and marketing and poor infrastructure. Syndromic surveillance offers systems for rural livelihoods in rain-fed southern Laos some opportunities to provide national data on disease (including cattle health, production and marketing). outbreaks and local opportunities for disease control. The development of animal health surveillance systems may lead to increased production.

Christian Roth, AusAID 108 Animal Health in Australia 2009 RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), the cooperative research centres (CRCs), Australia’s six veterinary schools and industry- based research and development (R&D) corporations participate in an active research program in livestock health.

This chapter summarises Australian research in livestock health during 2009, while individual research projects are listed in Appendix 4.

Ian Langstaff

Research and development 109 CSIRO Livestock Industries Through collaboration with scientists in Australia and overseas, a team at AAHL (supported by the AB-CRC) — Australian Animal Health has developed a safer, more sensitive and more specific Laboratory assay for detecting henipaviruses (the family containing both Hendra and Nipah viruses). Research at the Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL)93 of CSIRO includes terrestrial and aquatic This assay, based on Luminex-bead array technology, is animal health, and diseases that affect both humans and being applied in surveillance studies and outbreak animals. Projects are directed mainly towards: investigations worldwide. It is now internationally • evaluating new diagnostic technologies, including recognised as one of the best alternatives to the developing and validating new diagnostic tests cumbersome and risky serum neutralisation test, which • studying the pathogenesis of new and emerging requires live virus and high-containment (PC4) facilities. diseases that affect animals and humans In the recent Hendra virus outbreaks, the assay played an important role in the rapid diagnosis of the virus in • identifying novel markers of infection and critical humans, and it is now routinely used in diagnosis by control points for reducing disease transmission Queensland Health. Internationally, the test has aided in • developing novel strategies for disease control, the discovery of henipavirus infection among West including animals with innate resistance to infectious African bats by scientists at Oxford University, in diseases collaboration with AB-CRC researchers. This is the first • developing a predictive framework for infectious time that henipaviruses have been found in nonpteropid disease threats. fruit bats, more than 5000 km from the nearest pteropid bat colonies. The assay is also being used for surveillance Research activity is supported by funding from CSIRO, investigations in Malaysia and China, and more Asian the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, countries are showing interest in adopting the Fisheries and Forestry, and external funding bodies. A technology. small selection of projects undertaken during 2009 is presented in Table A4.1. Difficulties preserving serum samples in hot and humid environments may now be overcome following Contact: Martyn Jeggo the development of a paper-based collection and Director storage system by AB-CRC researcher Celia Smuts Email: [email protected] from Murdoch University. Using this new protocol, antibodies from blood and serum samples collected in Cooperative research centres environments with high temperature and humidity can be preserved for up to 12 weeks without refrigeration, Australian Biosecurity Cooperative specialised equipment or operator training. The system Research Centre for Emerging will assist staff in the field in collecting samples, and may Infectious Disease be applied to a wide range of wildlife, public health or agriculture research projects that require sampling and As the Australian Biosecurity Cooperative Research storage of samples from remote locations for later use in Centre for Emerging Infectious Disease (AB-CRC) antibody assays. The technology was one of a number of approaches its funding end date of June 2010, impacts serological tools initially developed to enhance detection from its research projects continue to be realised. of surra, a parasitic infection caused by Trypanosoma Projects in diagnosis, ecology and surveillance are evansi that is not present in Australia or Papua New delivering significant outcomes. Guinea but is commonly found in countries to our Four Hendra virus outbreaks have occurred in Australia north. It could improve the quality of information from since July 2008, resulting in the deaths of two surra surveillance in remote areas, and play a role in the veterinarians from the three positively identified human detection of wildlife diseases. cases, and the deaths (including from euthanasia) of another 16 horses. Rapid and sensitive diagnosis is the key to any effective response to a disease outbreak, and is especially important for diseases of high mortality with no effective treatment, such as Hendra infections.

93 www.csiro.au/places/aahl.html

110 Animal Health in Australia 2009 In September 2008, the AB-CRC launched the In 2009, Pork CRC researchers released a new vaccine Biosecurity Risk Intelligence Scanning Committee, which and vaccination procedure against APP, which has will work with AB-CRC’s partners to gather and analyse proven much more effective than the APP vaccines that disease intelligence from Australia and the region. This are currently available in Australia. The new vaccine (APP analysis will help to identify research questions and set Alive) requires only one dose, administered intranasally priorities, as well as provide information to AB-CRC’s before the pig is weaned. partners. Researchers are investigating novel means of controlling In May 2009, the Hon. Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, both preweaning and postweaning E. coli-related Industry, Science and Research, presented the AB-CRC diseases (which remain major problems in the industry) with an Award for Excellence in Innovation for a variation and Glasser’s disease. The latter research uses some of on its real-time genetic diagnostic test for avian influenza. the technology developed in the successful APP project. Specifically, the award recognised the impact of AB-CRC The original project on Glasser’s disease has resulted in research and adoption activities on the 2007 equine the development of a new polymerase chain reaction influenza outbreak in Australia. (PCR) and serotyping service for Haemophilus parasuis. Table A4.2 lists AB-CRC research projects. More These are available through Queensland Primary information about specific research projects can be Industries and Fisheries. found on the AB-CRC’s website.94 In addition, research teams are developing rapid Contact: Dr Stephen Prowse diagnostic tests and kits for swine dysentery and ileitis. Chief Executive Officer Others have reported positive effects of including inulin Email: [email protected] in the diet offered pigs challenged with Brachyspira hyodysenteriae on the development of clinical symptoms Cooperative Research Centre for of swine dysentery. Research projects are listed in an Internationally Competitive Table A4.3. Pork Industry Research summaries96 and full research reports97 are available on the Pork CRC’s website. The overall objective of the disease program of the Cooperative Research Centre for an Internationally Contact: CRC for an Internationally Competitive Competitive Pork Industry (Pork CRC)95 is to reduce the Pork Industry impact of disease on the efficiency of pork production. Email: [email protected] It aims to achieve this by improving pig survival and growth performance to reduce reliance on antibiotics, Poultry Cooperative and to reduce medication and veterinary costs. Research Centre The Australian pork industry does not suffer from The Poultry Cooperative Research Centre (Poultry CRC) the more devastating diseases — such as porcine was established in June 2003 to conduct research and reproductive and respiratory syndrome, and postweaning drive education and training to help Australia’s poultry multisystemic wasting syndrome — that affect Asia, industries sustainably produce more products from fewer North and South America, and most of Europe. Despite resources in the future. these advantages, disease remains a major factor constraining the productivity and profitability of the The Poultry CRC had a pivotal year in 2009, with the Australian pork industry. August announcement of the Australian Government’s decision to fund the CRC for another seven and a half The Pork CRC has invested in projects across Australia years. This provided a further $28 million to the new to develop cost-effective diagnostics and control CRC, and gave it resources totalling nearly $87 million. strategies for the major diseases affecting the Australian This once-in-a-generation opportunity for poultry pork industry. These include swine dysentery, Glasser’s research will give the CRC the time and resources to disease (Haemophilus parasuis), ileitis, Actinobacillus capitalise on the solid foundation the first CRC has laid pleuropneumoniae (APP) and Escherichia for delivering frontier research, building human capacity coli-related diarrhoea. and collaborating closely with end users.

94 www.abcrc.org.au 96 www.porkcrc.com.au/html/research.html 95 www.porkcrc.com.au 97 www.porkcrc.com.au/html/research_reports.html

Research and development 111 Seven projects were successfully completed in 2009, greenhouse gas, dust and odour emissions, pathogens providing outcomes on: and pollutants. To ensure food security, industry must • gut health and function massively increase productivity, without compromising food safety or welfare. Only the CRC’s integrated • potential vaccine targets for two major poultry program of research, development and education, with diseases embedded end-user and research provider collaboration, • a platform technology for attenuating pathogenic can effectively meet this challenge. organisms • new cryopreservation techniques for precocious The Australian Government sees the CRC model, which poultry parasites used in coccidiosis vaccines facilitates multidisciplinary scientific teams working together with industry, as a unique and effective • additional rapid diagnostics, building on the existing mechanism to solve the large, complex problems suite of cost-effective tests already available through facing the Australian poultry industry. To keep informed the Asia Pacific Centre for Animal Health about the new CRC’s progress, visit the website100 and • a deeper understanding of the interactions between subscribe to the eChook newsletter. laying hens and farm workers • extensive datasets on dust and odour emissions from Table A4.4 lists the Poultry CRC’s active projects during poultry sheds. 2009.

The Poultry CRC has now filed seven patents, including Contact: Poultry CRC one for a potential new vaccine against the globally Email: [email protected] significant intestinal disease necrotic enteritis. Cooperative Research Centre for Placement of postgraduates in industry and in poultry research has been a hallmark of the Poultry CRC; Beef Genetic Technologies its effectiveness is amply demonstrated by an 80% The Cooperative Research Centre for Beef Genetic retention rate of postgraduates in industry or poultry Technologies (Beef CRC)101 is Australia’s largest beef research. The CRC’s vocational education and training research initiative. It is a third-term CRC that began (VET) sector initiatives continue to gain traction with in July 2005 as collaboration between industry and industry, as more companies take up VET sector research partners from countries such as Australia, New offerings, and its involvement with schools continues to Zealand, the United States, Canada and Korea. The Beef grow. In May, the CRC won an Award for Excellence in CRC’s research focuses on beef quality, feed efficiency, Innovation in education and training and public outreach adaptation, cattle welfare and reproductive performance. activities at the annual CRC Association conference in The CRC uses world-class genetics and genomics Canberra for Poultry Hub.98 Poultry Hub is the online research to improve the profitability, productivity, animal resource developed by the CRC to support the transfer welfare and responsible resource use of Australian beef of information from R&D into the industry, as well as businesses. supporting its education and training objectives. The Beef CRC’s animal health research includes The new CRC’s major challenge is to help Australia resistance of cattle to ectoparasites and endoparasites achieve sustainable, ethical poultry production as our (ticks, buffalo flies and worms), development of a population grows. Each year, Australians consume more vaccine to control cattle ticks, objective measurement of poultry than any other meat (almost 40 kg per person), cattle welfare, improving female reproductive rates, and as well as nearly 200 eggs each. Australia’s population development of technologies to simultaneously reduce may double by 2050,99 requiring 500 million more meat methane production and improve feed use in cattle. chickens and 15 million more laying hens. A In 2009, Beef CRC researchers evaluated results from $3.7 billion industry that employs, directly and indirectly, a genome-wide association study using Illumina’s SNP 200 000 people, must meet increasing demand for (single nucleotide polymorphism) panel of 50 000 DNA poultry products while using fewer resources and (deoxyribonucleic acid) markers to identify associations reducing environmental impacts. Australia must use with economically important productive and adaptive water, feed and energy more efficiently, and reduce traits. With this panel, they discovered thousands of DNA markers associated with traits of interest. With 98 www.poultryhub.org 99 ABS 2006: www.ausstats.abs.gov.au/Ausstats/subscriber.nsf/0/0 E09CCC14E4C94F6CA2574B9001626FE/$File/32220_2006%20 100 www.poultrycrc.com.au to%202101.pdf 101 www.beef.crc.org.au

112 Animal Health in Australia 2009 research collaborators from the United States and accepted and frequently updated technical information, Canada, they are now confirming and validating the as well as regional control recommendations. A similar markers in independent cattle populations. The research website for blowfly strike management (FlyBoss) is under will continue in 2010, using an expanded SNP panel development and will be launched in 2010. This will (>500 000 markers), with the aim of delivering reliable assist the sheep industry to manage the complex issues prediction equations to the Australian beef industry by involved with flystrike treatment and prevention. late 2010. Current projects are listed in Table A4.6. The value of DNA markers to cattle breeders will be Contact: CRC for Sheep Industry Innovation maximised if they are used in conjunction, rather than Email: [email protected] in competition, with systems such as BREEDPLAN’s estimated breeding values and Meat Standards Australia. In 2009, good progress was made to integrate DNA University research programs markers into both BREEDPLAN and Meat Standards This section lists current research projects at the six Australia. veterinary science faculties or schools in Australia Current projects are listed in Table A4.5. (located at the University of Sydney, Charles Sturt University, the University of Queensland, the University Contact: Dr Heather Burrow of Melbourne, Murdoch University and James Cook Chief Executive Officer University). Where information is available, the Email: [email protected] organisation funding the research is listed.

Cooperative Research Centre for The University of Sydney Sheep Industry Innovation The Faculty of Veterinary Science,104 University of Efficient sheep–parasite management is an important Sydney, has an international research profile and driver for profitability in the sheep industry. The research continues to have outstanding success in attracting portfolio of the Cooperative Research Centre for Sheep competitive research grants, with strong links to Industry Innovation (Sheep CRC)102 aims to deliver further prestigious national CRCs and industry-based R&D 105 improvements to integrated parasite-management corporations. The faculty’s research strengths are strategies, in order to reduce the reliance on chemicals concentrated in the following areas: and increase the efficiency of cost and labour inputs. • production animals • infectious diseases There are two research areas. The first involves investigations into the concept of ‘targeted treatment’ of • veterinary public health and epidemiology individual sheep or flocks, so that only animals likely to • immunopathology benefit from parasite removal are treated. By minimising • reproduction and genetics the proportion of animals that receive chemical • companion animal medicine and behaviour treatment, sheep producers will be able to delay the • wildlife conservation biology onset of anthelmintic resistance while reducing labour and treatment costs. The second research area focuses • horse performance. on better genetic selection for resistance to parasites, Table A4.7 lists the faculty’s animal health research including genetic correlations with resistance to worm projects that were active in 2009. infection, and breeding values for breech wrinkle and cover. The basis of the genetic improvement program is Contact: Associate Professor Peter Williamson the Information Nucleus, in which an extensive series of Associate Dean Research production and quality characters are measured in flocks Email: [email protected] run in a wide range of environments.

The Sheep CRC has a strong focus on communication for parasite management, through the development of web-based information for sheep producers. The WormBoss website103 provides rapid access to nationally

102 www.sheep.crc.org.au 103 www.wormboss.com.au 104 www.sydney.edu.au/vetscience 105 www.sydney.edu.au/vetscience/research

Research and development 113 The University of Melbourne and Veterinary Sciences strives to offer research training with a focus on large-production animal research, The Faculty of Veterinary Science106 at the University especially within sustainable-production systems. of Melbourne has research strengths in the diagnosis, Furthermore, the school is developing novel approaches prevention and control of infectious disease; morphology to curriculum delivery to ensure that graduates benefit and cell biology; animal biotechnology; animal from leading-edge pedagogy informed by research. production systems and reproduction; and clinical The school has a deliberate international focus, with studies. The faculty has a particular interest in: collaborations in many countries, including Pakistan, • developing new vaccines, approaches to control and India, Sudan, Thailand and China. These linkages allow diagnostic methods for infectious diseases CSU to offer exciting PhD training opportunities to • understanding the genomics and genetics of international students from diverse countries. The major prokaryotes and parasitic worms research groupings are animal physiology, reproduction • understanding the roles of the extracellular matrix in and genetics; parasitology, infectious diseases and bone and joint pathology, and the role of protease- animal health; animal welfare nutrition and production; activated receptors in musculoskeletal development clinical sciences; and research in teaching. and inflammatory disease Table A4.9 lists the animal health research projects at • developing new approaches to DNA vaccination Charles Sturt University. • developing animal models of asthma Contact: Professor Terry Spithill • understanding the effects of biomaterials on wound School of Animal & Veterinary Sciences healing and how biomaterials are affected by the Email: [email protected] body • improving sheep-farm profitability and reducing production risk Murdoch University • improving synchrony treatments in dairy cattle to The School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences at improve conception rates and the treatment of Murdoch University gives research a high priority to anovulatory anoestrus complement its programs in veterinary, biomedical and animal sciences. Research covers the full spectrum of • understanding the epidemiology of mastitis in sheep animal health, animal production and public health, and cattle and involves more than 160 postgraduate and honours • pharmacology of vasoactive agents and the students. pathophysiology of laminitis. Research areas of particular strength include: Table A4.8 lists the faculty’s research projects relating to • animal production and animal health animal health. • animal biosecurity and public health Contact: Professor Glenn F Browning • biomolecular control of disease Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies • aquatic animal health Email: [email protected] • wildlife and conservation medicine Charles Sturt University • companion animal health. Charles Sturt University (CSU) has an ongoing Researchers are active in projects to improve production, commitment to rural Australia and to its livestock health and welfare in the sheep, cattle, pig and poultry industries. A new veterinary degree program, which industries. Particular areas of activity are meat quality, began in 2005, has attracted academic staff with efficiency of production, biomolecular approaches to the interests in animal health to the School of Animal and control of disease, practical approaches to developing Veterinary Sciences.107 indicators for animal welfare, and the live export industry (see Table A4.10). Of particular interest are the growing As the degree program develops, staff will build a areas of animal biosecurity, public health and animal research program in livestock health and will develop welfare. links between animal health research and the school’s current research activities. The CSU School of Animal

106 www.vet.unimelb.edu.au 107 www.csu.edu.au/faculty/science/savs

114 Animal Health in Australia 2009 More information can be found on the website of the both human and animal health, as well as a keen focus School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences.108 on zoonotic disease and biosecurity.

Contact: Professor Ian Robertson The school’s research strengths are currently Email: [email protected] concentrated in tropical animal diseases, tropical cattle production, tropical infectious disease and The University of Queensland immunopathogenesis, aquatic pathobiology, environmental and public health microbiology, Most of the University of Queensland’s research in animal reproductive physiology, comparative cardiorespiratory health is conducted in the School of Veterinary Science physiology, neurophysiology, and emerging infectious and the School of Animal Studies, both in the Faculty of diseases of wildlife. Natural Resources, Agriculture and Veterinary Science.109 Research support is derived from Australian competitive Table A4.12 lists the livestock and wildlife health research grant programs, industry R&D organisations, CRCs, projects of the School of Veterinary and Biomedical endowments and bequests, state and federal government Sciences. departments, and national and multinational companies. The largest individual sponsors of animal health research Contact: Dr Graham Burgess are currently the Australian Centre for International Reader, Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology Agricultural Research, Meat & Livestock Australia and the Email: [email protected] Australian Research Council.

In excess of $100 million has been spent relocating the Research and development School of Veterinary Science to the Gatton campus, which corporations opened for the beginning of the academic year in 2009. Construction is still going to complete the Veterinary Meat & Livestock Australia Medical Centre, which is due to open in June 2010. The Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) invests in animal health new facilities have been partly funded by the Australian research to improve the profitability and sustainability of Government from the Higher Education Endowment the beef cattle, sheep and goat industries in Australia. Fund/Education Investment Fund ($47.3 million). The MLA has invested in research into: $33 million Centre for Advanced Animal Science is also • Johne’s disease (ovine and bovine) located on the Gatton campus and is a collaboration with • gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation. It has world-class facilities to support • respiratory disease in feedlot cattle research in the areas of animal growth, adaptation, • infectious causes of reproductive wastage in cattle welfare, health and vaccines (Table A4.11). • bovine ephemeral fever

Contact: Professor Richard Williams • toxic plants Associate Dean, Research • internal and external parasites in cattle Natural Resources, Agriculture and Veterinary Science • miscellaneous problems, such as acorn calf disease University of Queensland, Queensland 4072 Australia • feral pig control. Email: [email protected] In addition, MLA invests in research that will improve James Cook University disease surveillance to demonstrate freedom from disease and improve biosecurity, such as better tools for 110 The School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences at screw-worm fly diagnosis. James Cook University has a long and proud history of active research and international project management, Table A4.13 lists MLA’s livestock health research projects. first as a graduate veterinary school and, in the past More information can be found on the MLA website.111 10 years, as an undergraduate biomedical and veterinary Contact: Dr Keith Walker science teaching facility. Program Manager Biosecurity, Animal Health & Welfare With a growing academic cohort, the research profile of Livestock Production Innovation the school is an evolving entity, with considerations in Email: [email protected]

108 www.vetbiomed.murdoch.edu.au 109 www.uq.edu.au/nravs 111 www.mla.com.au 110 www.jcu.edu.au/vbms

Research and development 115 Rural Industries Research and Animal health and welfare are essential for the efficient Development Corporation and productive operations of dairy farms, and good outcomes help to maintain the excellent reputation of The Rural Industries Research and Development the industry and dairy products. The industry investment Corporation (RIRDC) works with industry and in research, development and extension has focused on government to deliver their R&D priorities, which are to projects for prevention and control of cattle diseases, make Australia’s rural industries more profitable, dynamic genetic improvement, enhanced nutrition, and improved and sustainable. The RIRDC conducts R&D into: animal handling and husbandry practices. Priorities • established rural industries, such as chicken meat, for the dairy industry are the integration of biosecurity rice, horses, fodder crops and pasture seeds measures into whole-farm management and enhanced • new and emerging industries, including olives, Asian calf management. foods, truffles, organics and tea tree oil Research projects provide information for dairy farmers • national cross-sectoral issues, such as farm health and their advisers to prevent the occurrence of disease, and safety, adapting to climate change, trade policy achieve good animal welfare outcomes, and establish and leadership. appropriate animal management systems and practices. Most projects relating to animal health fall within Several national projects and a large number of small, RIRDC’s Established Rural Industries portfolio and the regionally based projects address animal health topics. New Animals program in the New and Emerging Countdown Downunder is Australia’s national extension Industries portfolio. program for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of mastitis. The InCalf project focuses on improving In 2009, a substantial number of reports from completed reproductive performance, and BJD Aware promotes animal-health-related projects were published. These, strategies to manage and control bovine Johne’s disease. and detailed reports of projects in progress in the animal CowTime, which has a focus on milk harvesting, delivers health area, can be accessed on RIRDC’s website.112 extension on ways to reduce stress for cows at milking, Report titles include: including principles of stock handling, dairy design and • Australian Water Buffalo — Genetic and Reproduction cow behaviour. Improvements Building on the successful control of enzootic bovine • Treating European Foulbrood in Australian Honey Bees leucosis (EBL) in dairy cattle, in 2008 the Australian • Equine Amnionitis and Foetal Loss: the Role of Dairy Industry Council and animal health authorities Caterpillars implemented a National Program to Eradicate EBL from • Identification of Horses with Resistance to Small the Australian Dairy Herd. Provisional freedom was Strongyles demonstrated in December 2009.

• Improving Australia’s Crocodile Industry Productivity To improve the skills of dairy farmers and their — Understanding Runtism and Survival. employees, Dairy Australia has established the National RIRDC animal health–related projects in 2009 are listed Centre of Dairy Education Australia to develop and in Table A4.14. deliver vocational education and training for the dairy industry. The animal health and welfare content is Contact: Margaret Thomson regularly revised and updated. A government and General Manager — Established Industries industry partnership has agreed to establish a large Email: [email protected] CRC — the Dairy Futures CRC — from January 2010 to deliver major improvements to plant and animal Dairy Australia breeding. Dairy Australia is the dairy industry’s service company Dairy industry research projects are listed in Table A4.15. and is committed to supporting the current high levels of animal health and welfare on Australian dairy farms. Contact: Dr Robin Condron Australia is fortunate that there are few diseases of Email: [email protected] importance affecting Australian dairy herds, and most of those that do occur are relatively well understood.

112 www.rirdc.gov.au

116 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Fisheries Research and Australian Wool Innovation Development Corporation Australian Wool Innovation Limited114 (AWI): — Aquatic Animal Health • funds the research, development and implementation Subprogram of activities that directly increase fleece value through genetic improvement and fibre preparation The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation • reduces costs specific to wool (FRDC) invests in areas of R&D that aim to benefit all sectors of Australian fisheries — the commercial • improves capacity to deal with threats sector (wild-catch, aquaculture and post-harvest), the • transfers knowledge from farm to retail. recreational sector and the Indigenous sector. FRDC’s AWI’s operational plan for 2009–10 aims for healthier Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram (AAHS) was and more profitable sheep by providing options to established specifically to develop, support and manage minimise the impact of flystrike, and increasing the rate a portfolio of aquatic animal health research projects, in of improvement in key genetic traits of the Australian consultation with the fisheries and aquaculture industry. Merino flock. It also aims to increase productivity by The focus of AAHS is on infectious (viral, bacterial, providing productivity tools to generate more wool and fungal and parasitic) diseases of finfish, crustaceans and lambs from pasture. molluscs. Table A4.17 lists current research projects. Australian aquaculture continues to grow and currently contributes more than one-third of Australian fisheries’ Contact: Jane Littlejohn gross value of production. Although aquaculture is an Project Manager, Animal Health and Welfare important industry sector, R&D for aquatic animal health Email: [email protected] is required for all aquatic animal sectors, including the wild-catch, recreational and ornamental sectors. The requirement for expert health services and advice, and therefore R&D activities, is increasing. These are essential for the profitability, productivity and sustainability of Australia’s aquatic animal industries, and to protect Australia’s natural resources.

The R&D portfolio within AAHS has six key research areas: • nature of disease and host–pathogen interaction • aquatic animal health management • diagnostic capability for endemic and exotic aquatic animal diseases • aquatic animal health surveillance and monitoring • best-practice national and international quality assurance • training and capacity building.

More information can be found on the subprogram website.113 Table A4.16 lists current research projects.

Contact: Dr Mark Crane Subprogram Leader Email: [email protected]

113 www.frdc.com.au

114 www.wool.com/default.htm

Research and development 117 118 Animal Health in Australia 2009 APPENDIX 1 LIVESTOCK INDUSTRIES IN AUSTRALIA Australia is a major producer and exporter of livestock, livestock products and genetic material. In 2008–09, the gross value of Australian livestock and livestock products was estimated to be $19.8 billion, and exports were estimated to be worth $15.2 billion.

Animal production in Australia is based largely on extensive grazing and is dominated by wool, sheepmeat, beef and dairy production. Australia has smaller intensive pig and poultry industries. The livestock industries extend from the beef cattle areas of tropical north Queensland to the sheep areas of southern Tasmania, and from the dairying areas of coastal New South Wales to the merino wool- producing areas of Western Australia.

Animal Health Australia

Livestock industries in Australia 119 Based on preliminary data, the overall Australian mean Northern Territory Australian Capital Territory

rainfall total for 2009 was 453 mm, slightly less than Tasmania the long-term average (1961–90) of 464 mm. Above- New South Wales average rainfall in January and February, especially in the Western Australia northern tropics, was followed by dry conditions from March onwards, with the March–November total being South Australia the tenth lowest on record for Australia. A dry year in the southeast and southwest of mainland Australia has prolonged the multi-year meteorological drought in those regions115 and contributed to a decline in both Australian Victoria cattle and sheep numbers in 2009.

In 2009–10, the gross value of livestock and livestock product production is expected to decrease to $18.5 billion. The gross value of exports is expected to Queensland decrease to $13.9 billion. Trends in livestock numbers are shown in Table A1.1. All figures provided in the tables Source: ABARE, Australian Commodity Statistics 2009, Canberra, 2009 in this appendix are based on Australian financial years, Figure A1.1 Beef cattle distribution by state and which run from 1 July to 30 June. territory, 2009 Drought conditions persisted in eastern Australia through Table A1.1 Trends in livestock numbers most of 2009 and the national herd size fell slightly, from (millions), 2005–09 27.3 million in 2008 to 27 million. Herd expansion will Livestock 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 not occur until conditions improve and, depending on Sheep 91.0 85.7 76.9 71.6 climate and pasture conditions, the herd may continue to shrink. Cattle Beef 25.3 25.6 24.8 24.5 In 2008–09, Australian beef exports increased by 4% to Dairy 2.8 2.7 2.5 2.6 968 000 tonnes and the value of those exports increased by 16% to $4.86 billion. The average unit price for beef Total 28.1 28.3 27.3 27.0 is expected to increase only marginally to 296 cents/ Pigs 2.7 2.6 2.4 2.5 kilogram. a Preliminary figures Source: ABARE, Australian Commodities 16(4), December 2009 In 2008–09, live cattle exports increased by 24% but are forecast to remain steady in 2009–10 (Table A1.2). Beef cattle Cattle are raised over much of Australia (see Figure Table A1.2 Australian beef cattle production, A1.1). Across northern Australia, cattle are produced on 2007–09 large cattle holdings, where they graze native pastures Beef cattle production 2007–08 2008–09a at low stocking rates. Tropical breeds dominate because Total beef cattle (millions) 24.8 24.5 they are better adapted to the harsh conditions in the north. The main outputs are beef and animals for lot Slaughterings (millions) 8.8 8.7 feeding and live cattle exports. In southern Australia, Live-cattle exports (millions) 0.7 0.9 cattle are produced on smaller holdings, grazing largely Production (kilotonnes) 2155.0 2148.0 on improved pastures. Temperate British or European- Exports (kilotonnes) 930.0 968.0 derived breeds dominate, and smaller and younger Export value ($ million) 4190.0 4857.0 animals are produced, largely for the Australian a Estimated figures domestic market. Source: ABARE, Australian Commodities 16(4), December 2009

115 Australian Bureau of Meteorology (2010) www.bom.gov.au/ announcements/media_releases/climate/change/20100105.shtml

120 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Sheep Table A1.3 Australian sheep production, Sheep are produced under a wide range of conditions in 2007–09 Australia, from the arid and semiarid inland to the higher Sheep production 2007–08 2008–09a rainfall areas of southeastern Australia (Figure A1.2). Sheep numbers (millions) 76.9 71.6 Most Australian sheep are produced as part of mixed- Sheep slaughterings 11.9 11.3 farming enterprises, often for lamb production, and (millions) frequently with crops, beef and dairy cattle. Lambs slaughterings 20.9 20.8 Tasmania Australian Capital Territory (millions) Live-sheep exports 4.1 4.1

Western Australia (millions) Total wool production 459.0 404.0 New South Wales (kilotonnes) Mutton production 258.0 235.0 (kilotonnes) Lamb production 435.0 423.0 (kilotonnes) South Australia Value of wool exports 2796.0 2322.0 ($ million) a Estimated figures Queensland Source: ABARE, Australian Commodities 16(4), December 2009 Victoria

Source: ABARE, Australian Commodity Statistics 2009, Canberra, 2009 Dairy cattle Figure A1.2 Sheep distribution by state and The dairy industry has the third-largest wholesale territory, 2009 production value of Australian rural industries and Dry conditions continued through much of 2009, operates in all states. Victoria has 61.7% of the national contributing to the long-term downward trend in the size total of dairy cattle, followed by New South Wales of the Australian sheep flock. In 2009, sheep numbers (12.5%) and Queensland (6.9%). Most dairy farms are dropped to 71.6 million, down 60% from a national flock family owned and operated. of 173.8 million in 1990. A long-term decrease in the The number of dairy cows in Australia continues to demand for raw wool and competition from other fibres, decline, with a reduction of 126 000 animals from 2008 coupled with growing demands for Australian lamb to 2009. Numbers dropped in all states, but the largest exports in the United States, Europe and Asia, has led to a drop of 102 000 was in Victoria. The main driver behind greater emphasis on prime lamb production. The farming this trend was the continuing drought and the associated of specialty meat breeds, such as Dorper and Damara shortage of irrigation water in the irrigation-dependent (which do not produce any harvestable wool) is a small dairying areas of northern Victoria. The Queensland dairy but growing sector. industry continues to contract; its contribution to the Shorn-wool production fell by 12% to 404 000 tonnes in national herd size dropped from 9.5% to 6.9% in the 2008–09 as a result of falling sheep numbers. Wool cut past ten years. per head in 2009–10 is forecast to fall slightly compared Whole milk production increased from 9223 million with 2008–09, reflecting the ongoing shift from merino litres in 2007–08 to 9388 million litres in 2008–09, while to meat-breed sheep. Mitigating any further significant export earnings for dairy products decreased slightly reduction is the relatively favourable seasonal conditions in from $2763 million to $2679 million. Selected dairy many wool-growing regions over winter and early spring production statistics are shown in Table A1.4. 2009. The average to above-average rainfall received in South Australia and parts of Victoria and Western Australia in this period is expected to have supported relatively good fleece weights in the spring 2009 shearing season. Wool exports decreased by 8% to 439 000 tonnes.116 Production figures for the wool and sheepmeat industries are shown in Table A1.3.

116 ABARE, Australian Commodity Statistics 2009, Canberra, 2009

Livestock industries in Australia 121 $333 per tonne, but this still represented a 37% increase Table A1.4 Australian dairy production, 2007–09 over 2006–07 prices. Similarly, while the cost of barley a Dairy production 2007–08 2008–09 decreased by 23% and the price of oats by 29%, the Dairy cow numbers (millions) 2.54 2.55 2008–09 prices for these commodities were still more Total milk production (million 9223.00 9388.00 than 60% higher than the prices in 2005–06. litres/year) During 2008–09, pigmeat production volumes decreased Milk yield per cow (L/year) 5624.00 5707.00 by 14% while Australian pork export volumes were 18% Gross value of milk 4572.00 3981.00 below those in the previous financial year. The stronger production ($ million) Australian dollar, combined with strong domestic L = litres a Preliminary figures demand for pork, has lowered the viability of export Sources: ABARE, Australian Commodities 16(4), December 2009; markets compared with the domestic customer market. ABARE, Australian Commodity Statistics 2009, Canberra, 2009 Annual exports now account for 9.9% of total Australian Pigs pork production. Pig farming in Australia is a highly specialised, well- managed industry, and most pigs are housed. Poultry In Australia, poultry farming is a highly intensive industry New South Wales is the largest producer, followed by and most poultry are raised in large sheds. Queensland and Victoria. In recent years, the number of farms with pigs has declined steadily while the number The industry includes both broiler (meat-strain chickens) of extensive pig-keeping systems has slowly grown — and egg production. It has grown over recent years and the number of pigs has remained relatively stable (Table production has expanded to meet increased demand. A1.5). A report by the Australian Bureau of Statistics Broilers are the largest category, followed by hens and indicated that, at 30 June 2004, there were 1999 pig pullets for egg production. farms holding a total of 318 595 sows,117 a number that The broiler industry is dominated by two large, integrated had grown to 340 000 in 2008.118 companies and several medium-sized operators. Most Table A1.5 Australian pig production, 2007–09 operations are within 50 km of capital cities. The main poultry production areas in Australia are: Pig production 2007–08 2008–09a • New South Wales — Sydney basin, Central Coast, Total pigs (millions) 2.4 2.5 Lower Hunter, Tamworth, Goulburn, Griffith Breeding sows (thousands)bc 352.0 340.0 • Victoria — Gippsland, Mornington Peninsula Slaughterings (millions) 5.2 4.5 • South Australia — McLaren Vale, Murray Bridge, Pigmeat production 377.0 324.0 (kilotonnes) Adelaide Hills, Northern Plains Pigmeat exports (kilotonnes) 39.0 32.0 • Western Australia — north and south of Value of pigmeat exports 128.0 124.0 • Queensland — Beaudesert area, Redland Bay, ($ million) far north Gross value of production 902.0 1160.0 • Tasmania — Longford, Tasman Peninsula, Sorell, ($ million) Southern Midlands, Latrobe area. a Preliminary figures b Figures for breeding sows are for calendar years 2007 and 2008 In 2008, the egg industry comprised approximately c Source for breeding sow figures only: ABARE, Australian 417 commercial producers, who supply 200 million Commodity Statistics 2009, Canberra, 2009 Source: ABARE, Australian Commodities 16(4), December 2009 dozen eggs for the domestic market. A further 26 million dozen eggs are produced by noncommercial, backyard The number of pigs slaughtered in 2008–09 dropped flocks. The average commercial farm runs 10 000 sharply from previous years to 4.5 million, a decline hens. Approximately 95% of eggs are produced under of 13% from the previous year. The lower levels of intensive production systems, with the balance from production continue to reflect drought conditions and free-range and other systems. persistent higher grain prices. From 2007–08 to 2008– 09, the average price of wheat decreased by 15% to The value of egg production dropped 1% in 2008–09 to $463 million. Poultry production statistics are shown in 117 www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[email protected]/Lookup/7121.0Explanatory Table A1.6. Notes12004-05?OpenDocument 118 ABARE, Australian Commodity Statistics 2009, Canberra, 2009

122 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Table A1.6 Australian poultry production, Goats 2007–09 Australia is the world’s largest exporter of goatmeat, a Poultry production 2007–08 2008–09 despite the small size of the Australian goatmeat Poultry slaughterings 458.6 462.8 industry. In 2008–09, 1.4 million goats were slaughtered, b (millions) supporting exports of 20 514 tonnes valued at Broilers (millions)c 82.1 73.9 $72 million. The two largest markets were the United Layer hens and pullets for 15.3 14.8 States and Taiwan. In addition, 87 507 live goats with egg production (millions)c an estimated value of $10.4 million were exported to Poultry meat production 835.0 866.0 markets in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. (kilotonnes) Australia also has niche industries producing goat Value of egg production 468.0 463.0 milk, angora and cashmere. The value of each of these ($ million) industries is estimated to be less than $2 million. Value of meat production 1637.0 1730.0 ($ million) Exports of poultry meat 30.0 37.0 Fisheries and aquaculture (kilotonnes) Australia has a diverse wild-catch fishery and a popular Value of poultry meat 32.0 43.0 recreational fishery of both native and introduced exports ($ million) species. In 2008–09, the gross value of fisheries a Preliminary figures production was $1.93 billion. This represents a similar b Figure for calendar years 2007 and 2008. Includes chickens, other fowl, turkeys and ducks. Source: ABARE, Australian value in the total gross value of production to 2007– Commodity Statistics, Canberra, 2009 08 (and, in fact, the past six years). The estimated c Figure for calendar years 2007 and 2008. Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics paper 7121.0, Agricultural Commodities production and value of individual fisheries for 2008–09 Australia, ABS, Canberra are shown in Table A1.7. Source: ABARE, Australian Commodities 16(4), December 2009 Bees Table A1.7 Estimated Australian fisheries production, 2008–09 Australia has approximately 10 000 registered Volume of Value of beekeepers, but most honey is produced by a production production relatively small number of honey bee businesses. Fishery (kilotonnes) ($ million) Approximately 62% of total honey production is Abalone 5.6 186.9 produced by businesses operating more than 500 hives Oysters 13.6 99.4 (approximately 250 businesses). Only 16% of Australian honey production is produced by businesses with 250 Prawns 22.5 278.9 hives or fewer. Rock lobster 12.6 446.1 Scallops 11.0 35.9 Most honey bee operations are small, family-owned and operated businesses with fewer than 500 hives. Most Tuna 12.2 168.4 beekeepers depend on a range of income sources in Other finfish 152.4 717.1 addition to beekeeping. Typically, smaller operations, Total 229.9 1932.7 particularly those with fewer than 250 hives, derive most Source: ABARE, Australian Commodity Statistics 16(4), December of their income from other enterprises, other businesses, 2009 investments or government sources. Larger operations Aquaculture includes all major species and occurs (those with more than 500 hives) tend to be dependent Australia-wide, from tropical to temperate areas, and on the honey bee business as the sole source of income. from marine waters through brackish to fresh waters. The estimated honey crop size is 22 000 tonnes. The The volume of aquaculture production in Australia rose annual gross value of production for the whole industry slightly in 2007–08 to approximately 62 503 tonnes. is estimated to be $85 million, of which approximately The value of production rose by approximately 8% to $70 million is from sales of honey. A small but growing $868 million. sector is the export of packaged bees to the United Aquaculture is an important component of Australian States for its pollination industry. This export trade is fisheries production. Between 1996–97 and 2007–08, valued at approximately $3 million each year. aquaculture’s share of the total value of Australian fisheries production grew from 25% to 31%.

Livestock industries in Australia 123 Figures for the production and gross value of aquaculture Venison harvests in 2007–08 (the latest available figures) are In 2005–06, there were 533 farms in Australia carrying shown in Table A1.8. deer with a total population of 68 600. Deer farms occur throughout all Australian states, but production Table A1.8 Australian aquaculture production, is concentrated in Victoria, South Australia, New South 2007–08 Wales and Tasmania. In 2006–07, the industry had a Volume of Gross value gross value of production of $3 million. The number of Aquaculture production of production deer processed during 2006–07 (12 857) was about half production (tonnes) ($ million) the number processed during 2005–06 (27 305). The Fish decline in numbers processed has continued in the past Barramundi 3 361 34.0 few years: 46 652 (2002–03), 31 270 (2003–04) and Salmonids 25 527 299.3 31 061 (2004–05). Total numbers of red deer processed Silver perch 292 3.2 this season fell by about 5000, while the number of fallow deer processed fell by about 9500 compared to Tuna 9 757 186.7 last season. The weighted average price per kilogram hot Othera 2 239 23.2 carcass weight (HCW) paid to farmers for venison during Total 41 175 546.3 the 2006–07 financial year rose around $0.27 above Crustaceans prices paid during 2005–06 (from $2.43 to $2.70). Marron 81 2.2 Prawns 3 088 44.2 Kangaroo Redclaw 67 1.1 The gross value of production for the kangaroo industry Yabbies 84 1.4 in 2006–07 was $43.9 million. In 2007, approximately Total 3 319 48.8 7 million kangaroos were harvested, yielding 28 279 tonnes of meat for human and petfood consumption. In Molluscs 2007, exports increased by 8% to $14.2 million; 74% Mussels 3 153 8.3 of exports went to the Russian Federation, with other Oysters — edible 12 460 89.1 individual markets taking less than 5% of total exports. Oysters — pearl na 114.3 Otherb 504 16.9 Buffalo Total 16 116 228.6 In 2006–07 there were 67 buffalo farms in Australia with Production not 1 892 44.6 13 559 buffalo on-farm, as well as a feral population of included elsewhere about 60 000 animals. The gross value of production Total (all categories) 62 503 868.4 of the buffalo industry in 2006–07 was $4.97 million, na = not available coming mainly from live exports from the Northern a Includes eels, other native fish and aquarium fish Territory. Live exports increased to 6349 in 2006–07 b Includes scallops, giant clams and abalone Note: The total figures for molluscs and all categories excludes pearl compared with 4707 in 2005–06, with an average figure oysters. of 3770 from 2002–03 to 2006–07. The price received by Source: ABARE, Australian Fisheries Statistics 2008, Canberra, 2009 the farmer was $750 per animal compared to an average Game and other livestock of $790 per animal over the previous four years. The main markets in the past five years have been Indonesia industries and Malaysia. The number of buffalo slaughtered in Australia is renowned for producing high-quality game 2006–07 was 312 compared with 365 in 2005–06. meats from animals grazed on our extensive native Export of meat is almost non-existent, as there are now grasslands.119 In addition, these animals are free from no export abattoirs in Northern Territory. There are three diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and bovine commercial dairy buffalo herds in Australia. Production spongiform encephalopathy. Game products include from one farm is increasing, with buffalo cheeses now venison, kangaroo and buffalo. widely distributed in Australia.

119 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (2009). National Research, Development and Extension Strategy for New and Emerging Industries — Industry. Overview Publication No. 09/138.

124 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Meat products Dairy products, seafood, eggs Australia has a highly developed meat industry and is a and egg products major producer of meat and meat products. Exported dairy, eggs and fish products must be In 2008–09, the value of Australian livestock slaughtering produced and stored at establishments registered with was estimated to be $13.26 billion.120 the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS).

Australia is the world’s largest exporter of beef and veal, AQIS currently registers 266 dairy storage establishments and the second largest exporter of sheepmeat. and 154 establishments that process dairy products for In 2008–09, Australian meat exports (not including live export. AQIS registers 365 fishing vessels for export and animals) were estimated to be worth $6 billion. Selected 215 land-based establishments that prepare and process production statistics are shown in Table A1.9. fish or fish products for export. There are a total of eight export-registered egg establishments that either prepare egg products, or pack and store eggs in shell for export. Table A1.9 Volume of Australian meat exports (kilotonnes), 2006–09 The export of dairy products, seafood, processed and Type of meat 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 organic foods is subject to the requirements of the Beef and veal 974 930 968 Export Control Act 1982 and its subordinate legislation. Lamb 150 163 156 For dairy, fish and egg exports, the following commodity orders were introduced in 2005: Mutton 162 158 146 • Export Control (Eggs and Egg Products) Orders 2005 Pork 41 39 32 Poultry 28 30 37 • Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Orders 2005 Source: ABARE, Australian Commodity Statistics 2009, Canberra, • Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Orders 2005. 2009 Export inspection services and certification for fish and Australia produces and exports smaller quantities of egg products are provided by around 30 AQIS inspection meat from goats, kangaroos, emus, ostriches, deer, and support staff, in line with the Export Control Act wild boar, possums, crocodiles and camels. It also and associated regulations and orders. The dairy export exports substantial quantities of animal products, such inspection function is performed by state regulatory as hides, skins, wool, rendered meals and animal authority staff on behalf of AQIS, with verification audits food. Information on Australia’s meat industries can be conducted by AQIS. found online at the websites of the relevant industry associations and other groups (see Appendix 5 for web In 2008–09, AQIS facilitated the export of Australian addresses): dairy products worth $2.92 billion to 122 countries, • farming in general — National Farmers’ Federation and smaller exports of eggs and egg products. Exports of Australian edible and inedible fisheries products in • red meat — Meat & Livestock Australia 2007–08 were worth $1.34 billion. Selected dairy and • cattle — Cattle Council of Australia seafood production statistics are shown in Tables A1.10 • sheepmeat — Sheepmeat Council of Australia and A1.11. • pigs — Australian Pork Limited • poultry — Poultry Research and Teaching Unit at the University of New • deer — Deer Industry Association of Australia • kangaroo — Kangaroo Industry Association of Australia • ostrich — Australian Ostrich Association.

120 ABARE, Australian Commodities, 16(4), December 2009

Livestock industries in Australia 125 Table A1.10 Australian dairy production and exports, 2006–09 Total production Exports Dairy product 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 Fresh milk (megalitres) 9583 9223 9388 96 68 69 Cheese (kilotonnes) 364 359 340 212 203 146 Butter and butter fat (kilotonnes) 133 128 149 81 57 70 Milk powder (kilotonnes)a 334 317 369 270 214 286 a Includes whole milk powder, skim milk powder and casein Source: ABARE, Australian Commodity Statistics 2009, Canberra, 2009

Table A1.11 Australian seafood production and exports (kilotonnes), 2006–09 Total production Exports Type of food 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 Fish and other 256 238 244 44 40 44 seafood Source: ABARE, Australian Commodities 16(4), Canberra, 2009

Further information on each of the industries may be found at the relevant industry websites (see Appendix 5 for web addresses).

Other Australian agricultural statistics and forecasts are available from the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics website.121

121 www.abareconomics.com

126 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Australia 128 Animal Health in Australia 2009 APPENDIX 2 ANIMAL HEALTH CONTACTS IN AUSTRALIA

Animal Health Australia

Animal health contacts in Australia 129 Australia Government Department of Agriculture, Queensland Fisheries and Forestry Dr Ron Glanville Dr Andy Carroll Chief Veterinary Officer Australian Chief Veterinary Officer Department of Employment, Economic Development Australian Government Department of Agriculture, and Innovation Fisheries and Forestry GPO Box 46 Brisbane QLD 4001 GPO Box 858 Canberra ACT 2601 Ph: 61 7 3239 3525 Ph: 61 2 6272 4644 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] South Australia Dr Rob Rahaley Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service Chief Veterinary Officer Ms Rona Mellor Department of Primary Industries and Resources SA Executive Director GPO Box 1671 Adelaide SA 5001 Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service Ph: 61 8 8207 7970 GPO Box 858 Canberra ACT 2601 Email: [email protected] Ph: 61 2 6272 5455 Email: [email protected] Tasmania Dr Rod Andrewartha Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Chief Veterinary Officer Organisation Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Dr Martyn Jeggo Environment Director 13 St Johns Avenue Hobart TAS 7008 CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) Ph: 61 3 6233 6836 Private Bag 24 Geelong VIC 3220 Email: [email protected] Ph: 61 3 5227 5511 Email: [email protected] Victoria Dr Hugh Millar Australian Capital Territory Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Will Andrew Department of Primary Industries ACT Government Veterinarian 475–485 Mickleham Road Attwood VIC 3049 ACT Veterinary Services Ph: 61 3 9217 4247 GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 Email: [email protected] Ph: 61 2 6207 2357 Email: [email protected] Western Australia Dr Tony Higgs New South Wales Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Bruce Christie Department of Agriculture and Food WA Chief Veterinary Officer Locked Bag no. 4 Industry and Investment NSW Bentley Delivery Centre WA 6983 Locked Bag 21 Orange NSW 2800 Ph: 61 8 9368 3604 Ph: 61 2 6361 3717 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Animal Health Australia Northern Territory Dr Mike Bond Dr Brian Radunz Chief Executive Officer Chief Veterinary Officer Animal Health Australia Department of Resources Suite 15, 26–28 Napier Close Deakin ACT 2600 GPO Box 3000 Darwin NT 0801 Ph: 61 2 6203 3999 Ph: 61 8 8999 2130 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

130 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Australasian Veterinary Deans’ Committee Australian Egg Corporation Limited Professor Lee Fitzpatrick Mr James Kellaway Chair Managing Director James Cook University Australian Egg Corporation 101 Angus Smith Drive Townsville QLD 4811 Suite 4.02, Level 4, 107 Mount Street North Sydney Ph: 61 7 4781 4449 NSW 2060 Email: [email protected] Ph: 61 2 9409 6999 Email: [email protected] Australian Wildlife Health Network The Manager Australian Honey Bee Industry Council Inc. Whiting Beach Road Mr Stephen Ware Taronga Zoo Executive Director Ph: 61 2 9932 4368 Australian Honey Bee Industry Council Email: [email protected] PO Box R838 Royal Exchange NSW 1225 Ph: 61 2 9221 0911 Australian Alpaca Association Limited Email: [email protected] Dr Ian Davison President Australian Horse Industry Council Inc Australia Alpaca Association Roger Lavelle PO Box 1076 Mitcham North VIC 3132 President Ph: 61 3 9873 7700 Australian Horse Industry Council Email: [email protected] PO Box 802 Geelong VIC 3220 Ph: 61 3 5222 6650 Australian Chicken Meat Federation Inc. Email: [email protected] Dr Andreas Dubs Executive Director Australian Livestock Export Council (LiveCorp) Australian Chicken Meat Federation Mr Cameron Hall PO Box 579 North Sydney NSW 2059 Chief Executive Officer Ph: 61 2 9929 4077 LiveCorp Email: [email protected] PO Box 1174 North Sydney NSW 2059 Ph: 61 2 9929 6755 Australian Dairy Farmers Limited Email: [email protected] Mr Adrian Scott Chief Executive Officer Australian Lot Feeders’ Association Inc Australian Dairy Farmers Mr Dougal Gordon Level 6, 84 William Street Melbourne VIC 3000 Executive Director Ph: 61 3 9642 8066 Australian Lot Feeders’ Association Email: [email protected] GPO Box 149 Sydney NSW 2001 Ph: 61 2 9290 3700 Australian Duck Meat Association Inc. Email: [email protected] Mr John Houston President Australian Pork Limited Pepes Ducks Mr Andrew Spencer 17 Walker St South Windsor NSW 2756 Chief Executive Officer Ph: 61 2 4577 4233 Australian Pork Email: [email protected] PO Box 148 Deakin ACT 2600 Ph: 61 2 6285 2200 Email: [email protected]

Animal health contacts in Australia 131 Australian Racing Board Limited National Aquaculture Council Mr Andrew Harding Mr Justin Fromm Chief Executive Chief Executive Officer Australian Racing Board National Aquaculture Council PO Box 17 Mascot NSW 1460 PO Box 1174 North Sydney NSW 2059 Ph: 61 2 9551 7700 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Seafood Services Australia Australian Veterinary Association Limited Mr Ted Loveday Mr Graham Catt Managing Director Chief Executive Officer Seafood Services Australia Australia Veterinary Association PO Box 2188 Ascot QLD 4007 Unit 40, 2A Herbert Street St Leonards NSW 2065 Ph: 61 1 1300 130 321 Ph: 61 2 9431 5001 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Sheepmeat Council of Australia Inc Cattle Council of Australia Inc Mr Ron Cullen Mr David Inall Executive Director Executive Director Sheepmeat Council of Australia Cattle Council of Australia PO Box E10 Kingston ACT 2604 PO Box E10 Kingston ACT 2604 Ph: 61 2 6273 3088 Ph: 61 2 6273 3688 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] WoolProducers Australia Limited Equestrian Australia Mr Greg Weller Mr Franz Venhaus Executive Director Chief Executive Officer WoolProducers Australia Equestrian Australia PO Box E10 Kingston ACT 2604 PO Box 673 Sydney Markets NSW 2129 Ph: 61 2 6273 1120 Ph: 61 2 8762 7777 Email: mailto:[email protected] Email: [email protected]

Goat Industry Council of Australia Inc Mr Steve Roots President Goat Industry Council of Australia ‘Cardui’ PO Box 79 Molong NSW 2866 Ph: 61 2 6366 9444 Email: [email protected]

Harness Racing Australia Inc. Mr Andrew Kelly Chief Executive Harness Racing Australia Mayne Building 7th Floor, 390 St Kilda Road Melbourne VIC 3004 Ph: 61 3 9867 8033 Email: [email protected]

132 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Animal Health Australia 134 Animal Health in Australia 2009 APPENDIX 3 INVESTIGATIONS OF EMERGENCY DISEASES

Megan Banks

Investigations of emergency diseases 135 The table below lists investigations of potential exotic and other emergency diseases in Australia during 2009.

Table A3.1 Investigations of potential and other emergency diseases in Australia, 2009 (continued) Infected Highest Disease species State Month response levela Finding American foulbrood Honey bee NSW Feb 2 Negative (Paenibacillus larvae) Honey bee NSW Mar 2 Negative (2 unrelated investigations) Honey bee Tas Jan 2 Negative Avian influenza — highly Negative pathogenicb Babesiosis in tick-free areas Bovine NSW Feb 2 Negative Bovine NSW Mar 2 Negative Bluetongue — clinical Bovine NSW Sep 2 Negative diseasec Ovine NSW Feb 2 Negative Ovine NSW Aug 2 Negative Ovine NSW Sep 2 Negative Ovine NSW Dec 2 Negative Brucellosis — bovine Bovine SA Jan 2 Negative (Brucella abortus) Brucellosis — caprine and Caprine SA Aug 2 Negative ovine (B. melitensis) Brucellosis (B. abortus, Bovine NSW Aug 2 Negative B. suis, B. canis and B. melitensis) Porcine NSW Jul 2 Negative Contagious equine metritis Equine NSW Jan 2 Negative Equine NSW Sep 2 Negative Equine SA Apr 1 Negative (2 unrelated investigations) Equine SA May 1 Negative Equine SA Jun 1 Negative (2 unrelated investigations) Equine SA Jul 2 Negative Duck virus enteritis — duck Ducks Tas Jun 2 Negative plague Enzootic bovine leucosis Bovine NSW Jan 2 Negative Bovine NSW Feb 2 Negative Bovine NSW Sep 2 Negative Bovine NSW Oct 2 Negative Bovine SA Oct 2 Negative Ovine Tas Jan 2 Negative Equine encephalomyelitis Equine WA Sep 3 Negative (2 unrelated (eastern, western and investigations) Venezuelan) Equine herpesvirus 1 — Equine NSW Jan 2 Negative abortigenic and neurological Equine NSW Mar 2 Negative strains Equine SA Jun 1 Negative Equine SA Jun 2 Negative

136 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Table A3.1 Investigations of potential and other emergency diseases in Australia, 2009 (continued) Infected Highest Disease species State Month response levela Finding Equine influenza Equine NSW Jan 2 Negative (3 unrelated investigations) Equine NSW Feb 2 Negative (3 unrelated investigations) Equine NSW Apr 2 Negative (2 unrelated investigations) Equine NSW May 2 Negative (2 unrelated investigations) Equine NSW Jun 2 Negative Equine NSW Jul 2 Negative (2 unrelated investigations) Equine NSW Sep 2 Negative (4 unrelated investigations) Equine NSW Sep 3 Negative Equine NSW Dec 2 Negative Equine NT Jul 3 Negative Equine NT Sep 2 Negative Equine Qld Jan 2 Negative (4 unrelated investigations) Equine Qld Feb 2 Negative Equine Qld Mar 2 Negative (3 unrelated investigations) Equine Qld Apr 2 Negative (5 unrelated investigations) Equine Qld May 2 Negative (4 unrelated investigations) Equine Qld Jul 2 Negative (2 unrelated investigations) Equine Qld Aug 2 Negative (3 unrelated investigations) Equine Qld Sep 2 Negative (2 unrelated investigations) Equine SA Nov 3 Negative Equine Tas Oct 2 Negative Equine Vic Jan 3 Negative (2 unrelated investigations) Equine Vic Mar 2 Negative Equine Vic Mar 3 Negative Equine WA Mar 2 Negative Equine WA Sep 3 Negative Equine viral arteritis Equine NSW Feb 2 Negative European foulbrood Honey bee NSW Dec 2 Positive (Melissococcus pluton) Foot-and-mouth disease Alpaca WA Mar 3 Negative Bovine NSW Jun 3 Negative Bovine NSW Sep 3 Negative

Investigations of emergency diseases 137 Table A3.1 Investigations of potential and other emergency diseases in Australia, 2009 (continued) Infected Highest Disease species State Month response levela Finding Foot-and-mouth disease Bovine Qld Jan 3 Negative (continued) Bovine Vic Jun 1 Negative Bovine WA Nov 3 Negative Porcine NSW Jun 3 Negative Haemorrhagic septicaemia Bovine NT Nov 3 Negative Hendra virus Caprine WA Nov 3 Negative Equine ACT Aug 3 Negative Equine ACT Oct 3 Negative Equine NSW Jan 2 Negative (2 unrelated investigations) Equine NSW Feb 2 Negative (2 unrelated investigations) Equine NSW Mar 2 Negative Equine NSW Apr 2 Negative Equine NSW Apr 3 Negative Equine NSW May 3 Negative Equine NSW Jun 3 Negative Equine NSW Jul 2 Negative Equine NSW Aug 2 Negative Equine NSW Aug 3 Negative (6 unrelated investigations) Equine NSW Sep 2 Negative (3 unrelated investigations) Equine NSW Sep 3 Negative (16 unrelated investigations) Equine NSW Oct 3 Negative (16 unrelated investigations) Equine NSW Nov 3 Negative (9 unrelated investigations) Equine NSW Dec 3 Negative (8 unrelated investigations) Equine NT Mar 2 Negative Equine NT Mar 3 Negative Equine NT May 3 Negative Equine NT Jul 3 Negative Equine NT Sep 3 Negative Equine Qld Jan 2 Negative (3 unrelated investigations) Equine Qld Jan 2 Negative (11 unrelated investigations) Equine Qld Jan 3 Negative Equine Qld Feb 2 Negative (5 unrelated investigations) Equine Qld Feb 3 Negative

138 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Table A3.1 Investigations of potential and other emergency diseases in Australia, 2009 (continued) Infected Highest Disease species State Month response levela Finding Hendra virus (continued) Equine Qld Mar 2 Negative (9 unrelated investigations) Equine Qld Apr 2 Negative (17 unrelated investigations) Equine Qld May 2 Negative (10 unrelated investigations) Equine Qld Jun 2 Negative (12 unrelated investigations) Equine Qld Jul 2 Negative (10 investigations) Equine Qld Aug 2 Negative (40 investigations) Equine Qld Aug 3 Negative (13 investigations) Equine Qld Aug 3 Positive (3 investigations) Equine Qld Aug 5 Negative (14 investigations) Equine Qld Aug 5 Positive (9 investigations) Equine Qld Sep 2 Negative (70 investigations) Equine Qld Sep 3 Negative (19 investigations) Equine Qld Sep 5 Negative Equine Qld Sep 5 Positive (2 unrelated investigations) Equine Qld Oct 2 Negative (61 investigations) Equine Qld Oct 3 Negative (5 investigations) Equine Qld Nov 2 Negative (50 investigations) Equine Qld Dec 2 Negative (34 investigations) Equine Qld Dec 3 Negative (2 investigations) Equine Tas Sep 3 Negative Equine Vic Jul 2 Negative Equine Vic Oct 3 Negative (2 unrelated investigations) Equine Vic Nov 3 Negative (2 unrelated investigations) Equine WA Oct 3 Negative (3 unrelated investigations) Equine WA Sep 3 Negative Feline Qld Dec 2 Negative Infectious bursal disease Chicken SA Aug 2 Negative — hypervirulent form and exotic antigenic variant forms Leishmaniosis of any Feline NSW Oct 3 Negative species Malignant catarrhal fever — Bovine NSW Dec 3 Negative wildebeest-associated Newcastle diseased Negative Rabies Domestic rat WA Feb 3 Negative Feline NSW Nov 3 Negative Red fox NSW May 3 Negative

Investigations of emergency diseases 139 Table A3.1 Investigations of potential and other emergency diseases in Australia, 2009 (continued) Infected Highest Disease species State Month response levela Finding Rinderpest Bovine Vic Jan 3 Negative Salmonellosis (Salmonella Ovine Vic Mar 2 Negative Abortusovis) Screw-worm fly — Old Kangaroo Qld Nov 2 Negative World (Chrysomya bezziana) Swine influenza Porcine NSW Jul 5 Positive Porcine NSW Aug 2 Negative Porcine NSW Sep 2 Negative (2 unrelated investigations) Porcine NSW Oct 2 Negative Porcine NSW Nov 2 Negative Porcine Qld Aug 5 Positive Porcine Qld Sep 5 Positive (2 related investigations) Porcine Qld Oct 5 Positive Porcine Vic Aug 5 Positive Porcine WA Aug 3 Negative Swine vesicular disease Porcine NSW Jun 3 Negative Transmissible gastroenteritis Porcine WA Oct 3 Negative Vesicular stomatitis Bovine NSW Jun 3 Negative Bovine NSW Sep 3 Negative Bovine Qld Jan 3 Negative Equine Qld Dec 3 Negative West Nile virus infection — Avian SA May 3 Negative clinical Equine NSW Feb 2 Negative Equine NSW Aug 3 Negative NSW = New South Wales; NT = Northern Territory; Qld = Queensland; SA = South Australia; Tas = Tasmania; Vic = Victoria; WA = Western Australia a Key to highest level of response: 1 Field investigation by government officer 2 Investigation by state or territory government veterinary laboratory 3 Specimens sent to the CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory (or CSIRO Entomology) 4 Specimens sent to reference laboratories overseas 5 Regulatory action taken (quarantine or police) 6 Alert or standby 7 Eradication b During 2009, 1121 birds from 213 laboratory submissions were tested for avian influenza (excluding wild bird surveillance reported in the Australian Wildlife Health Network report); there were no confirmed positive results. c For additional negative monitoring data see the National Arbovirus Monitoring Program: www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/programs/adsp/namp. cfm d During 2009, 624 birds from 124 laboratory submissions were tested for Newcastle disease. Two lentogenic V4 or V4-like viruses were identified, but no virulent strains were found.

140 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Rosemary Grubits 142 Animal Health in Australia 2009 APPENDIX 4 RESEARCH PROJECTS IN LIVESTOCK HEALTH

Deb Freeman

Research projects in livestock health 143 The tables below list some of the research projects in livestock health undertaken during 2009 by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), the cooperative research centres, Australia’s six veterinary schools, and industry-based research and development corporations. Further information on research and development activities by these organisations is provided in Chapter 10.

Table A4.1 Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Australian Animal Health Laboratory research projects Project Granting body/collaborator Development of molecular diagnostic test for rapid Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation identification and differentiation of important poultry viruses (infectious bursal disease virus, Newcastle disease virus, avian influenza) Development of AI-resistant poultry Commercial Development of novel health products and vaccine Australian Poultry CRC adjuvants that can enhance immune responses in poultry Development of new generation Marek’s disease vaccines Department of Employment, Economic Development and for poultry Innovation (Queensland)a Evaluation of pathogenesis of Ebola Reston virus Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Studying the role of nutritional supplements in improving South Australian Research and Development Institute gut health and enhancing immunity in chickens

Emerging infectious diseases: development of novel National Institutes of Health (United States) antiviral treatments for henipavirus infections Emerging infectious diseases: optimisation of novel National Institutes of Health (United States) henipavirus vaccines Improving diagnostic capability for henipavirus infections Australian Biosecurity CRC for Emerging Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health (United States), Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Emerging infectious diseases: SARS Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Australian Biosecurity CRC for Emerging Infectious Disease Australian influenza viruses Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Australian Agency for International Development, National Health and Medical Research Council Emerging bat viruses Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, National Health and Medical Research Council Highly pathogenic avian influenza in ducks in Indonesia Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research and Vietnam Evaluation of rapid molecular detection and Defence Science and Technology Organisation, Australian characterisation systems for risk evaluation of unknown Biosecurity CRC for Emerging Infectious Disease viruses isolated in Australia Development and production of immunological reagents Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research and tests for emerging infectious diseases using Organisation, Australian Biosecurity CRC for Emerging recombinant antibody technology Infectious Disease Koi herpesvirus as a potential biological control agent Invasive Animals CRC Characterisation of Hendra virus infection in the horse Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Pathogenesis of highly pathogenic avian influenza National Institutes of Health (United States) CRC = cooperative research centre a Previously the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries

144 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Table A4.2 Australian Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre for Emerging Infectious Disease research projects Project Research institute Evaluation of rapid molecular detection and Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research characterisation systems for surveillance of arboviruses Organisation, Northern Territory Department of circulating in northern Australia Resourcesa Peri-urban regional surveillance for biosecurity for the pig University of Sydney, state agriculture departments industry in eastern Australia Development of tools to improve the surveillance for James Cook University, Murdoch University surra Development of serological tests for the detection Industry and Investment NSW,b Commonwealth of antibodies of the agent associated with porcine Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation myocarditis virus in pigs and other species Understanding the genotypes of avian influenza viruses Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research circulating in Australia Organisation Development of a rapid and sensitive T. evansi test based Murdoch University on LAMP of DNA Molecular and immunological investigations of bat–virus Department of Employment, Economic Development interactions and Innovation (Queensland),c Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Studies to determine the role of Bungowannah virus in Industry and Investment NSWb porcine myocarditis syndrome (PMC) Hendra virus trial. Trial the recent isolate of Hendra virus Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research in horses Organisation Survey and risk assessment of non-encapsulated forms University of Queensland of Trichinella in mainland Australia Epidemiological investigations into the 2007 equine University of Sydney influenza outbreak in Australia Spatio-temporal assessment of bluetongue virus Curtin University of Technology, Department of and Murray Valley encephalitis virus host and vector Agriculture and Food Western Australia dynamics Epidemiology of avian influenza in aquatic birds in James Cook University, Department of Employment, northern Queensland Economic Development and Innovation (Queensland)c GIS mapping of cattle market service areas using the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) Organisation, state agriculture departments Development of novel detection methods for arboviruses Queensland Health, University of Queensland Assessment of the risks to animal biosecurity associated Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia, with small landholders University of Sydney NSW = New South Wales a Previously the Department of Regional Development, Primary Industry, Fisheries and Resources b Previously the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries c Previously the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries

Research projects in livestock health 145 Table A4.3 Cooperative Research Centre for an Internationally Competitive Pork Industry research projects Project Research institute Management strategies to aid in the control of Industry and Investment NSWa proliferative enteropathy (final report available) Detection and strain typing of Brachyspira Murdoch University, Australian Pork Farms Group, hyodysenteriae to support swine dysentery eradication Rivalea Pty Ltd and control (final report available) Evaluation of grower pig and sucker pig APP vaccination Australian Pork Farms Group, Victorian Department of programs Primary Industries Controlled exposure as a management tool for Glasser’s Department of Employment, Economic Development & disease (final report available) Innovation (Queensland),b Australian Pork Farms Group Probiosis — a novel strategy for improved gut health and Industry and Investment NSWa feed conversion efficiency in pigs without over-reliance on antibiotic growth promotants Development of a serological ELISA test for detection of Murdoch University, Australian Pork Farms Group herds with swine dysentery Manipulating the environment in the porcine large Murdoch University, Department of Agriculture and intestine to help control swine dysentery Food Western Australia, CHM Alliance Pty Ltd The use of nucleotides, functional amino acids and Murdoch University, Department of Agriculture and vitamins to stimulate feed intake, enhance GIT (final Food Western Australia report available) Development of a semi-quantitative real-time diagnostic Industry and Investment NSW,a Rivalea Pty Ltd assay for ileitis Improving health of neonatal piglets and weaners by Rivalea Pty Ltd, Australian Pork Farms Group, University injecting immunoglobulins of South Australia, Charles Sturt University, Australian Pork Ltd Bacteriophage to control enterotoxigenic E. coli University of South Australia, Rivalea Pty Ltd, Australian Pork Farms Group, Australian Pork Ltd Haemophilus parasuis treatment Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (Queensland), Rivalea Pty Ltd, Australian Pork Ltd Evaluating the replacement of zinc oxide with an Zamira Life Sciences Pty Ltd, Department of Agriculture encapsulated zinc oxide product as a means of and Food Western Australia controlling post-weaning diarrhoea in piglets

NSW = New South Wales a Previously New South Wales Department of Primary Industries b Previously Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries

Table A4.4 Australian Poultry Cooperative Research Centre research projects (continued) Project Research institute Nutrition and gut physiology Understanding gut function and gut health of chickens South Australian Research and Development Institute Role of voluntary litter consumption by broiler chickens Norwegian University of Life Sciences in gut function and gut health Gut microflora development and impact on life-long South Australian Research and Development Institute health and performance Egg shell quality with special focus on translucency and University of New England product safety in the Australian egg industry Use of probiotics: a natural approach to control University of Queensland reproductive tract infections in free-range laying flocks Investigating the basis of variable bird performance Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation

146 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Table A4.4 Australian Poultry Cooperative Research Centre research projects (continued) Project Research institute Development and optimisation of assays to study broiler South Australian Research and Development Institute mucin dynamics Realtime PCR quantification of gastrointestinal microbes University of New England in broiler challenge models Insects as poultry food University of New England Discovery and development Application of genomic-based technology for the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research development of new health products Organisation RNA interference for genomic studies and therapeutics Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Boosting innate immunity and use of cytokines for the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research enhancement of vaccine efficacy through manipulation Organisation of the immune system MDV vaccines Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (Queensland) Phage-displayed peptides are antimicrobial towards Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Campylobacter jenuni in chickens — Part B Organisation Improving control of colibacillosis using genomic University of Melbourne information A new virulence factor in Clostridium perfringens causing Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research necrotic enteritis in chickens — a route to vaccine Organisation development (Keyburn/Rood, Monash/Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) Vectoring antigens to the chicken immune system — Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University studies with Campylobacter antigens Screening for bacteriophages of selected poultry University of New England bacterial pathogens Broiler chicken skeletal integrity and incubation University of Sydney Discovering possible vaccine targets for necrotic enteritis Monash University Isolation and titration of selected avian pathogens in cell University of New England culture Eimeria species diagnostics based on non-nuclear Department of Employment, Economic Development genetic markers and Innovation (Queensland) Developing novel antigen delivery systems; ILTV as a University of Melbourne vaccine vector Application and commercialisation Pasteurella multocida vaccine University of Melbourne Transfer of diagnostic technologies from research University of Melbourne laboratories to a core diagnostic facility for the benefit of the Australian poultry industry Development of a live HP 167 (aroA) delete mutant Bioproperties Pty Ltd vaccine against Coryza Investigations into a novel recombinant vaccine to University of Melbourne control infectious laryngotracheitis Salmonella (STM-1) vectored Net B: a new live vaccine Bioproperties Pty Ltd for necrotic enteritis Improved management of poultry welfare Alternatives to beak-trimming South Australian Research and Development Institute Further development of non-invasive stress measures University of Melbourne

Research projects in livestock health 147 Table A4.4 Australian Poultry Cooperative Research Centre research projects (continued) Project Research institute The effects of interval of testing and quality of resource University of Melbourne on the choice behaviour of laying hens in a Y-maze test The relationships between shed cleanliness and hen University of Melbourne welfare The impact of poultry production on the environment Optimising methods for multiple batch litter use by University of New England broilers Determining egg production exposure to the Carbon Australian Egg Corporation Ltd Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) Smart sorbers — value adding spent litter fertiliser. Department of Employment, Economic Development A pilot trial and Innovation (Queensland) Temperature inactivation of viral pathogens in litter University of New England

Table A4.5 Cooperative Research Centre for Beef Genetic Technologies research projects (continued) Project Research institute Genetic improvement of parasite resistance and CRC for Beef Genetic Technologies through thermoregulation Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (Queensland),a University of Queensland, United States Department of Agriculture — Agricultural Research Services Novel solutions to improve tick resistance of cattle CRC for Beef Genetic Technologies through Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (Queensland),a Murdoch University, University of Queensland, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, United States Department of Agriculture — Agricultural Research Services Objective measures of cattle welfare CRC for Beef Genetic Technologies through Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (Queensland),a University of Queensland, Victorian Department of Primary Industries Gene discovery for post-partum reconception and age of CRC for Beef Genetic Technologies through puberty Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (Queensland),a University of Queensland, United States Department of Agriculture — Agricultural Research Services Expression of genes associated with post-partum CRC for Beef Genetic Technologies through University reconception of Queensland, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (Queensland)a Male indicator traits to improve female reproductive CRC for Beef Genetic Technologies through Department performance of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (Queensland),a University of Queensland, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (University of New England and Industry and Investment NSWb)

148 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Table A4.5 Cooperative Research Centre for Beef Genetic Technologies research projects (continued) Project Research institute Feeding and management strategies to increase dietary CRC for Beef Genetic Technologies through energy captured and reduce methane generated Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Ohio State University, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (Queensland),a Industry and Investment NSW,b Meat and Wool New Zealand (Pastoral Greenhouse Gas Research Consortium) CRC = cooperative research centre; NSW = New South Wales a Previously the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries b Previously the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries

Table A4.6 Cooperative Research Centre for Sheep Industry Innovation research projects Project Research institute Decision rules for targeted treatment strategies CRC for Sheep Industry Innovation (Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia, University of New England, South Australian Research and Development Institute) WormBoss worm management website CRC for Sheep Industry Innovation (Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia, Industry and Investment NSW,a South Australian Research and Development Institute, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation [Queensland]b) FlyBoss blowfly strike management website CRC for Sheep Industry Innovation (Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia, Industry and Investment NSW,a South Australian Research and Development Institute, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation [Queensland],b University of Melbourne, Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment) Genetics of parasite-related traits in the Information CRC for Sheep Industry Innovation (Department of Nucleus Agriculture and Food Western Australia, Industry and Investment NSW,a South Australian Research and Development Institute, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation [Queensland]) CRC = cooperative research centre; NSW = New South Wales a Previously the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries b Previously Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries

Research projects in livestock health 149 Table A4.7 Faculty of Veterinary Science (University of Sydney) animal health research projects (continued) Project Granting body Pathogenesis and possible therapies modelled in the Lincoln University shared research support ovine Batten disease Advanced breeding systems CRC for Innovative Dairy Products, Dairy Australia Biomarker lifetime productivity CRC for Innovative Dairy Products, Dairy Australia Development of genomic tools to predict the occurrence Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation of osteochondrosis Sheep genomics sample coordinator Australian Wool Innovation ‘Fawn calf syndrome’ gene marker development Angus Society of Australia Completing the sheep genome project: Australia’s Australian Government Department of Education, contribution to global collaboration Science and Training — International Science Linkages Competitive Grants Bovine Johne’s disease — basic and applied research for Meat & Livestock Australia improved diagnosis and prevention Ovine Johne’s disease — applications of basic research Meat & Livestock Australia on enhanced diagnosis and prevention Evaluation of the effectiveness of Gudair vaccination for Meat & Livestock Australia the control of OJD in flocks vaccinating for at least 5 years Topical and cryoanaesthesia for livestock husbandry Australian Research Council, Australian Wool Innovation Eradicating footrot by specific vaccination Australian Wool Innovation Revisiting the mulesing operation Australian Wool Innovation Studies of the epidemiology and risk factors involved in Meat & Livestock Australia the pathogenesis of acorn calf disease in Australia Susceptibility of previously untested Basin fish species Murray–Darling Basin Commission to EHN virus, and the epidemiology of EHN virus in the wild Murray–Darling Basin Commission Live bird market research Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Best practice health and husbandry of cattle, Cambodia Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research Best practice health and husbandry of cattle and buffalo Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research in Lao PDR Improving productivity and profitability of smallholder Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research shrimp aquaculture and related agribusiness in Indonesia Cost-effective biosecurity for nonindustrial commercial University of New England, Australian Centre for poultry operations in Indonesia International Agricultural Research Physiological and nutritional approaches to alleviate heat Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, stress in broiler chickens: Australian Chicken Meat Federation Inc • effects of dietary supplementation with antioxidants on broiler responses to heat stress • thermal conditioning and thermo-tolerance acquisition in broilers Efficient, environment and bird-friendly commercial duck Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation production Strategies to identify and develop nutraceutical peptides Meat & Livestock Australia in meat and bone meal to enhance its feed value for poultry The science of horse training — implications for rider Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation safety and horse welfare — Equine

150 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Table A4.7 Faculty of Veterinary Science (University of Sydney) animal health research projects (continued) Project Granting body Sperm-sexing technologies in the pig industry — Australian Research Council — Linkage Projects nonsurgical embryo transfer

Water holding capacity of grain as an indicator of broiler Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation performance Investigation into forage, feeding and milking options for Dairy Research and Development Corporation future dairy farm systems in Australia Hydration rates of sorghum and wheat in relation to Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation voluntary feed intakes of broilers Provision of a comprehensive integrated map and Australian Wool Innovation information on ovine single-locus traits Induction of oestrus in lactating sows CRC for an Internationally Competitive Pork Industry Dairy protein evaluation tool: analysis of milk proteins Dairy Australia and prediction of concentrations Development of Salmonella inanition treatment strategies Meat & Livestock Australia for the livestock export industry Improving dairy production in Pakistan through improved Charles Sturt University shared research support extension services The welfare of laying hens in cages University of Melbourne shared research support Australian calf scour pathogen survey Schering–Plough Avoiding environmental bankruptcy: the grazing impacts Australian Research Council — Linkage Projects of red kangaroos and sheep The effects of fatty acids on the performance and CRC for an Internationally Competitive Pork Industry carcase characteristics of growing pigs The manipulation of growth and physiology in the young CRC for an Internationally Competitive Pork Industry pig DNA adenine methylase mutants of S. Typhimurium as University of California — Santa Barbara shared research modified live vaccines in calves support Non-invasive assessment of stress in commercial Australian Egg Corporation Ltd, Egg Industry Research housing systems and Development Program Development of Mycoplasma bovis molecular diagnostic Geoffrey Gardiner Dairy Foundation Ltd — Innovation tests and investigation of the incidence of Mycoplasma Program in eastern Australia dairy herds Control of nodaviral disease in tropical marine finfish Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research hatcheries: enhanced biosecurity through the application — Research and Development Programs of contemporary biotechnology, epidemiology and pathobiology Welfare considerations in commercial duck production Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Bridging Support Grant Oncotic and haemostatic effects of a modified fluid Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Rural gelatin in normal horses Industries Research and Development Corporation Bridging Support Grant Respiratory disease and biomarkers in the foal Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Bridging Support Grant Livestock movement and managing disease in eastern Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research Indonesia and eastern Australia — Research and Development Programs Postgraduate education in animal breeding management Meat & Livestock Australia

Research projects in livestock health 151 Table A4.7 Faculty of Veterinary Science (University of Sydney) animal health research projects (continued) Project Granting body Investigation of the role of bovine mammary stem cells Dairy Australia — Research and Development Grants in the lactation cycle of dairy cows Epidemiological investigations into the 2007 equine Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation influenza outbreak — Research Support CRC = cooperative research centre

Table A4.8 Faculty of Veterinary Science (University of Melbourne) animal health research projects (continued) Project Granting body Avian Health Online (Course) CRC for an Internationally Competitive Pork Industry Evaluation of the effects of chemically modified Sypharma Pty Ltd tetracyclines on protease activity in equine tissue Improving control of colibacillosis using genomic CRC for an Internationally Competitive Pork Industry information Australian biological Trichostrongylidae (Nematoda: Australian Biological Resources Study Strongylida) Wildlife disease surveillance in Victoria: identifying Hermon Slade Foundation diseases in wildlife populations Development of specific enzyme inhibitors to control Hatchtech Pty Ltd head lice and other insects Development of an attenuated infectious Australian Research Council, Bioproperties Australia Pty laryngotracheitis virus vaccine Ltd Genomic approaches to control colibacillosis CRC for an Internationally Competitive Pork Industry Assessment of chicken anaemia virus mutants as CRC for an Internationally Competitive Pork Industry vaccine strains Towards rapid registration of a live attenuated Pasteurella CRC for an Internationally Competitive Pork Industry multocida vaccine Racetrack injuries Racing Victoria Snake envenomation in horses and its detection by rapid Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation immunoassay Investigation of a new vaccine for infectious Australian Government Department of Agriculture, laryngotracheitis in poultry Fisheries and Forestry The effect of ectoparasites on the roosting behaviour of ANZ Charitable Trusts insectivorous bats The role of macrophages in recovery from exercise- Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation induced pulmonary haemorrhage Discovery of early developmental events in the transition Australian Research Council to parasitism in the hookworm Ancylostoma caninum using genomic technologies Targeted mining for new drugs against parasitic Australian Research Council nematodes of animals: a synergy of integrated frontier technologies and a committed partnership Sheep nematode parasites Meat & Livestock Australia A high-throughput method for unlocking the Australian Research Council mitochondrial genomes of significant pathogens Investigation of the resilience of immune memory to Australian Research Council manipulation by pathogens Investigating immunoregulation of helicobacter-induced National Health and Medical Research Council gastritis

152 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Table A4.8 Faculty of Veterinary Science (University of Melbourne) animal health research projects (continued) Project Granting body Blocking immune responses: a critical factor in Australian Research Council herpesvirus virulence? Equine rhinitis A virus; molecular pathogenesis and Australian Research Council methods for control Using integrated frontier and smart technologies to Australian Research Council identify new drug targets for parasites causing major diseases in humans and animals Network for high performing producers Australian Wool Innovation Ltd Development of a vaccine for the control of Gumboro in Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research village and small poultry holdings Control and characterisation of highly pathogenic avian Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research influenza strains in poultry in Indonesia IBV in Australian layer flocks: a focus on egg quality Australian Egg Corporation Ltd Mitochondrial genomics of key pathogens — an Australian Research Council international research cooperative Genetic manipulation of blood flukes National Health and Medical Research Council Mitogenomics using next generation sequencing Australian Research Council and the Natural History Museum London Transduction of Schistosoma mansoni by pseudotyped George Washington University retrovirus Integrated parasite management Australian Wool Innovation Ltd Comparison of programs for the control of blowfly strike Australian Wool Innovation Ltd in merino sheep in southeastern Australia Immunological prevention of cysticercosis and National Health and Medical Research Council hydatid disease Optimisation and field testing of a practical vaccine Wellcome Trust against Taenia solium in pigs Evaluation of the EG95 vaccine against hydatid infection Australian Research Council in macropodid marsupials Pathophysiological mechanisms in equine Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation osteochondrosis Utilisation of cell lines for functional analysis of candidate Meat & Livestock Australia genes and regulatory mechanisms (sheep genomics) Development of cellular resources to support expression Meat & Livestock Australia profiling and proteomic studies in defined genotypes in muscle and energy utilisation subprogram (MEUSP) of MLA and AWI sheep genomics program Genetic and phenotypic correlations for plasma Dairy Australia concentrations of IGF-I with milk yield and fertility in Holstein cows A comparative study of the performance of New Zealand Geoffrey Gardiner Dairy Foundation Friesian cross Holstein–Friesian cows in Victorian dairy herds Detecting the presence of Streptococcus agalactiae in Dairy Australia bulk vat milk using routinely collected milk samples Development of an attenuated vaccine to control the Australian Research Council, Pfizer Animal Health emerging bovine respiratory pathogen Mycoplasma bovis

Research projects in livestock health 153 Table A4.8 Faculty of Veterinary Science (University of Melbourne) animal health research projects (continued) Project Granting body Investigation of the prevalence of chlamydiosis in the Australian Poultry CRC Australian chicken meat industry Transfer of diagnostic technologies from research Australian Poultry CRC laboratories to a core diagnostic facility for the benefit of the Australian poultry industry Investigation of IBH outbreaks in Australian meat Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation breeder and broiler flocks and establishment of an avian adenovirus typing facility and service Troponin levels in Australian horses Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Elucidating a key developmental step in Haemonchus Australian Research Council contortus using next generation sequencing Elucidation of the structure and function of ASPs in Australian Research Council and the Sabin Vaccine hookworms Institute The relationship between blood vessel remodelling and National Health and Medical Research Council inflammatory cells in chronic asthma Functional and structural relationships of the peripheral National Health and Medical Research Council airways in chronic asthma Investigation of pulmonary vaccine delivery in sheep CSL Ltd Improving efficacy of vaccination against the gut National Health and Medical Research Council pathogen Helicobacter pylori Enhancing cell-based therapies for muscular dystrophy Muscular Dystrophy Association Determination of the efficacy of Tildren™ as a treatment Ceva Sante Animale for reducing lost training days due to shin soreness Intra-articular medication as a risk factor for Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation musculoskeletal injury Pathogenesis of distal limb breakdown injuries in Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation thoroughbred racehorses Computational modelling of in vivo contact stresses in Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation the equine fetlock joint Nerve–muscle culture system for improving outcomes of Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation laryngeal reinervation surgery Contribution of cortical porosity to bone fragility National Health and Medical Research Council Protease receptors and prostate cancer metastases National Health and Medical Research Council to bone Fluorosis in kangaroos Alcoa Ltd Avoiding the host immune response — lessons from a Australian Research Council simple bacterium The relationship between blood vessel remodelling and National Health and Medical Research Council inflammatory cells in chronic asthma Catchment sources of microorganisms — developing Australian Research Council an integrated strategy for the sustained prevention of waterborne disease outbreaks in humans in Melbourne Investigating a new therapy for immune system diseases National Health and Medical Research Council Computational modelling of in vivo contact stresses in Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation the equine fetlock joint Protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) and regulation of National Health and Medical Research Council Helicobacter pylori induced mucosal inflammation Mucins in infection and inflammation National Health and Medical Research Council

154 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Table A4.8 Faculty of Veterinary Science (University of Melbourne) animal health research projects (continued) Project Granting body A rural training scheme: up-scaling veterinary capacity Gardiner Foundation and Dairy Australia through dairy practice based research, knowledge transfer and graduate training Optimising dairy cow health and welfare within flexible Victorian Department of Primary Industries feeding systems Improving dairy cow fertility Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Epidemiology of infectious bronchitis virus Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation and the Poultry CRC Use of Carprofen for pain relief in sheep Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Determining a suitable time off feed for bobby calves Dairy Australia during transport CRC = cooperative research centre

Table A4.9 School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences (Charles Sturt University) animal health research projects (continued) Project Granting body Using faecal DNA as a diagnostic tool for plant poisoning Charles Sturt University competitive grant in livestock Diagnosis and control of small strongyle parasites of Rural Industries R&D Corporation horses Internal parasites of horses Cultural Mission of Saudi Arabia Developing nanobody reagents to virulence factors from Charles Sturt University liver flukes Biomarkers, a diagnostic tool for Staphylococcus aureus Charles Sturt University competitive grant mastitis in dairy cattle The use of antibiotics in beef cattle Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation Epidemiological skills of veterinarians in the field (survey) Charles Sturt University An evidence-based approach to enhancing insulin WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition, Mars United sensitivity in horses, through the use of dietary Kingdom Ltd ingredients Safety evaluation of repeated doses of meloxicam in Private funding adult horses, Troy Laboratories Pty Ltd Safety evaluation of repeated doses of Meloxicam Private funding formulation in foals, Troy Laboratories Pty Ltd Equine therapeutics and welfare Rural Industries R&D Corporation Genetic basis for magnetic sensitivity in birds Charles Sturt University Population genetic analysis of the parasitic nematode Charles Sturt University, Graham Centre for Agricultural Ostertagia (Teladorsagia) circumcincta in Australia Innovation Improving dairy production in Pakistan through improved Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research extension services Mapping the distribution of Echinococcus granulosus Private funding infection in rural and semirural domestic dogs in southeastern Australia A fungal disease is killing Tasmanian platypuses and Charles Sturt University mainland frogs. Is there a connection?

Research projects in livestock health 155 Table A4.9 School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences (Charles Sturt University) animal health research projects (continued) Project Granting body Improving feed-conversion efficiency and carcase CRC for an Internationally Competitive Pork Industry composition in barrows Male factors and early pregnancy loss CRC for an Internationally Competitive Pork Industry EverGraze CRC for Future Farm Industries Age, growth and reproduction in striped marlin Australian Fisheries Management Oestrous synchronisation in mares Rural Industries R&D Corporation The role of parasites in the reproductive success of a Morris Animal Foundation, Holsworth Wildlife Research long-lived colonial seabird, the crested tern Endowment Defining and in vitro model system to investigate the Charles Sturt University competitive grant pathogenesis of rye grass staggers in sheep Liver fluke: improving disease control through Australian Research Council Linkage (partner Virbac understanding of parasite diversity, drug resistance and Australia) better diagnosis CRC = cooperative research centre

Table A4.10 School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences (Murdoch University) animal health research projects (continued) Project Granting body Animal Welfare Objective Measures Research Program: Meat & Livestock Australia qualitative behavioural assessment as an integrated measure of welfare Beef CRC programs 1–6 CRC for Beef Genetic Technologies Determining the impact of protozoan pathogens and Australian Research Council strongyle worms on prime lamb production Development of a rapid diagnostic test for avian Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation influenza viruses in poultry outbreaks

Development of high-throughput diagnostic and Australian Research Council genotyping techniques for understanding the impact of enteric bacterial infections on scouring in sheep Enhancing the iron content of pork to promote human CRC for an Internationally Competitive Pork Industry health benefits Genomic characterisation of novel circular DNA viruses Hermon Slade Foundation in animals from Australia and New Guinea Goat nutrient composition Meat & Livestock Australia Harmonising protocols for molecular and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations epidemiological surveillance of influenza viruses Improving the biological efficiency and cost effectiveness CRC for an Internationally Competitive Pork Industry of ractopamine Improving understanding of the epidemiology and CRC for an Internationally Competitive Pork Industry means to control swine dysentery in Australia Interaction of Cryptosporidium lifecycle stages with Australian Research Council aquatic biofilm communities Management of pig associated zoonoses in Lao Peoples Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research Democratic Republic Mortality in live cattle exports Meat & Livestock Australia New technology for avian influenza surveillance Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Quantifying feral pig abundance and efficacy of control Water Corporation — Western Australia strategies in southwest Western Australia

156 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Table A4.10 School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences (Murdoch University) animal health research projects (continued) Project Granting body Selection of feed wheat and (or) barley varieties for the CRC for an Internationally Competitive Pork Industry Australian pig industry Strategies to reduce inanition in sheep: backgrounding Meat & Livestock Australia and feedlotting strategies to address inanition in sheep Subprograms: (3) Next generation meat quality, (3.3.1) CRC for Sheep Industry Innovation Improvement of lean meat yield technical project, (3.8) Completion of meat science program The use of wallabies as indicators of an incursion of Australian Biosecurity CRC for Emerging Infectious Trypanosoma evansi into Australia Disease Understanding factors affecting the iron content of pork Australian Pork Ltd CRC = cooperative research centre

Table A4.11 University of Queensland animal health research projects (continued) Project Granting body School of Animal Studies Individual animal management for grazing beef cattle Australian Research Council, University of Queensland Investigation of methods for storage of stallion semen at Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation ambient temperature Maternal metabolic status and the occurrence of OCD in Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation thoroughbred foals Options for addressing protein under-nutrition in Meat & Livestock Australia northern Australian cattle Sperm-oviductal interactions in the kangaroo — a University of Queensland prelude to marsupial IVF The effect of grazing pressure on intake and diet quality Meat & Livestock Australia Assessment of betaine and glycerol as ameliorants of Meat & Livestock Australia heat load in feedlot cattle Determining reliable excretion rates for therapeutic drugs Queensland University of Technology in horses Evaluating strategies to improve calf survival in West Australian Centre For International Agricultural Research Timor villages Occurrence and control of fatty liver haemorrhagic Australian Egg Corporation Ltd syndrome in caged hens Opportunities to use cocoa pods and forages to address Australian Centre For International Agricultural Research feed gaps in the dry season in southeast Sulawesi AusAID CARD Program: the development and Hassall and Associates International implementation of new appropriate technologies for improving goat production and increasing small-holder income in the central region of Vietnam GnRH-pokeweed antiviral protein treatment for Meat & Livestock Australia permanent nonsurgical castration of sheep and cattle Expression of genes associated with postpartum CRC for Beef Genetic Technologies reconception Increased efficiency of microbial protein production in Meat & Livestock Australia the rumen through manipulation of nutrients and rumen microbial populations Strategies to increase growth of the weaned Bali calf Australian Centre For International Agricultural Research

Research projects in livestock health 157 Table A4.11 University of Queensland animal health research projects (continued) Project Granting body School of Veterinary Science Alfaxalone anaesthesia in horses: potential for improved Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation safety for horses and handlers Characterisation of novel picornavirus-like viruses National Health and Medical Research Council identified from patients with acute respiratory infections Comparison of clinical outcomes of the tibial tuberosity ANZ Trustees Limited advancement and the tibial wedge osteotomy as a surgical repair in the canine cruciate deficient stifle postoperatively using gait Development of a topical treatment to replace surgical Australian Research Council, University Of Queensland mulesing in sheep Genetic improvement of tick resistance CRC for Beef Genetic Technologies Hyposulfataemia and tumour cell growth Queensland Cancer Fund Identification of functional mutations associated with University of Queensland, CRC for Beef Genetic resistance to Rhipicephalus microplus infestation of cattle Technologies Investigation into the inheritance pattern and molecular Australian Companion Animal Health Foundation genetic causes of atopy in West Highland white terriers Maintenance of Newcastle disease master seed Australian Centre For International Agricultural Research vaccine strains Modulation of gap junction expression in healing equine Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation tendon Northern Australian Beef Fertility Project (Cash Cow) Meat & Livestock Australia Occurrence and control of fatty liver haemorrhagic Australian Egg Corporation Ltd syndrome in caged hens Spatial modelling and advanced statistical analysis of University of Queensland veterinary and wildlife data sets Strategies to reduce euthanasia of unwanted ANZ Trustees Ltd companion animals Where is the mutation in the canine homologue of PKD1 ANZ Trustees Ltd in polycystic kidney disease in bull terriers? A blueprint for sustainable small holder pig production in Hassall and Associates International Central Vietnam Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate Australian Dental Research Foundation (CPP-ACP) as a dental biofilm repellent and its effects against cariogenic and noncariogenic oral bacteria — a pilot study Early nutrition and the programming of body University of South Australia composition in cattle Effect of coinfection of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Australian Dental Research Foundation Fusobacterium nucleatum in a mouse periodontitis Estimation of sensitivity and specificity of two Fort Dodge Australia Pty Ltd FIV PCR assays Pasture management guidelines to minimise risk of Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation laminitis in horses Photoactivated disinfection of Enterococcus faecalis Australian Dental Research Foundation in biofilms The influence of preweaning nutrition on age at puberty, Ridley Agriproducts Pty Ltd scrotal circumference and semen quality

158 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Table A4.11 University of Queensland animal health research projects (continued) Project Granting body The epidemiology, pathogenesis and control of highly Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research pathogenic avian influenze (HPAI) in ducks in Indonesia and Vietnam Tick paralysis and the dog — stage 2 Peter and Mary Ellen Stone Memorial Fund Changes in immune responses and gene expression of CRC for Beef Genetic Technologies tick resistant versus susceptible cattle Dog cognition research Iams Company (Ohio, United States) Male indicator traits to improve female reproductive CRC for Beef Genetic Technologies performance

Table A4.12 School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences (James Cook University) livestock and wildlife research projects (continued) Project Granting body Epidemiology of avian influenza in aquatic birds in Australian Biosecurity CRC for Emerging Infectious north Queensland Disease, Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Development of a model for the control of fasciolosis in Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research cattle and buffaloes in the Kingdom of Cambodia Epidemiology and pathogenesis of chytridiomycosis in Australian Research Council Australian frogs Experimental research to obtain a better understanding Australian Government Department of the Environment, of the epidemiology, transmission and dispersal of Water, Heritage and the Artsa amphibian chytrid fungus in Australian ecosystems Experimental research to obtain a better understanding Australian Government Department of the Environment, of the pathogenesis of chytridiomycosis, and the Water, Heritage and the Artsa susceptibility and resistance of key amphibian species to chytridiomycosis in Australia Emerging diseases of amphibians in the wet tropics Australian Government Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Artsa T cell responses in melioidosis National Health and Medical Research Council Development of tools to improve the surveillance for Australian Biosecurity CRC for Emerging Infectious surra Disease Development of human monoclonal antibodies to Defence Science and Technology Organisation Berkholderia pseudomallei using phage display Determination of the efficacy of DNA vaccines for Defence Science and Technology Organisation melioidosis The molecular basis of bacterial infectious diseases James Cook University Investigation of Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus Fees from consultancies and extrasmall virus in juvenile crustaceans RNA interference (RNAi) as an antiviral mechanism Indo-Aus Biotechnology Fund against hepatopancreatic parvovirus Use of subtractive PCRs for diagnosis of crustacean Fees from consultancies viruses Molecular diagnosis of Vibrio harveyi in aquaculture Australian Institute of Marine Science at James Cook University Macrophage activation in the presence of Burkholderia National Health and Medical Research Council, James pseudomallei Cook University Clinical epidemiology of sago haemolytic disease Ok Tedi Mining Limited

Research projects in livestock health 159 Table A4.12 School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences (James Cook University) livestock and wildlife research projects (continued) Project Granting body Biogeography and micro-ecology of Burkholderia James Cook University pseudomallei Growth and meat quality of grain-finished entire male Meat & Livestock Australia Bos indicus cattle Determination of disease-specific epitopes in rheumatic National Health and Medical Research Council heart disease in Australia CRC = cooperative research centre a Previously the Australian Government Department of the Environment and Heritage

Table A4.13 Meat & Livestock Australia animal health research projects (continued) Project Research institute Identification and validation of new drug targets for Australian Wool Innovation Management Agreement, control of gastrointestinal nematode parasites of sheep Australian National University, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Victorian Department of Primary Industries Studies of the epidemiology and risk factors involved in University of Sydney the pathogenesis of acorn calf disease in Australia Assessing the impact of fireweed on meat quality in Department of Employment, Economic Development Queensland and Innovation (Queensland)a Impact of infectious diseases on beef cattle reproduction Industry and Innovation NSWb Parasite control in southern prime lamb production Primary Industries and Resources South Australia systems A coordinated approach to minimising the impact of Western Australian Agricultural Authority annual ryegrass toxicity in agriculture Economic impact of bovine ephemeral fever virus in Penelope McGowan extensive northern beef herds, phase 2 Enhancement of remote area surveillance systems Australian Biosecurity CRC throughout Australia Development of an improved frozen substitute for chilled Department of Employment, Economic Development tick fever vaccine for cattle and Innovation (Queensland)a Factors influencing the development of mucosal La Trobe University immunity in hand-reared calves Development and delivery of a new feral pig toxin/HOG- Invasive Animals Ltd GONE® Changes in within-flock prevalence of Mycobacterium University of Sydney avium paratuberculosis shedding following vaccination with Gudair in high and low-prevalence flocks Pathogenesis of OJD — strategic research for diagnosis University of Sydney and prevention Validation of pooled faecal culture for bovine Johne’s Industry and Innovation NSWb disease with low-level shedder cattle Epidemiology and control of bovine Johne’s disease in University of Melbourne, Australian Animal Health beef cattle herds Council Ovine strain of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis in beef Victorian Department of Primary Industries, Australian cattle: a case study Animal Health Council funding Field study to assess the efficacy of Silirum™ vaccine in Pfizer Australia, Victorian Department of Primary two cattle herds infected with bovine Johne’s disease Industries Bovine Johne’s disease — basic and applied research for University of Sydney, Australian Animal Health Council improved diagnosis and prevention

160 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Table A4.13 Meat & Livestock Australia animal health research projects (continued) Project Research institute Ovine strain of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis in beef Victorian Department of Primary Industries, Australian cattle: a case study #2 Animal Health Council Evaluation of the effectiveness of Gudair™ vaccination University of Sydney, Australian Animal Health Council for the control of OJD in flocks vaccinating for at least five years Ovine Johne’s disease — applications of basic research University of Sydney, Australian Animal Health Council on enhanced diagnosis and prevention A re-evaluation of worm control and anthelmintic Western Australian Agricultural Authority resistance on beef cattle properties in Western Australia Anthelmintic resistance in nematode parasites of cattle in Veterinary Health Research Northern NSW Fungal biopesticide for cattle tick control Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (Queensland) In vitro culture of buffalo fly and infections with University of Queensland, Department of Employment, Wolbachia Economic Development and Innovation (Queensland) Molecular methods for detection of calf scour pathogens University of Sydney Selection of novel tick vaccine candidates using CRC for Beef Genetic Technologies, Department of vaccination-challenge studies in cattle Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (Queensland) CRC = cooperative research centre; NSW = New South Wales a Previously the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries b Previously the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries

Table A4.14 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation animal health research projects (continued) Project Research institute Trialling natural agents for control of darkling beetles Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (Queensland) Physiological and nutritional approaches to alleviate heat University of Sydney stress Subunit vaccine against infectious bursal disease virus Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation — Livestock Industries Investigation of IBH outbreaks in Australian meat University of Melbourne breeder/broiler flocks Improved control measures for infectious bursal disease Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research virus (IBDV) Organisation — Livestock Industries Pop genetics, mixed species competition of Eimeria Department of Employment, Economic Development necatrix and E. tenella and Innovation (Queensland) Epidemiological understanding of prevalence of H6 & AI Industry and Investment NSW virus subtypes-waterfowl Improving control of infectious laryngotracheitis in University of Melbourne Australian broiler flocks. Differential typing of Campylobacter Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (Queensland) Investigation of the prevalence of chlamydiosis in the University of Melbourne Australian chicken meat industry Use of bacteriophage and phage products to control University of South Australia Campylobacter in chicken Expansion and refinement of a molecular typing system Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science for Salmonella

Research projects in livestock health 161 Table A4.14 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation animal health research projects (continued) Project Research institute An integrated typing service for the surveillance of Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science Salmonella in chickens Phage-displayed peptides for the real-time detection of Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Campylobacter jejuni Organisation — Livestock Industries Campylobacter genotypes in chickens — national and Department of Employment, Economic Development regional influences and Innovation (Queensland) Pathogen survey of whole chicken carcases and Food Science Australia comparison to baseline Biosecurity/food safety training DVDs for the poultry Bannister Technical Pty Ltd meat industry Avian influenza: improved diagnostics for detecting Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research antibodies to H5N1 Organisation — Livestock Industries Managing litter reuse for minimal nutrient run-off to Department of Employment, Economic Development surface water and Innovation (Queensland) The biosecurity of mass poultry mortality composting Victorian Department of Primary Industries Evaluating foodborne pathogen trans assoc with partial Department of Employment, Economic Development and full litter reuse and Innovation (Queensland) UNE-88 Test to differentiate Rispens CVI988 vaccine Australian Egg Corporation Ltd from wild type MDV Small hive beetle biology providing control options Department of Industry and Investment NSW A study of Nosema ceranae in Australia Department of Industry and Investment NSW Evaluation of anti-Varroa boards for increase in honey University of Western Sydney production In hive fungal bio-control of small hive beetle Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (Queensland) Commercialisation of the small hive beetle harbourage Department of Industry and Investment NSW device Simulation exercise for pollination industries Plant Health Australia Future surveillance needs for bee biosecurity Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation — Entomology Testing pollen substitutes that meet the nutritional needs Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia of honey bees Development of a pollen substitute meeting the John L Black Consulting nutritional needs of honey bees Hygienic behaviour of the Western Australian bee Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia breeding program The synchronisation of oestrus and ovulation in the mare Charles Sturt University Pathophysiological mechanisms in equine University of Melbourne osteochondrosis The role of macrophages in recovery from exercise- University of Melbourne induced pulmonary haemorrhage Treatment of placentitis in thoroughbred mares: efficacy Scone Veterinary Hospital of altrenogest Investigation of methods for storage of stallion semen at University of Queensland ambient temperature. Histopathology of mares aborting due to equine University of Queensland amnionitis and foetal loss

162 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Table A4.14 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation animal health research projects (continued) Project Research institute Alfaxalone anaesthesia in horses: potential for improved University of Queensland safety for horses Determining reliable excretion rates for therapeutic drugs Queensland University of Technology in horses Pathogenesis of distal limb breakdown injuries in University of Melbourne thoroughbred racehorses Intra-articular medication as risk factor for University of Melbourne musculoskeletal injury Health and safety in Australian racing Australian Racing Board The science of horse training: implications for rider safety University of Sydney and horse welfare Pasture management guidelines to minimise risk of University of Queensland laminitis in horses Sacroiliac kinematics in horses Queensland University of Technology Development of genomic tools to predict the occurrence University of Sydney of osteochondrosis Computational modelling of in vivo contact stresses in University of Melbourne the equine fetlock joint Improving the foot health of the domestic horse University of Queensland Snake envenomation in horses and its detection by rapid University of Melbourne immunoassay Finite element analysis modelling of third metacarpal University of Melbourne bone in vivo stresses Troponin levels in Australian horses University of Melbourne Clostridium difficile-associated disease in horses University of Western Australia Modulation of gap junction expression in healing equine University of Queensland tendon Maternal metabolic status and the occurrence of OCD in University of Queensland thoroughbred foals Investigation of the mechanism of insulin-induced University of Queensland laminitis in horses In vitro optimisation of conditions for laryngeal University of Melbourne reinnervation surgery Diagnosis and control of small strongyle parasites of Charles Sturt University horses sampling for prediction of Rhodococcus equi Scone Veterinary Hospital infection in neonatal foals Investigation into the aetiology of Australian stringhalt University of Melbourne Virus and horse specific risk factors for EHV1 University of Melbourne neurological disease Epidemiological investigations into the 2007 equine University of Sydney influenza outbreak Efficient environment and bird friendly commercial University of Sydney duck production Linkage mapping and QTL analysis in saltwater University of Sydney crocodiles Bactronophorous thoracites health promoting product Prindel Marron production enhancement John Luckens

Research projects in livestock health 163 Table A4.14 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation animal health research projects (continued) Project Research institute Tracking crocodile skin defects — from farm to product Wildlife Management International Pty Ltd Nutritional requirements — feed ingredients and feeding Wildlife Management International Pty Ltd systems for farmed crocs Selective breeding programs for game bird and ratite University of Western Australia farming Optimising genetics, reproduction and nutrition of dairy Monash University sheep and goats Improving the production efficiency, welfare and University of Sydney processing of commercial ducks Obtain perceptions of consumers and foodservice Sensory Solutions Pty Ltd operators regarding kangaroo meat Improving the welfare and humaneness of commercially Department of Industry and Investment NSW harvested kangaroos Advanced meat hygiene training for kangaroo harvesters Lenah Consulting Viral and endogenous retroviral detection and Northern Territory Department of Resources characterisation in crocodiles Advancing artificial insemination in camelids, particularly University of Sydney the alpaca Feeding alpacas to enhance both reproduction and University of Western Australia fleece quality

Table A4.15 Dairy Australia research projects (continued) Project Research institute Animal diseases InCalf, a national extension program for herd Dairy Australia, Harris Park reproductive performance An investigation into methods of predicting ovulation University of Queensland in cattle Understanding milk acetone cycling in dairy cattle University of Sydney Evaluation of treatments for non-cycling cows Maffra Veterinary Centre Countdown Downunder: making it happen on farm Dairy Australia, Harris Park BJD aware, a Johne’s disease communications program Dairy Australia Application of herd tests for Johne’s disease Victorian Department of Primary Industries Assessment of calf rearing strategies for Johne’s Victorian Department of Primary Industries disease control National program to eradicate EBL from the Australian Australian Dairy Industry Council, dairy processors, dairy herd Australian Dairy Farmers, Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, state animal health authorities, Dairy Australia Response to emergency animal diseases Dairy Australia, NE Tweddle Animal health, lameness and calf rearing extension days Regional dairy programs (several) Tasmanian dairy demonstration farm DairyTas — Tasmanian Dairy Industry (regional dairy program) Acidosis and lameness links Strategic Bovine Services Genetic improvement Farmer decision making for the selection of genetics in University of Melbourne Australian dairy herds

164 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Table A4.15 Dairy Australia research projects (continued) Project Research institute Validating and increasing profit from bull selection Victorian Department of Primary Industries Dairy nutrition Future Forages Dairy Australia 30:30 Feedbase Project University of Melbourne 20:12 Feedbase Project Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research Forage Plu$ Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (Queensland)a Pasture Plu$ Tasmanian Department of Primary, Parks, Water and Environmentb Greener Pastures Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australian South East Forage Innovation Dairy South Australia (regional dairy program) Future Dairy, addressing future resource limitations University of Sydney through innovation in forages and automation Flexible Intensive Feeding Systems Dairy Australia The Cool Cows Project Dairy Australia Feed2Milk: managing the risks associated with grain/ Victorian Department of Primary Industries concentrate and fodder purchases TASMILK 60 Grains2Milk Project Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research Drought coordination Regional dairy programs (several) Focus Farms — improving environment and enterprise GippsDairy, WestVic Dairy, Dairy South Australia management (regional dairy programs) Feed budgeting and grain buying workshops Western Dairy (regional dairy program) Animal handling and husbandry practices Dairy Welfare We Care, an animal welfare Dairy Australia communications program Disbudding extension Dairy Australia Lameness training and prevention Dairy Australia Alternatives to tail docking Dairy Australia Dairy calf supply chain trial Dairy Australia Enhanced calf management systems Dairy Australia Competencies for calf husbandry J McNeil Calf transport and time-off-feed trial University of Melbourne Extended lactation / WA fertility project Western Dairy (regional dairy program) Victorian Dairy Extension Centre Victorian Department of Primary Industries Dairy Pathways — NSW Extension Service Industry and Investment NSWc CRC = cooperative research centre; NSW = New South Wales a Previously the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries b Previously the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries and Water c Previously the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries

Research projects in livestock health 165 Table A4.16 Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram) animal health research projects Project Research institute Investigating and managing the Perkinsus-related Industry and Investment NSWa mortality of blacklip abalone in NSW Phase 1 Identification of host interactions in the lifecycle of QX Queensland Museum disease

Strategic planning, project management and adoption Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Livestock Industries Development of molecular diagnostic procedures for Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research the detection and identification of herpes-like virus of Organisation Livestock Industries, Victorian Department abalone (Haliotis spp.) of Primary Industries Metazoan parasite survey of selected macro-inshore University of Adelaide fish of southeastern Australia, including species of commercial interest Rapid strain identification of the bacterial fish pathogen University of Queensland Streptococcus iniae and development of an effective polyvalent vaccine for Australian barramundi Development of a DNA microarray to identify markers of Department of Fisheries, Western Australia; Macquarie disease in pearl oysters (Pinctada maxima) and to assess University overall oyster health Investigation of Chlamydiales-like organisms in pearl Department of Fisheries, Western Australia oysters, Pinctada maxima Tools for investigation of the nodavirus carrier state in University of Sydney marine, euryhaline and freshwater fish and control of NNV through integrated management Intensive pathology training workshop for laboratory Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Industry and diagnosticians Investment NSWa Aquatic Animal Health Technical Forum Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation — Livestock Industries NSW = New South Wales a Previously the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries

166 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Table A4.17 Australian Wool Innovation Ltd research projects Project Research institute Effective genetic benchmarking CRC for Sheep Industry Innovation, Industry and Investment NSW, University of New England, Meat & Livestock Australia, Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit Sheep genomics — including fleece rot, foetal Victorian Department of Primary Industries, manipulations, muscle and growth traits Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, University of New England, University of Adelaide Matching genotypes to environments CRC for Sheep Industry Innovation Fungal biopesticide control of the Australian sheep Department of Employment, Economic Development blowfly and the sheep body louse and Innovation (Queensland)a Development and field validation of a lice detection test Industry and Investment NSWb Reproductive efficiency CRC for Sheep Industry Innovation Targeted treatment for internal parasite resistance CRC for Sheep Industry Innovation management Worm diagnostic test using PCR technology University of Melbourne, Meat & Livestock Australia, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Development of a dipstick method for on-farm diagnosis CRC for Sheep Industry Innovation of Haemonchus infections in ruminants Eradication of virulent ovine footrot by sequential specific University of Sydney vaccination Development of alternatives to surgical mulesing Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Cobbett Technologies, Animal Welfare Science Centre, University of Sydney, Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Association, CRC for Sheep Industry Innovation Comparison of programs for the control of blowfly-strike University of Melbourne in Merino sheep in SE Australia Breeding breech strike resistance Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Development and augmentation of poison baits with Invasive Animals CRC enhanced canid specification Development of a vaccine against annual ryegrass Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research toxicity Organisation Australian Animal Health Laboratory Greenhouse gas abatement CRC for Sheep Industry Innovation, University of Western Australia Methane mitigation Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Meat & Livestock Australia CRC = cooperative research centre a Previously the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries b Previously the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries

Research projects in livestock health 167 168 Animal Health in Australia 2009 APPENDIX 5 KEY AUSTRALIAN ANIMAL HEALTH WEBSITES

Glynda Bluhm

Key Australian animal health websites 169 Appendix 5 Key Australian animal health websites (continued) Accreditation Program for Australian Veterinarians www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/training/apav.cfm Animal Health Australia www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au Animal Health Laboratory Network www.daff.gov.au/animal-plant-health/animal/system/ lab-network Animal Health Surveillance Quarterly www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/status/ahsq.cfm AQUAPLAN www.daff.gov.au/animal-plant-health/aquatic/aquaplan AQUAVETPLAN www.daff.gov.au/animal-plant-health/aquatic/ aquavetplan AUS-MEAT www.ausmeat.com.au Australasian Veterinary Boards Council www.avbc.asn.au Australian Alpaca Association www.alpaca.asn.au Australian Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre for www.abcrc.org.au Emerging Infectious Disease Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research www.aciar.gov.au Australian Chicken Meat Federation www.chicken.org.au Australian Dairy Farmers www.australiandairyfarmers.com.au Australian Egg Corp www.aecl.org Australian Food and Grocery Council www.afgc.org.au Australian Government Department of Agriculture, www.daff.gov.au Fisheries and Forestry Australian Government Department of Health and www.health.gov.au Ageing Australian Harness Racing www.harness.org.au Australian Honey Bee Industry Council www.honeybee.org.au Australian Horse Industry Council www.horsecouncil.org.au Australian Livestock Export Coop (LiveCorp) www.livecorp.com.au Australian Lot Feeders’ Association www.feedlots.com.au Australian National Quality Assurance Program www.anqap.com Australian Overseas Aid Program, AusAID www.ausaid.gov.au Australian Poultry Cooperative Research Centre www.poultrycrc.com.au Australian Q Fever Register www.qfever.org Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service www.daff.gov.au/aqis Australian Racing Board www.australianracingboard.com.au Australian Veterinary Association www.ava.com.au Australian Wildlife Health Network www.wildlifehealth.org.au/AWHN/home.aspx Australian Wool Innovation www.wool.com.au Biosecurity Australia www.daff.gov.au/ba Cattle Council of Australia www.cattlecouncil.com.au Cooperative Research Centre for an Internationally www.porkcrc.com.au Competitive Pork Industry Cooperative Research Centre for Beef Genetic www.beef.crc.org.au Technologies

170 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Appendix 5 Key Australian animal health websites (continued) Cooperative Research Centre for Sheep www.sheep.crc.org.au Industry Innovation CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory www.csiro.au/places/aahl.html CSIRO Livestock Industries www.csiro.au/li Dairy Australia www.dairyaustralia.com.au Deer Industry Association www.diaa.org Department of Agriculture and Food, WA www.agric.wa.gov.au Department of Fisheries, WA www.fish.wa.gov.au Department of Industry and Investment, NSW www.dpi.nsw.gov.au Department of Primary Industries, Vic www.dpi.vic.gov.au Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Qld www.dpi.qld.gov.au Department of Primary Industries and Resources, SA www.pir.sa.gov.au Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and www.dpiw.tas.gov.au Environment, Tas Department of Resources, NT www.nt.gov.au/d Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne www.vet.unimelb.edu.au Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney www.vetsci.usyd.edu.au Farm Biosecurity www.farmbiosecurity.com.au Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, www.frdc.com.au/subprograms/aah/index.htm Aquatic Animal Health Food Standards Australia New Zealand www.foodstandards.gov.au Meat & Livestock Australia www.mla.com.au National Animal Health Information System www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/nahis National Animal Health Performance Standards www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/programs/ahsp/ perf_stds.cfm National Farmers’ Federation www.nff.org.au National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/ Content/cda-surveil-nndss-nndssintro.htm National Pests & Diseases Outbreaks www.outbreak.gov.au National Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/aahc/programs/ Surveillance Program adsp/tsefap/tse_ntsesp.cfm Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer www.daff.gov.au/about/contactus/piaph#animal Primary Industries Ministerial Council www.mincos.gov.au Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation www.rirdc.gov.au SAFEMEAT www.safemeat.com.au School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles www.csu.edu.au/faculty/science/savs Sturt University School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, James www.jcu.edu.au/vbms Cook University School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, www.vetbiomed.murdoch.edu.au Murdoch University Seafood Services Australia www.asic.org.au

Key Australian animal health websites 171 172 Animal Health in Australia 2009 ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

Paul Vallier

Acronyms and abbreviations 173 Acronyms and abbreviations (continued) AAHL Australian Animal Health Laboratory AAWS Australian Animal Welfare Strategy AB-CRC Australian Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre for Emerging Infectious Disease ABLV Australian bat lyssavirus ACIAR Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research AFB American foulbrood AHA Animal Health Australia AHC Animal Health Committee AHP Animal Health Programs AI avian influenza ANQAP Australian National Quality Assurance Program ANZFRMC Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council APEC Asia–Pacific Economic Cooperation AQIS Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service AQUAPLAN Australia’s national strategic plan for aquatic animal health AQUAVETPLAN Australian Aquatic Veterinary Emergency Plan ASEAN Association of Southeast Asian Nations AusAID Australian Agency for International Development AUSVETPLAN Australian Veterinary Emergency Plan AWHN Australian Wildlife Health Network BA Biosecurity Australia Beef CRC Cooperative Research Centre for Beef Genetic Technologies BEF bovine ephemeral fever BQ Biosecurity Queensland BSE bovine spongiform encephalopathy BSG Biosecurity Services Group BTV bluetongue virus CAE caprine arthritis–encephalitis Codex Codex Alimentarius Commission COP code of practice CSIRO Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation CVO chief veterinary officer DAFF Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry DoHA Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing EAD emergency animal disease EADRA Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement EHV equine herpesvirus EID emerging infectious disease EU European Union FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations FMD foot-and-mouth disease FSANZ Food Standards Australia New Zealand HACCP hazard analysis and critical control points

174 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Acronyms and abbreviations (continued) HPAI highly pathogenic avian influenza IRA import risk analysis JE Japanese encephalitis LPA Livestock Production Assurance LPAI low pathogenicity avian influenza MLA Meat & Livestock Australia Ltd NACA Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia–Pacific NAHIS National Animal Health Information System NAHPS National Animal Health Performance Standards NAMP National Arbovirus Monitoring Program NAQS Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy NATA National Association of Testing Authorities NBC National Biosecurity Committee NCN National Communications Network NFAS National Feedlot Accreditation Scheme NLIS National Livestock Identification System NMG National Management Group NRS National Residue Survey NTSESP National Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies Surveillance Program NVD national vendor declaration OCVO Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer OIE World Organisation for Animal Health PIMC Primary Industries Ministerial Council PISC Primary Industries Standing Committee Pork CRC Cooperative Research Centre for an Internationally Competitive Pork Industry Poultry CRC Australian Poultry Cooperative Research Centre PPP primary production and processing QA quality assurance R&D research and development SCAAH Subcommittee on Aquatic Animal Health SCAHLS Subcommittee on Animal Health Laboratory Standards SHB small hive beetle Sheep CRC Cooperative Research Centre for Sheep Industry Innovation SOP standard operating procedure SPC Secretariat of the Pacific Community SPS Agreement Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (of the WTO) TAD transboundary animal disease TB tuberculosis TSE transmissible spongiform encephalopathy TSEFAP Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy Freedom Assurance Program WHO World Health Organization of the United Nations WTO World Trade Organization

Acronyms and abbreviations 175 176 Animal Health in Australia 2009 GLOSSARY

Wendy Sheehan

Glossary 177 Glossary (continued) Acaricide Pesticides used to control acarids such as mites and ticks. Aetiology The study of causes or origins of disease. Antimicrobial Antibacterial agents (including ionophores) but not including antiprotozoals, antifungals, antiseptics, disinfectants, antineoplastic agents, antivirals, immunologicals, direct-fed microbials or enzyme substances. Biocontainment Physical containment of highly pathogenic organisms. Bioremediation Use of living organisms, such as microorganisms, fungi, green plants or their enzymes to clean up contaminated soil or water. Biosecurity The exclusion, eradication or effective management of risks posed by pests and diseases to human and animal health, horticultural industries, ecological systems and the economy. Camelids Members of the biological family Camelidae, including camels, alpacas, llamas and dromedaries. Cohort A group of individuals born at a similar time, or who share similar characteristics. Culicoides A genus containing at least 123 species of biting midge – very small insects, visible to the naked eye, with a wing length of about 0.9 mm. Particular Culicoides species carry and spread bluetongue and Akabane viruses by taking blood meals from hosts such as cattle and sheep. The distribution and population of Culicoides are affected by factors such as climate (rainfall, wind), light and proximity of livestock. Desiccation The drying of an organism in its environment. Emergency animal A disease that, when it occurs, requires an emergency response, because it would have disease a national impact if it were not controlled. Emerging (disease) A new infectious disease resulting from a change in an existing pathogenic agent, a known disease occurring in a new area or population, or a previously unrecognised pathogen or disease. Endemic (disease) A disease that is known to occur over a long period of time within a population or a geographic range. Enteric Intestinal; to do with the intestines (gut). Epidemic An unexpected and substantial increase in the incidence of a disease. Epidemiological Relating to the study of disease and its causes in a population. Epidemiologist A scientist who studies the transmission and control of epidemic diseases. Epidemiology Science of the distribution of disease in populations, with investigations into the source and causes of infection. Exotic (disease or pest) A disease that does not normally occur in a particular area or country (as opposed to an endemic disease). Granulomas Lesions with a yellowish appearance that are caseous, caseo-calcareous, or calcified in consistency. Occasionally, they may be purulent. The caseous centre is usually dry, firm and covered with a fibrous connective capsule of varying thickness. Granulomas can vary in size from small and easily missed to lesions involving the greater part of the organ. Histological The examination of tissues under the microscope to assist diagnosis. Invasive (animals) Any animal having, or with the potential to have, an adverse economic, environmental or social/cultural impact. Morbidity Illness or disease.

Nucleotide substitution A form of mutation of the nucleotide sequence of DNA, where one base is replaced by another. Pandemic disease An epidemic disease that occurs over a widespread area (multiple countries or ) and usually affects a substantial proportion of the population. Pathogen A biological agent that causes disease or illness in its host.

178 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Glossary (continued) Pathogenic Capable of causing disease. Phytosanitary Relating to the health of plants; especially the freedom from pests and diseases requiring quarantine. Polymerase chain A highly sensitive test that can detect DNA fragments of viruses or other organisms in reaction (PCR) blood or tissue. It works by repeatedly copying genetic material using heat cycling and enzymes similar to those used by cells. Precursor A substance, or virus, from which another substance can form. Progenitor The primary virus from which the current virus developed. Propolis A substance collected by bees from tree resin, used to strengthen the comb, sealing cracks and gaps in the hive. Ratite Large, flightless birds such as emus and ostriches. Real-time polymerase A laboratory technique that is used to amplify and simultaneously quantify a targeted chain reaction DNA molecule. Sentient Having sense, perception, consciousness. Sentinel A previously uninfected, identified animal or hive, kept at a specific location and used to monitor activity such as viral infection or parasitic infestation. Samples (eg blood, bees) are collected at intervals to check whether activity has occurred. Sentinel animals Animals that are deliberately placed in a particular environment to detect the presence of an infectious agent, such as a virus. Seroconversion Appearance in the blood serum of antibodies following vaccination or natural exposure to an infective agent. Serological Relating to diagnostic testing of blood serum. Serology Immunological reactions and properties of serum. Serotype A group of closely related microorganisms distinguished by a common set of antigens. Serotyping The determination of a subgroup of microorganisms identified by the antigens carried. Swill Food (or food scraps) that contains animal matter, or vegetable waste that has been contaminated by animal matter. Animal matter is any meat or meat product, including chicken meat, and any illegally imported dairy products. Synthetic pyrethroids Synthetic chemical insecticides that act in a similar manner to naturally derived pyrethrins. Taxon A taxonomic category or group, such as phylum, order, family, genus or species. Transboundary animal Epidemic animal diseases that are highly infectious, with potential for very rapid spread, diseases irrespective of national borders, and able to seriously impact the economy or human health (or both). Vector A living organism (eg an ) that transmits an infectious agent from one host to another. Virology The study of viruses and viral diseases. Virulent A term referring to the relative ability of an infectious agent to cause disease. Zoonosis (zoonotic A disease that can be transmitted from animals to people or, more specifically, a disease disease) that normally exists in animals but that can infect humans. Plural: zoonoses.

Glossary 179 180 Animal Health in Australia 2009 INDEX

Animal Health Australia

Index 181 INDEX national standards and guidelines, 98–99 overview of Australian arrangements, 93–94 b = box, f = figure, t = table Quadrilateral Animal Welfare Working Group, 100 regional initiatives, 100 abalone viral ganglioneuritis, 1, 47, 45t research into animal welfare, 98 Accreditation Program for Australian Veterinarians, 15 ritual slaughter of livestock, 101 Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and significant events in 2009, 94 Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement), 79, 81 wild animals, 96 Akabane virus, 51–52, 53, 54f (see also National World Organisation for Animal Health, 99 Arbovirus Monitoring Program) Animal Welfare Committee, 8 alpacas anthrax, 24t, 30–31, 30f, 64t Australian Alpaca Association, 73 aquaculture industry, 45, 46, 117, 123–125, 125t National Livestock Identification System, 16, 17 AQUAPLAN, iii, 1–2, 46 Q-Alpaca quality assurance program, 20–21 aquatic animal diseases (see also under disease names) American foulbrood (AFB), 28–30, 136t Australia’s status for OIE-listed diseases, 42t animal disease surveillance (see disease surveillance and Australia’s status for other diseases reported to OIE, monitoring) 45t animal diseases (see also aquatic animal diseases; aquatic animal health emergency management; see also under disease disease events in 2009, 47 names) emergency response preparedness, 46 Australia’s status for OIE-listed diseases, 24–27t national policy, 45 Australia’s status for other diseases reported to OIE, regional initiatives, 47 27–28t Aquatic Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal investigations in 2009, 135–140 Diseases (Aquatic CCEAD), 46 Animal Health Australia (AHA) AQUAVETPLAN (Australian Aquatic Veterinary animal welfare, 98 Emergency Plan), 47 member organisations, 11 arboviruses (see Akabane virus; bluetongue virus (BTV); programs funded or managed, 11, 35, 50, 55, 56, 57, bovine ephemeral fever virus (BEFV); National 72 Arbovirus Monitoring Program (NAMP)) role, 8, 10f, 11, 50b, 67, 69 Asian honey bee (Apis cerana), 56–57, 57t, 63, 76 Animal Health Committee (AHC), iii, 8–9, 10f, 14, 24, 36, Asia–Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), 47, 75, 104, 45–46 105, 106 Animal Health Laboratory Network, 9 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), 4, 47, animal welfare, 93–101 75, 83, 104, 105, 106 animals used in research and teaching, 97 Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial animals used in work, sport, recreation and display, Council (ANZFRMC), 88, 90 96 Australian Agency for International Development aquatic animals, 95 (AusAID), 73, 75, 104–106 Australian animal welfare standards and guidelines, Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) 98–99 research programs, 144 Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (AAWS), 3–4, role, 9, 13, 35, 45, 69, 110 94–98 work in 2009, 63, 106 companion animals, 96 Australian animal welfare standards and guidelines, education and training in animal welfare, 97–98 98–99 European Union – Australia Animal Welfare Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (AAWS), 3–4, 94–98 Cooperation Forum, 100 Australian Aquatic Veterinary Emergency Plan Food and Agriculture Organization of the United (AQUAVETPLAN), 47 Nations (FAO), 47, 75, 77, 100–101, 106 Australian Association of Veterinary Laboratory international animal welfare, 99–101 Diagnosticians, 9 Live Trade Animal Welfare Partnership, 100 Australian Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre for livestock export standards, 99 Emerging Infectious Disease (AB-CRC), 110–111, livestock production animals, 97 145t mulesing, 101

182 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research distribution in Australia, 24t, 52–53, 54f, 62, 136t (ACIAR), 4, 72, 103–104, 106–107 surveillance and monitoring, 2, 28, 51–52, 51f Australian National Quality Assurance Program (ANQAP), bovine babesiosis, 25t, 31, 32 9 bovine brucellosis (see brucellosis) Australian Pathology Standards Program, 11 bovine ephemeral fever virus (BEFV) Australian Pork Limited, 125 detection in 2009, 53 Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS), iii, distribution in Australia, 51–52, 54f 14, 46 bovine Johne’s disease (see Johne’s disease) Callinan review of 2007 equine influenza outbreak, iii bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), 25t, 29f, 50b consumer protection, 87, 125 Australian Ruminant Feed-Ban Scheme, 55 and exports, 3, 56, 84 imported animal tracing, 55–56 and imports, 3, 80, 81–82 surveillance, 53–55, 55t overseas work, 106 Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy Freedom Australian Ruminant Feed-Ban Scheme, 55 Assurance Program (TSEFAP), 2, 53, 55–56 Australian Veterinary Emergency Plan (see bovine tuberculosis, 25t AUSVETPLAN) Bovine Tuberculosis Surveillance Project, 29f, 50b, 56 Australian Veterinary Practitioners Surveillance Network, brucellosis 50b, 61 bovine, 24t, 50b, 59, 59t, 64t, 136t Australian Veterinary Reserve, 69–70 ovine, 24t, 29f, 37–38, 37t, 136t Australian Wildlife Health Network (AWHN), 9, 12, 29f swine, 24t, 39, 136t monitoring and surveillance, iii, 2, 50, 50b buffalo industry, production, 124 programs and activities managed, 57–58, 63, 74 Bureau of Meteorology, 8 Australian Wool Innovation, 117, 167t AUSVETPLAN, 2, 35, 68, 69, 70 Callinan review of 2007 equine influenza outbreak, reviews, iii, 58, 63, 68, 71, 72 82–83 avian influenza (AI), 26t, 58, 63, 73–75, 136t caprine arthritis–encephalitis (CAE), 21t, 31 Australian overseas aid, 105–106 caprine Johne’s disease (see Johne’s disease) diagnostic test, 111 cattle tick and tick fevers, 31–32 preparedness, 73–75 Charles Sturt University, 114, 155–156 surveillance, iv, 2, 62, 75–76 Chief Veterinary Officer (see Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer (OCVO)) bat diseases, 2, 50b, 58, 63, 110 Codex Alimentarius Commission, 84, 88 Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis infection, 1, 42t, 44f, 47 Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Beale Review, 62, 80 Organisation (CSIRO), 13, 45, 63, 67 bee diseases and pests, 57t communicable diseases, 3, 64, 88, 89 American foulbrood (AFB), 28–30 Communicable Diseases Network Australia, 63, 89 Asian honey bee (Apis cerana), 2 Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases European foulbrood, 27t (CCEAD), 11, 68, 69, 75 National Sentinel Hive Program, 50b consumer protection, 87–90 small hive beetle (SHB), 27t Codex Alimentarius Commission, 84, 88 bee industry, production, 123 Communicable Diseases Network Australia, 63, 89 beef cattle, production, 120, 120f, 120t Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA), 3, 87, 89 Biosecurity Australia (BA) exports of dairy products, seafood and eggs, 90–91 equine influenza and imports of horses, iii, 3 food standards, 88 import risk analyses, 81 Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), 3, policy reviews, 81 87, 88, 90 role, 14, 59, 80–81, 83 inspections of meat, 90–91 biosecurity planning, 72–73 international arrangements, 88 Biosecurity Queensland, 2, 32, 62 national arrangements, 88 bird flu (see avian influenza) National Residue Survey (NRS), 16, 29f, 87, 89 bluetongue virus (BTV) (see also National Arbovirus OzFoodNet, 89 Monitoring Program) protective measures, 89 detection in 2009, 53 regulations and standards, 88 residue monitoring, 16, 89

Index 183 Cooperative Research Centre for an Internationally education and training, 15 Competitive Pork Industry, 111, 146t eggs and egg products industry, production, 125 Cooperative Research Centre for Beef Genetic Emergency Animal Disease Preparedness Program, 69 Technologies, 112–113, 148–149t Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement, 68, Cooperative Research Centre for Sheep Industry 69, 71, 72, 73 Innovation, 113, 149t Emergency Animal Disease Response Plans, 69 crustacean diseases, 42, 42t, 45t emergency management, 67–77 crustaceans, production, 124t Asian honey bee (Apis cerana), 76 CSIRO Livestock Industries — Australian Animal Health AUSVETPLAN, 2, 68 Laboratory, 110, 144t avian influenza, 73–75 biosecurity planning, 72–73 Dairy Australia, 116, 164–165t communications and awareness, 71–72 dairy cattle industry, production, 121–122, 122t Emergency Animal Disease Preparedness Program, dairy products industry, production, 125, 126t 69 Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Farm Biosecurity Campaign, 72 (DAFF), 12–14 (see also Australian Quarantine and Hendra virus, iii, 2, 60, 63, 76 Inspection Service; Biosecurity Australia) investigations in 2009, 135–140 Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA), 3, 76, 87, 89 National Communications Network, 71 disease surveillance and monitoring, 2, 49–64 pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus, iii, 2, 77 Australian Veterinary Practitioners Surveillance preparedness initiatives, 69–73 Network, 50b, 61 response plans and coordination, 68 bat diseases, 2, 50b, 58, 63, 110 responses in 2009, 76–77 bovine brucellosis, 50b, 59, 59t roles of agencies and organisations, 69 Bovine Tuberculosis Surveillance Project, 29f, 50b, 56 wildlife and emergency diseases, 75–76 feral animals, 15, 39, 62, 96 Wildlife and Exotic Disease Preparedness Program, Japanese encephalitis (JE), 2, 63 12, 75 list of programs, 50b endemic diseases of national significance, 28–39 National Animal Health Surveillance Strategy, iv, 50 enzootic bovine leucosis, 25t, 29f, 32–33, 116, 136t National Arbovirus Monitoring Program (NAMP), 2, epizootic haematopoietic necrosis, 42t, 43f, 45t 28, 29f, 50–53, 50b, 51f epizootic ulcerative syndrome, 42t, 43f National Enteric Pathogen Surveillance Scheme, 29f, equine herpesvirus (EHV), 33, 136t 50b, 64 equine influenza, 68, 137t National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System, 29f, 2007 Australian outbreak, iii, 3, 9, 26t, 69, 71, 82–83 50b, 64 Callinan Report, 82–83 National Sentinel Hive Program, 50b, 56–57 import controls, 81 National Significant Disease Investigation Program, iii, European foulbrood, 33–34, 137t 2, 50, 50b, 57 European Union, 4, 84, 94, 100 in north Queensland tropics, 62–63 European Union – Australia Animal Welfare Cooperation Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy (NAQS), 29f, Forum, 100 50b, 51, 52, 61–62, 63 export certification, 84 Pig Health Monitoring Scheme, 50b, 59 exports, 83–84 Ports Surveillance Program, 50b, 59 livestock welfare standards, 99 role of private veterinarians, iv, 2, 15, 37, 57, 60–61 Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy Freedom Farm Biosecurity Campaign, 72 Assurance Program (TSEFAP), 2, 29f, 53, 55–56, feral animals (see also wild animals) 55t health, 1, 8, 9, 58, 96, 124 Wild Bird Surveillance Program, 50b, 58 surveillance and monitoring, 15, 39, 62, 96 Wildlife Health Information System, 50b, 58 finfish, production, 123–124, 123t, 124t zoonotic diseases, 63–64 finfish diseases, 42t, 45t diseases (see animal diseases; aquatic animal diseases; fisheries and aquaculture industries, production, 123– bat diseases; bee diseases and pests; communicable 124, 123t, 124t diseases; crustacean diseases; finfish diseases; Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, 46, mollusc diseases; notifiable animal diseases) 117, 166t

184 Animal Health in Australia 2009 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations environmental protection, 80 (FAO), 4, 28, 47, 75, 84, 100–101, 104 export controls, 3, 83, 91, 125 food safety programs, 89–91 import controls, 3, 80 food safety standards, 88–89 public health, 64 Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), 3, 87, quarantine, 3, 14, 80, 81 88, 90 Live Trade Animal Welfare Partnership, 100 food surveillance and monitoring, 89–91 livestock industries, production, 119–126 foodborne disease, 3, 64, 88, 89 beef cattle, 120, 120f, 120t foot-and-mouth disease, 24t, 73, 137–138t bees, 123 Australian aid programs, 4, 104–105 buffalo, 124 diagnostic tests, 9 dairy cattle, 121–122, 122t outbreak modelling, 70 dairy products, 125, 126t preparedness, 2, 70 eggs and egg products, 125 surveillance, 2, 62 fisheries and aquaculture, 123–124, 123t, 124t footrot (see ovine footrot) game products, 124 goats, 123 game products industry, production, 124 kangaroo, 124 goat industry, production, 123 meat products, 125, 125t Gulf Cooperation Council, 83 overview, 119–120 pigs, 122, 122t Hendra virus, 57, 75, 110, 138–139t poultry, 122–123, 123t incidents in 2009, iii, 2, 60, 63, 76 seafood, 125, 126t horse flu (see equine influenza) sheep, 120, 120f, 120t venison, 124 illegal foreign fishing vessels, 62 imports, 80–82 mastitis, 35 animal quarantine program, 82 Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), 16, 17, 18, 115, biological products, 81–82 160–161t import risk analyses, 80, 81 meat products industry, production, 125, 125t legislation, 80 meat safety and inspection, 90–91 live animals, 82 model codes of practice for the welfare of animals, 4, 94, policy reviews, 81 97, 98–99 Quarantine and Biosecurity Review, 62, 80 mollusc diseases, 42, 42t, 45t role of AQIS, 81–82 molluscs, production, 124 role of Biosecurity Australia, 80–81 mulesing, 101 infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, 25t, 34 Murdoch University, 114–115, 156–157t infectious hypodermal and haematopoietic necrosis, 42t, 44f National Animal Health Information System (NAHIS), iv, International Council for Laboratory Animal Science, 97 28, 29f, 50, 56 international standards, 18, 82, 83, 84, 90, 105 National Animal Health Performance Standards (NAHPS), 11–12 James Cook University, 115, 159–160t National Animal Health Surveillance Strategy, iv, 50 Japanese encephalitis (JE), 2, 24t, 50b, 62, 63 National Arbovirus Monitoring Program (NAMP), 2, 28, Johne’s disease, 21, 29f 29f, 50–53, 50b, 51f bovine, 34, 116 National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA), 9, 89 caprine, 35 National Biosecurity Committee (NBC), 6, 10f, 45 ovine, 34–35 National Communications Network, 71 National Consultative Committee on Animal Welfare, 94 kangaroo industry, production, 124 National Emergency Animal Disease Training Program, 2, 69–70 legislation National Enteric Pathogen Surveillance Scheme, 29f, animal health, 14, 16, 17, 24, 55, 56, 60 50b, 64 animal welfare, 4, 93, 94, 97, 98 National Farmers’ Federation, 125

Index 185 National Livestock Identification System (NLIS), 16–17 Livestock Production Assurance (red meat industry), National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System, 29f, 17–18 50b, 64 National Feedlot Accreditation Scheme (NFAS), 18 National Residue Survey (NRS), 16, 29f, 87, 89 PigPass QA Program, 19 National Sentinel Hive Program, 50b, 56–57 Q-Alpaca, 20–21 National Significant Disease Investigation Program, iii, 2, Quarantine and Biosecurity Review, 62, 80 50, 50b, 57 National Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies ranavirus infection, 42t, 44f Surveillance Program (NTESP), 53–55, 55t Rapid Response Team, 70 Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council, 10f regional animal health initiatives, 103–107 Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia–Pacific (NACA), Australian Agency for International Development 47, 104 (AusAID), 73, 75, 104–106 Newcastle disease, 26t, 35–36, 75 Australian Centre for International Agricultural Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy (NAQS), 29f, 50b, Research (ACIAR), 4, 72, 103–104, 106–107 51, 52, 61–62, 63 avian influenza and other emerging diseases in Asia, notifiable animal diseases, 24–28 105–106 overseas aid, 104 Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer (OCVO), iii–iv, 13, Program for Strengthening Veterinary Sciences, 105 46, 61, 62 Sanitary and Phytosanitary Capacity Building Program OIE (see World Organisation for Animal Health) (SPSCPB), 105 ovine brucellosis (see brucellosis) Southeast Asia Foot and Mouth Disease campaign ovine footrot, 27t, 38 (SEAFMD), 104–105 ovine Johne’s disease (see Johne’s disease) research and development, 109–117 OzFoodNet, 89 Australian Biosecurity CRC for Emerging Infectious Disease, 110–111, 145t pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus, iii, 2, 77 Australian Wool Innovation, 117, 167t Perkinsis olseni infection, 42t, 43f Charles Sturt University, 114, 155–156 Pig Health Monitoring Scheme, 50b, 59 CRC for an Internationally Competitive Pork Industry, pig industry, production, 122, 122t 111, 146t Ports Surveillance Program, 50b, 59 CRC for Beef Genetic Technologies, 112–113, 148– Poultry Cooperative Research Centre, 111–112, 146– 149t 148t CRC for Sheep Industry Innovation, 113, 149t poultry industry, production, 122–123, 123t CSIRO Livestock Industries — Australian Animal Primary Industries Ministerial Council (PIMC), iii, 8, 10f, Health Laboratory, 110, 144t 94, 95, 96, 97, 98 Dairy Australia, 116, 164–165t Primary Industries Standing Committee (PISC), 8, 10f, 16 Fisheries RDC, 46, 117, 166t private veterinarians, 15 (see also Australian Veterinary James Cook University, 115, 159–160t Reserve) Meat & Livestock Australia, 115, 160–161 disease surveillance and investigation, iv, 2, 15, 37, Murdoch University, 114–115, 156–157t 57, 60–61 Poultry CRC, 111–112, 146–148t emergency responses, 69 Rural Industries RDC, 116, 161–164t import inspections, 81 University of Melbourne, 114, 152–155 training and education, 15, 70 University of Queensland, 115, 157–159t Program for Strengthening Veterinary Sciences, 105 University of Sydney, 113, 150–152t Protect Australian Livestock Campaign, 72 residue monitoring, 16, 89 ritual slaughter of livestock, 101 Q-Alpaca quality assurance program, 20–21 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, Quadrilateral Animal Welfare Working Group, 100 116, 161–164t quality assurance programs, 17–21 Australian Chicken Meat Federation, 20 SAFEMEAT, 10f, 16 Australian Dairy Food Safety Scheme, 18–19 Sanitary and Phytosanitary Capacity Building Program Australian Pork Industry Quality Program, 19 (SPSCPB), 105 Egg Corp Assured, 20 scrapie, 2, 25t, 53, 55

186 Animal Health in Australia 2009 screw-worm fly, 2, 59, 62, 115, 140t seafood industry, production, 125, 126t Secretariat of the Pacific Communities (SPC), 75, 104, 105, 106 sheep industry, production, 120, 120f, 120t small hive beetle (SHB), 27t, 38–39 Southeast Asia Foot and Mouth Disease campaign (SEAFMD), 104–105 spherical baculovirosis, 42t, 44f state/territory animal health services, 14–15 Subcommittee on Animal Health Laboratory Standards (SCAHLS), 9, 10f Subcommittee on Aquatic Animal Health, 9, 10f Subcommittee on Emergency Animal Diseases, 9, 10f surveillance (see disease surveillance and monitoring) swine brucellosis (see brucellosis) swine flu (see pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus) tick fevers (see cattle tick and tick fevers) training (see education and training) transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) (see bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE); scrapie) Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy Freedom Assurance Program (TSEFAP), 2, 29f, 53, 55–56 Tuberculosis Freedom Assurance Program, 56 tuberculosis (TB) (see bovine tuberculosis)

University of Adelaide, 15 University of Melbourne, 114, 152–155 University of Queensland, 115, 157–159t University of Sydney, 113, 150–152t venison industry, production, 124 veterinarians, private (see private veterinarians) Veterinary Laboratory Strengthening Program, 106 white tail disease, 42t, 43f wild animals, 12, 58, 60, 63, 75 (see also feral animals) Wild Bird Surveillance Program, 50b, 58 Wildlife and Exotic Disease Preparedness Program, 12, 75 Wildlife Health Information System, 50b, 58 World Bank, 104, 105 World Health Organization (WHO), 28, 76, 77, 104, 105 World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Australia’s status for OIE-listed diseases, 24–27t, 42t Australia’s status for other diseases reported to OIE, 27–28t, 45t work on animal welfare, 99 World Trade Organization (WTO), 4, 79, 84 zoonotic disease surveillance, 63–64

Index 187