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You are here: Agriculture » About Agriculture » Publications and Resources » Animal Health Report

Animal Health in Victoria, 2009

Introduction

Welcome to the Animal Health in Victoria 2009 report. 

This report contains information about Victoria’s animal health system and status, livestock industries, major events and new initiatives for 2009.

Victoria is Australia’s largest food and fibre exporting state. Our strong agricultural sector produces goods valued at around AUD$9 billion a year, or 26 per cent of the national total. Our temperate climate, high quality soils and clean water support world-class agricultural industries. This includes Victoria’s largest export earner, the dairy industry, which accounts for around 8 per cent of dairy products traded globally.

The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Animal Health Service (AHS), in partnership with industry, works to protect Victoria’s reputation as a producer of safe, wholesome livestock and livestock-derived food commodities consumed in Australia and overseas.

An important task for the AHS during the year was to assist with the response to the tragic bushfires in February. The AHS led the response to manage and assess injured stock and to assist producers during the recovery phase. Our work focused on alleviating the suffering of livestock, arranging agistment, feed and water, and detailing losses.

In June 2009, the Biosecurity Strategy for Victoria was launched and highlighted how increasingly complex it is to safeguard the state from new animal and plant pests and diseases. The strategy lists a number of reasons for the complexity, including growing global trade, tourism and migration. These challenges are exacerbated by a changing climate and the subsequent changes required in land-use and agricultural practices.

The strategy identifies a number of key areas that require stakeholder action. These include: building relationships and partnerships; strengthening the coverage of our biosecurity system; improving decision making and prioritising investment; building skills and capability; and improving surveillance and incursion response systems. The focus of the AHS over the coming years will be to implement the strategy.

Once implemented, the strategy will help protect us from emerging biosecurity threats and ensure that our AHS remains forward-looking, innovative, flexible and constructively engaged with industry and interstate and federal partners.

Another core responsibility of the AHS is to maintain the capacity to respond effectively to livestock-related disease or food safety emergencies. During 2009, a series of workshops and exercises were held to evaluate, review and improve our capability to deal with an incursion of foot and mouth disease (FMD). This culminated in a three day simulation exercise known as Exercise DIVA `09, which tested our capacity to deal with an exotic disease incursion. It provided a valuable learning opportunity for all stakeholders and interstate and national observers.

Although our livestock industries have an enviable health status there is a need to maintain effective surveillance and ensure early detection of diseases that can potentially impact trade, public health and productivity. Early detection and a rapid, planned response are the key elements of effective incident management.

To increase our knowledge of disease within flocks and herds, several innovative disease surveillance initiatives were introduced during the year with the support of Victoria’s sheep, goat and cattle industries.

Both Victoria and Australia have highly-regarded animal health status and this is mainly due to the absence of FMD and the transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) family of diseases, such as scrapie in sheep and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle.

The challenge to protect and enhance our reputation as a supplier of disease-free and wholesome livestock produce now relies on the strength of the partnership among all sectors of industry and government.

It is also notable that during 2009, the Director of DPI’s Biosecurity Victoria Division, Peter Bailey, retired after more than 40 years of distinguished service. Peter’s contribution to developing the capability of the AHS was outstanding. His leadership was exemplary in shaping Victorian animal health programs and priorities, as well as those at a national and international level.

The success of our work during 2009 is largely based on the assistance and support provided by Victoria’s livestock peak-industry bodies; together with industry participants from all levels across the supply chain.

We are very fortunate to have industry leaders committed to working constructively with us to achieve good animal health outcomes.

From an animal health perspective, 2009 was a challenging but successful year. The activities outlined in this report that were managed during the year are an excellent example of what can be achieved when government and industry work cooperatively to realise agreed goals.

Dr Hugh Millar Chief Veterinary Officer

1. Organisation of the Victorian animal health system

The Victorian animal health system incorporates all local, national and international individuals, companies, organisations and government agencies that influence the livestock production chain from ‘farm to plate’. The system is designed to enhance, improve and protect these industries for the benefit of all.

This chapter introduces the organisation of our animal health system and outlines how it fits into a national context by describing the roles and functions of its key components.

The system relies on the input, cooperation, collaboration and partnership of all its elements. Through this structure priorities are identified and activities defined to target particular issues.

 

 

 

Figure 1: Overview of the DPI animal health system

Snapshot of Victorian agriculture Agriculture is a significant industry in Victoria accounting for 3.3% of the Gross State Product and employing 3.5% of the Victorian workforce – around 87,000 people. Victoria produces: 20 per cent of Australian beef 40 per cent of Australian lamb 65 per cent of Australian milk – 8 per cent of the global trade in milk products. Victoria exports 85 per cent of livestock production across the meat, dairy, wool industries. The total value of our production is AUD$5.15 billion annually. Most sectors of our livestock industry are focused on export, a market now valued at AUD$4.34 billion annually. The Victorian animal health system works, through all levels of the value-chain, to establish and maintain export market access. The key export markets for Victorian livestock production are: Meat: the USA, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Canada, UAE, Taiwan and the EU Dairy Products: Asia, especially Japan, Malaysia and the Philippines, the USA and the Middle East Live Cattle: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Israel Live Sheep: countries of the Arabian Peninsula See Appendix A for further information on the Victorian Livestock Industries.

1.1 Department of Primary Industries

The main role of the Victorian Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is to develop and deliver government policies and programs that enable Victoria’s primary and energy industries to sustainably maximise the wealth and wellbeing they generate through the production of essential goods and services, employment, investment and even recreational opportunities.

The DPI Animal Health Service (AHS) is responsible for developing and implementing policy for animal health and welfare that is consistent with national and international standards. These policies are based on comprehensive stakeholder engagement and aim to maximise the social, environmental and economic benefits for Victoria. This governance structure allows livestock industries and the government to meet their priorities to enhance productivity, profitability, welfare and marketability of the livestock industries and their products.

The AHS comprises several groups: the Chief Veterinary Officer’s Unit, Animal Standards Branch, Animal Health Field Service and contracted diagnostic laboratories.

1.1.1 Chief Veterinary Officer’s Unit

The Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer (DCVO) is a member of the national Animal Health Committee (AHC), which advises the Primary Industries Ministerial Council and Primary Industries Standing Committee. These committees advise, coordinate and integrate the national response to issues within the primary industries.

Specialist committees and working parties advise AHC and provide input to specialist and technical areas of disease programs, public health, animal welfare and diagnostic laboratory activities. Members of the CVO unit and Animal Standards Branch (ASB) are represented on many of the working parties.

The CVO unit provides expertise to livestock policy development, epidemiology and the intensive and aquatic livestock industries. The unit provides briefs, situation analyses and high-level policy advice to stakeholders, both within DPI -to the Executive Director of Biosecurity Victoria and the Deputy Secretary Agriculture and Fisheries Services -and outside government to peak industry bodies, including the Victorian Farmers Federation executive.

The CVO unit also formulates legislative material about the control of livestock diseases. Through these associations, the unit aims to create a reputation for superior quality, wholesomeness and bio-safety for Victorian livestock products in the national and international markets.

There are seven veterinarians in the CVO unit and three administrative officers.

Figure 2: Structure of the CVO unit and relationship to consultative committees and working groups.

CVO	Chief Veterinary Officer
ED BV	Executive Director, Biosecurity Victoria
DCVO	Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer
PVO	Principal Veterinary Officer

 

> In October 2009, the CVO ceased to be a member of the Animal Health Committee.

> From October onwards the DCVO became the Victorian member.

1.1.2 Animal Standards Branch

The Manager Animal Standards (MAS) leads the Animal Standards Branch (ASB), a branch of Biosecurity Victoria (BV) responsible for policy and operational issues relating to biosecurity, quality assurance and standards that impact on agriculture, both locally and nationally. ASB, in collaboration with the CVO Unit, is responsible for developing and implementing policies, programs, legislation and standards to meet the priorities of Victorian livestock industries and government.

The MAS is responsible for:

• control and eradication programs for emergency and endemic animal diseases
• surveillance initiatives to detect or provide evidence-of-absence for emergency animal diseases
• systems for identifying and tracking livestock
• monitoring and control of chemical residues in livestock and livestock products
• promoting the welfare of farmed animals
• working with Department of Sustainability and Environment to investigate any mass wildlife mortalities and emerging or exotic diseases.

A group of Principal Veterinary Officers (PVOs) and Principal Officers (POs) assist the MAS. These officers are members of industry consultative committees and technical advisory groups.¹

The ASB is at the forefront nationally in terms of developing information technology (IT) systems for:

• use in animal emergencies, such as Bioweb and the Maximum Disease and the Pest Management system (MAX);
• livestock tracing systems including Livestock Tag and Trace (LTAT) and use of electronic identification for cattle, sheep and goats; and
• software for recording property-specific animal health, residue or welfare information.

In total, 45 people are employed full time and part time in the ASB, including four PVOs.

Figure 3: Structure of Animal Standards Branch

PVO Principal Veterinary Officer
PO Principal Officer

[1] See Appendix B for membership of the various groups.

1.1.3 Animal Health Field Services

Animal Health Field Services (AHFS) is responsible for implementing actions based on the policies and programs developed by the ASB and CVO unit. The group supports Victoria’s domestic and export agricultural industries by:

• monitoring, detecting and responding to endemic animal disease threats and promoting domestic, farm and wildlife animal welfare
• minimising the social and economic effects of Johne’s disease in Victoria
• minimising the risk of residues from chemicals and heavy metals that may cause food safety threats and disruption to national or international trade
• increasing capacity to prevent, prepare for and respond to exotic disease and agricultural emergencies

To deliver these services, Victoria is divided into four regions, based on geography and the types of livestock industry occurring in each region. A Senior Animal Health Manager (SAHM) manages employees, resources and the required program outcomes and outputs across that region. In addition, a Regional Animal Health Officer oversees the quality of the regulatory, auditing and field work conducted by the AHFS team.

In 2009, AHFS introduced the Program Manager Compliance and the Project Manager Disease Surveillance positions to ensure that projects and programs are managed within acceptable timeframes and to a high standard. The positions are focused on developing management frameworks across all aspects of surveillance, disease management and regulatory projects and programs.

The SAHMs manage District Veterinary Officers (DVOs), Animal Health Officers (AHOs) and the related administrative positions. Newly employed DVOs and AHOs must complete 12 months rigorous training in all aspects of the animal health system before they are gazetted as:

• Inspectors: as defined in the Livestock Disease Control Act 1994, Stock (Sellers Liability and Declarations) Act 1993 and the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1992
• a general inspector under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986

AHFS employs 100 staff on a full time or part time basis across Victoria, including 33 veterinarians, 50 AHOs, 3 apiary inspectors and 14 administrative officers.

Figure 4: Structure of Animal Health Field Services

MAHFS	Manager Animal Health Field Services
SAHM	Senior Animal Health Manager
PM-DS	Project Manager, Disease Surveillance
DVO	District Veterinary Officer
RAHO	Regional Animal Health Officer
AHO	Animal Health Officer
SAHO	Senior Animal Health Officer

1.1.4 Laboratory support

The AHS maintains close contacts with the DPI Biosciences Research Division (BRD) diagnostic laboratory at Attwood and Gribbles Veterinary Pathology in Clayton. Both laboratories are contracted by ASB to provide diagnostic support and to maintain the capacity to respond to emergency animal diseases. All samples gathered during surveillance activities and disease investigations by the AHFS, or private veterinarians collaborating with the AHS, are submitted to one of these laboratories.

Veterinary pathologists from these facilities also provide continuing education to AHS staff and private veterinarians.

The BRD facility at Attwood has ten staff, including five veterinary pathologists. Gribbles Veterinary Pathology in Clayton employs six veterinary pathologists and a large team that assists with veterinary and human pathology cases.

1.1.5 Other areas of the DPI

The DPI Meat and Wool Team (M&W T) is an extension-service delivery group that engages closely with sheep producers across Victoria. The team has extensive knowledge of sheep and beef production systems and works with the AHFS to implement the sentinel flock project (see 6.3.4).

1.2 Private veterinary practitioners

Private veterinary practitioners provide vital health advice, treatment and disease investigation services to the livestock industries and to flock and herd owners. Through regular contact with producers, private practitioners from an integral part of the animal health surveillance and EAD preparedness programs.

All veterinary practitioners are registered by theVeterinary Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria. To gain registration, veterinarians must be competent in recognising and diagnosing livestock diseases.

As part of their training and ongoing professional development, all veterinary practitioners must be able to promptly detect and investigate possible exotic diseases, and understand the requirements of Victorian legislation. The AHS provides regular learning opportunities for practitioners (see section 2.3).

Private veterinary practitioners use the significant disease incident program to investigate and document any unusual, reportable, mass-morbidity or mortality events in livestock. The AHS financially supports the cost to practitioners for conducting this work.

1.3. Industry

All aspects of the livestock industries from the peak bodies to individual service providers are an essential part of Victoria’s animal health system. The peak bodies provide input to the strategies and policies developed through the livestock consultative committees. In terms of implementation of these policies, members of the AHFS team regularly visit individual stock agents, stockyard managers, livestock transporters and other service providers to educate, monitor and enforce activities in line with agreed standards.

1.4. Private veterinary laboratories

Laboratories are essential to accurately diagnose diseases in the livestock sector in a timely manner. All Victorian veterinary laboratories are required to have a permit to operate, which ensures they operate and monitor to national standards. All laboratories must be ISO 17025:2005 accredited.

The Livestock Disease Control Act 1994 requires all laboratories to submit results where any exotic or notifiable disease is suspected or to be excluded to the AHS. This process is in place to build evidence of disease freedom for certain diseases.

2. Emergency animal disease preparedness

In Australia, the federal government is responsible for international border biosecurity while each state and territory is responsible for managing disease outbreaks within their respective jurisdictions.

The DPI’s Animal Health Service (AHS) is responsible for ensuring that Victoria has the capability and capacity to respond effectively to emergency animal disease (EAD) threats and outbreaks.

A high level of preparedness is needed to enable the effective management of EAD incidents if and when they occur. Every incident requires a prompt and effective response in order to: minimise the negative impacts of disease, regain lost markets and allow communities to return to normal in the shortest time possible.

DPI employs many trained professionals through its AHS to maintain the capability of establishing and managing one State Disease Control Headquarters and three Local Disease Control Headquarters, at any one time. The AHS also deploys skilled people to the national Rapid Response Team (RRT) to help smaller and less resourced states establish control centres for disease outbreaks.

In conjunction with government stakeholders and other response agencies, the AHS coordinates emergency response planning by facilitating and participating in consultative and planning committees.

In 2009, the AHS led a range of activities to build and maintain EAD preparedness, including:

• a major disease exercise program: Exercise DIVA `09
• EAD response training courses for government and private sectors
• enhancing disease surveillance of livestock and honey bees
• continuing a field trial to exclude anthrax by using a rapid field test
• developing communication strategies for high-risk pests and diseases; including varroa mite, anthrax, avian influenza and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)
• developing MAX, an electronic information management system for biosecurity emergency response
• projects to build capability to manage infected premises
• implementing recommendations from Victorian and national equine influenza reviews
• collaborating with the National EAD Preparedness Program
• ongoing contributions to the development of AUSVETPLAN; the national veterinary emergency response plan

A key outcome from the annual review of Victoria’s EAD response capability identified priority training requirements for the AHS.

Also, EAD response exercises – or simulations -provided important opportunities to develop and practise skills and team-work; review and improve systems; and to design and develop the required tools and resources for an effective EAD response. The simulation exercises developed by DPI were informed by a training needs analysis and the disease risk profile for Victoria and Australia.

2.1 Exercise DIVA `09

In 2009, DPI conducted a simulation exercise to improve government and stakeholder partners’ preparedness and capability to respond to an EAD. Exercise DIVA `09 tested the emergency response to an outbreak of FMD in the Goulburn Valley region of northern Victoria.

The exercise comprised five key activities:

• livestock standstill exercise (31 July)
• vaccination strategy exercise (6 August)
• communications plan workshop (15 September)
• resourcing exercise (1 October)
• functional exercise for the State Disease Control Headquarters at Attwood and a Local Disease Control Centre at Shepparton (10-12 November)

FMD is one of the most serious exotic disease risks for Victoria and Australia. An outbreak of it anywhere would have significant social and economic consequences for each state and territory. At an economic cost of US$10 billion, the 2001 FMD outbreak in the United Kingdom spanned 36 weeks and resulted in more than 5.7 million animals being slaughtered. This outbreak created worldwide interest and debate about how to deal with the disease in non-endemic areas. In contrast, the alternative approach of a mass vaccination program instituted during the 2001 outbreak in Uruguay, halved the duration of the incident to 18 weeks and resulted in less than 7,000 animal losses; costing approximately US$400 million.

Exercise DIVA `09 allowed government staff and livestock industry stakeholders to explore the implications of an FMD outbreak in intensive dairying areas and the potential role of using a vaccination. In the functional exercise alone, over 160 people were involved, including members of the national Rapid Response Team.

Two broad vaccination strategies are possible: vaccination to die (where all vaccinated animals are eventually slaughtered) and “vaccination to live” (where vaccinated herds are tested for evidence of infection, and those proving negative for FMD are allowed to remain alive and in production; this is currently only applicable to cattle). Although “vaccination to die” is historically the approach that might have been considered in Australia, a “vaccination to live” strategy is now feasible due to the availability of a laboratory test capable of differentiating infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA).

Exercise DIVA `09 concluded that vaccination was a valid and cost-effective option in areas of high cattle density. While the decision whether to vaccinate to live or to die might not have to be made at the beginning of a vaccination campaign, it was acknowledged that if large numbers of animals were to be vaccinated, vaccinating to live would be more cost-effective. Further economic analysis of the options is desirable to support decision making in the future.

If Victoria were to experience a FMD outbreak, a livestock standstill would occur and result in susceptible livestock on infected properties being culled. The “vaccination to live” operational policy, trialled during Exercise DIVA ‘09, could allow the AHS to use vaccination as an alternative tool to halt the progress of the disease without culling large numbers of animals.

Exercise DIVA `09 also provided the opportunity to:

• test and demonstrate new information systems for EAD management
• develop operational plans and coordination arrangements for implementing a livestock standstill
• plan for emergency FMD vaccination
• develop a comprehensive communications strategy
• scope resourcing requirements and review the coordination arrangements to obtain any resources required.

An evaluation of the exercise indicated that Exercise DIVA `09 met its objectives. It also provided valuable information on which to base improvements to the preparedness and capability of DPI to respond to an EAD incursion.

2.2 Enhanced EAD tools

2.2.1. Maximum Disease and Pest management (MAX)

MAX is used to record all data for properties investigated during an outbreak response and is very quickly able to generate overview and property status maps (Figures 5 and 6) Maximum Disease and Pest Management and situation reports. MAX is also used to (MAX) is a software tool developed as part manage control centre and field staff and has of DPI’s commitment to enhancing EAD a very effective built-in task tracker to monitor preparedness and surveillance to underpin progress of the response. market access. It is able to store all information pertaining to a disease or pest outbreak, as well as produce extensive reports and maps.

Figure 5. Overview map generated by MAX for Exercise DIVA ’09, showing hypothetical EAD management zones and property status.

Figure 6. Overview map generated by MAX for Exercise DIVA ’09, showing hypothetical EAD property status.

MAX is fully integrated with DPI animal health software system and National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) (Cattle) database. MAX directly interfaces with the new Yes! (see 6.3.1) surveillance system, the NLIS mirror server (see 8.1.4), the DPI property database (PITR) and the DPI Animal Disease Management Information System (ADMIS).

Output and analysis functions of MAX have been designed around:

• Monitoring behaviour of the disease in space and time
• Monitoring and evaluating progress with disease control activities
• Generation of routine reports
• Monitoring work of response personnel through task tracking
• Storage and retrieval of all documentation related to an outbreak
• Monitoring resource use in the course of a response.

Outputs are easy to generate and a large variety of outputs and analyses are possible. The outputs generated by MAX are both in text and graphic format, and include individual property reports, ‘whole of outbreak’ reports and customisable maps. Apart from generating standard text reports and maps, MAX has custom-built innovations designed around specific needs in disease outbreaks. The link between MAX and the NLIS (Cattle) has enabled the creation of a special mapping facility with the ability to generate onscreen maps of animal movements (Figure 7); such movement maps display the origin, destination and date of the movement.

MAX has also been equipped with a ‘buffering tool’ to be able to instantly generate a list of all properties (addresses and contact details) within a user-defined radius of, for example, an infected property (Figure 8). This enables the planning of activities such as vaccination during an outbreak response.

During 2009, MAX was used to manage responses to pandemic influenza A (H1N1) and anthrax. The in-built flexibility of this system has allowed MAX to also be utilised for managing recent responses in Victoria to Queensland fruit fly, potato cyst nematode and locusts.

Exercise DIVA `09 presented an opportunity to trial MAX in a large-scale EAD response. It also allowed the testing of MAX as a communication tool linking two control centres. Extensive use of MAX was made by over 100 MAX users during the three days of the functional exercise in November 2009. The extensive testing of MAX under a realistic large-scale outbreak scenario demonstrated that it is intuitive and easy to use and that new users rapidly become accustomed to it, particularly from the perspective of data input.

Figure 7. NLIS movement data mapped using MAX.

Figure 8. Use of MAX’s buffering tool to rapidly identify properties within a pre-defined area for the purpose of EAD response.

MAX’s buffering tool: getting details of properties surrounding an infected premises

2.2.2 LiveTRACE

The development and testing of LiveTRACE continued during 2009. LiveTRACE is an analytical tool developed to support livestock tracing and disease investigation. This software tool supports DPI disease surveillance activities and enhances emergency response capabilities in relation to cattle, sheep and goats.

LiveTRACE combines property data from the DPI property database PITR with both animal health data from the Yes! surveillance database and transaction data from the NLIS database. Outputs are visual, with data displayed as icons on-screen. The two main outputs from LiveTRACE are link timelines and link diagrams (Figures 9, 10). Clicking on individual icons on-screen displays further information.

That outputs created by LiveTRACE are interactive and allow new components to be added manually makes it an ideal tool for use in emergency management. LiveTRACE has sophisticated analytical capabilities which are far beyond those which are available through the NLIS database.

LiveTRACE has been used by DPI in various movement analyses related both to disease and welfare issues. During 2009 it was used successfully during two anthrax outbreaks and Exercise DIVA ‘09. Future developments will allow LiveTRACE to be better utilised for both mob-based and individual sheep and goat electronic identification data.

Figure 9. Timeline output from LiveTRACE, showing the distribution of movement events over time and their possible relationship with disease outbreaks.

Figure 10. Link diagram output from LiveTRACE. This is a relationship chart showing the links between livestock and properties.

2.3 Learning and development initiatives

Throughout 2009 the department has focused much effort on disease surveillance and emergency management learning and development initiatives for animal health professionals.

Competent animal health professionals are critical to the functioning of Victoria’s animal health surveillance system. With the aim of building capability and knowledge, courses on field pathology and animal disease investigation were offered in 2009.

The Certificate in Gross Pathology is a year long course focused on disease recognition, performing consistent and thorough field necropsies and accurate disease recording and reporting. Four private veterinary practitioners and four District Veterinary Officers from the department successfully completed the course in 2009.

Training in animal disease investigation was provided as a two-day course that considers the steps of systematic disease investigation, performing field necropsies and effective sample collection. In 2009, 22 private practitioners and eight staff from the AHS completed this training.

Learning and development activities in 2009, associated with EAD preparedness, have significantly contributed to Victoria’s capacity to prevent, prepare for, detect and manage EAD outbreaks. In addition to Exercise DIVA `09, the AHS conducted five training programs to ensure its staff had access the most upto-date knowledge. In total, 51 AHS staff completed EAD preparedness training and are nationally accredited in EAD response. Thirty seven employees from the DPI Agricultural Development Services section were also trained and gained accreditation as field surveillance team members. A two day workshop was also held in Gippsland for private veterinary practitioners to raise awareness and enhance EAD recognition skills.

2.4 Varroa mite

Australia remains the only country with a apiculture industry free of varroa, an invasive parasitic mite of honey bees. An established population of varroa in Victoria would greatly reduce crops of economic importance that are dependant on pollination by managed and feral honey bee populations.

In 2009, the AHS and the bee industry continued to prepare for a varroa incursion and developed new standard operating procedures for field and administrative purposes. The beekeeper State Quarantine Response Team also grew to 62 members during the year, ensuring that adequate numbers of trained people are available to conduct bee hive surveillance alongside the AHS at short notice. A dedicated newsletter to assist with the training and engagement of team members was also launched during the year.

3. Emergency response

The DPI’s Animal Health Service (AHS) is responsible for leading emergency responses to exotic and endemic EADs in Victoria. In other emergencies affecting livestock, such as fires and floods, DPI coordinates animal welfare services and provides advice on livestock-related issues to assist rural communities.

During the past decade, the AHS has managed a range of emergency responses in Victoria, including Newcastle disease (2002), anthrax (2007) and equine influenza (2007-08).

In 2009, the AHS responded to reported anthrax outbreaks on two properties in the Goulburn Valley in northern Victoria and to the detection of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 found at a piggery in north-east Victoria. It also played a lead role in the animal welfare emergency response after the Black Saturday bushfires in February 2009.

The lessons learned from the 2009 emergency responses are now captured and incorporated into preparedness plans for future emergencies. Taking this approach to continuous improvement will ensure the AHS is as prepared as possible to manage the full spectrum of biosecurity threats and environmental emergencies that are now likely to increase in number and scale over time.

3.1 Anthrax

In late-August and early-September 2009, anthrax was diagnosed on two dairy farms in north-east Victoria following the sudden death of a single cow on each property. Epidemiological investigations found that the cases were unrelated.

As a result, the AHS mounted an emergency response to manage the incidents, which involved: imposing quarantine, vaccinating livestock, tracing, the safe disposal of contaminated carcasses and livestock products and the decontamination of infected properties.

The NLIS database and LiveTRACE software were used to trace cattle movements on and off the anthrax infected properties. Carcasses and livestock products from infected and high-risk animals were cremated using an air curtain incinerator. Approximately 4,500 cattle on 37 properties, including the two infected farms, were vaccinated and their vaccination status was recorded on the NLIS database.

In general, anthrax occurs sporadically in various parts of Victoria and can occur at any time of the year. In an effort to reduce its incidence, the AHS and private veterinary practitioners carry out ongoing surveillance on sudden, unexplained deaths in cattle, sheep and other susceptible livestock. Refer to 6.3.6 for further details about targeted surveillance activities for anthrax.

3.2 Pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 in pigs

In August 2009, Victoria recorded its first detection of an influenza virus in pigs. Pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 was diagnosed at a north east Victorian piggery.

The piggery was immediately quarantined to prevent disease spread. Movements on and off the property were stopped and all recent movements were then traced. The AHS conducted further tests to establish the extent of infection on the property and, as a precaution, two other piggeries were initially quarantined and subsequently released after investigation.

The infected piggery was monitored and quarantine was lifted once influenza had run its course and all pigs had returned to good health. Test results showed the influenza virus was the same strain affecting humans (pandemic influenza A H1N1). The AHS concluded that the pigs were most likely exposed to the virus by farm workers who were suffering influenza-like illness before the pigs.

3.3 Bushfires

During February 2009, Victoria experienced the Black Saturday bushfires. The fires caused catastrophic destruction in rural areas, bushland and townships. The coordinated emergency response and recovery operation put in place by government and its agencies, private business and community organisations now stands as the largest in the state’s history.

In circumstances where fires affect private rural land, the AHS provided a range of relief and recovery services, including assessment of injured livestock, provision of advice on options for euthanasia or treatment, and where required, assistance with humane euthanasia of affected livestock.

Following the February bushfires, the AHS also provided advice on the disposal of dead or maimed stock and, as part of the wider DPI Emergency Response and Recovery Program, assisted in coordinating the distribution of emergency fodder and offers for stock agistment.

In response to the fires, DPI staff assessed over 4,700 properties across 23 local government regions of Victoria. The large scale, high impact and the peri-urban location of fires presented unique challenges. Injured wildlife, injured companion animals and injured livestock all required urgent attention and numerous horses required specialist attention. A large number of animals were humanely euthanased due to injuries including 1,429 sheep, 444 beef cattle, 91 dairy cattle and 38 horses.

DPI received and accepted offers of assistance from other state governments, resulting in 20 government representatives from five jurisdictions being deployed to assist with animal welfare field activities.

From this experience, the AHS has developed and refined its arrangements for rapid scoping and assessment of animal welfare needs, and for the effective coordination of other groups that it leads during animal welfare emergencies.

The AHS also provides advice on the disposal of dead or maimed stock and it helps to coordinate the distribution of emergency fodder and offers for stock agistment.

4. POLICY DEVELOPMENT

The DPI Animal Health Service (AHS) relies on science-based conclusions that are consistent with national and international standards when developing animal health and welfare policy. This approach is bolstered and informed by comprehensive stakeholder engagement that seeks to maximise the social, environmental and economic benefits for Victoria.

The key principles that guide policy development for animal health in Victoria are:

• thorough assessment of government’s role and the need for intervention
• protecting public health and food safety
• maintaining the capability to deal with emergencies
• enhancing trade and market access
• ensuring technical and economic soundness of programs and appropriate beneficiary contribution
• social equity, producer and industry support
• managing continuous evaluation and improvement processes.

4.1 National engagement

Victoria’s animal health and welfare activities are aligned and integrated with national arrangements and are tailored for local needs and circumstances. As most animal industries are both nationally-oriented and strongly export-focused, the interest of Victoria’s producers are best served by nationally consistent policies, strategies, programs and standards that are supportive of trade and international market access.

To this end, Australia is fortunate to have excellent and well-established collaborative frameworks for developing animal health policy and standards. To deliver robust and consistent policies and standards, the Victorian Government, other jurisdictions and the Australian Government work collectively through the Primary Industries Ministerial Council and subordinate committees, such as the Animal Health Committee. Industry has a strong influence nationally through Animal Health Australia -an innovative partnership involving governments and the major livestock industries -and other national forums, including the Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases (CCEAD) that convenes during EAD incidents.

4.2 The Livestock Disease Control Act

During 2009, two new versions of the Livestock Disease Control Act 1994 were introduced to:

• enhance DPI EAD response capabilities
• increase penalties for offences
• reduce regulatory burden
• provide a better framework to efficiently collect duty on the sale of stock.

The Act was reviewed internally and externally as part of a regulatory burden reduction project to improve administration, effectiveness and transparency. The review highlighted areas for improvement and solutions were developed following industry engagement and consultation.

In 2010, the Primary Industries Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 and the Livestock Disease Control Regulations 2006 are scheduled to be considered by the Parliament. A number of benefits for the community are expected from the review of the legislation, including better information sharing between emergency services in planning, response and recovery phases. Other improvements include:

• enhanced livestock traceability
• new structures to enhance fund administration in the compensation committees -used to benefit Victorian livestock industries.

4.3 The Livestock Management Act 2009

In December 2009, the Livestock Management Act was formally introduced into the Parliament of Victoria. The rationale for introducing this new Act was based on the need to recognise a range of national livestock management standards, notably welfare and biosecurity, which have been approved or may be developed in the near future.

Existing state legislation, such as the Livestock Disease and Control Act 1994, and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 have a narrow focus aimed at addressing extreme and specific issues like animal cruelty or management of emergency disease. The introduction of minimum standards is an important step to provide ongoing assurance to customers and trading partners.

The Livestock Management Act provides both a framework for the recognition of standards and two compliance options for livestock operators. The first option applies to businesses not operating under an approved compliance arrangement – like a quality assurance program -where inspection and offences apply. The second option involves a co-regulatory arrangement for livestock businesses already participating in an approved compliance arrangement, where a monitoring regime will apply.

Nationally consistent and agreed standards enabled under this Victorian legislation will provide assurance to customers and the general community regarding livestock management practices. It will assist in maintaining productivity and market access for livestock businesses.

The introduction of minimum standards is an important step to provide ongoing assurance to customers and trading partners.

4.4 Intensive animal industries

Victoria’s intensive livestock industries, mainly poultry and pigs, are an important component of the livestock sector, demonstrating high levels of biosecurity and value-adding. Numbers of commercial producers in these industries are declining, but concurrent increases in the size of establishments are maintaining the overall numbers.

Figure 11a: Size of pig establishments in Victoria, June 2007.

Figure 11b: Total sow and gilt numbers by farm size, Victoria June 2007.

The AHS conducted both national and state-based stakeholder engagement in 2009, including:

• developing and contributing to the National Research Development and Extension activities for the poultry industry
• hosting meetings of the Victorian Poultry Health and Welfare Liaison Group
• providing representation on the National Newcastle Disease Surveillance working group
• implementing the 2010-12 National Newcastle Disease Management Plan.

Also during 2009, the AHS conducted analysis of the 2008-09 infectious laryngotracheitis virus outbreak in Victoria. The results were presented to the annual Australian Veterinary Poultry Association meeting.

Furthermore, the global pandemic influenza A (H1N1) generated significant activity for the organisation, including: local disease control activities and response; development of national and state communication material; refinement of the National Response Policy brief; guidelines for swine influenza; and the development of proof-of-freedom documentation.

5. LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT STANDARDS

Agricultural production in Victoria is highly-focused on export. The contribution of livestock industries to the community is significant and is dependent on both domestic and international market access. In order to maintain good market access for our producers, it is important that our products continue to remain competitive on a global scale.

Overall, markets requirements are increasing for production, animal welfare and biosecurity standards. A key role of DPI’s Animal Health Service (AHS) is to assist industry to understand and respond to these emerging market realities. The AHS achieves this by participating in the development and implementation of state and national policies for: biosecurity, product safety, enhancing market access and by framing and enforcing relevant legislation.

In 2009, the AHS was involved in the development of a Livestock Management Act 2009, the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy and the Biosecurity Strategy for Victoria. It also managed other activities to improve compliance at the enterprise level.

5.1 Improving standards of livestock management

Livestock management practices that are nationally consistent and have agreed standards that are reflected in legislation provide assurance to customers and the community. By having a consistent approach, the AHS aims to help maintain productivity and market access for livestock businesses. In Victoria, the Livestock Management Act is being developed to achieve these aims (see 4.3).

Several recent national reviews examining animal welfare, traceability and biosecurity triggered the development of national standards and reinforced the need for consistency and co-regulation. The AHS works in partnership with industry and the community to develop these standards through involvement in national processes.

The first standards released by the Primary Industries Ministerial Council (PIMC) relate to the welfare of animals and considered land transport standards in the first instance. All jurisdictions have committed to integrating these standards into legislation to ensure national consistency. Victoria is the first jurisdiction to introduce new enabling legislation and to begin the integration process.

The introduction of new livestock management practices ultimately seeks to ensure that livestock operators apply best-practice techniques within existing industry programs. The new standards regulated by the Act will develop over time. The development of the standards will occur alongside ongoing consultation with stakeholders to ensure any impacts on industry are appropriately assessed and documented. The AHS estimates that a full set of standards will be developed within three to five years.

5.2 National animal welfare policy development

In 2004, the Primary Industries Ministerial Council (PIMC) endorsed the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy. Its vision is to develop and adopt sound animal welfare standards and practices to promote and protect the welfare of all animals. It covers the care, uses and direct and indirect impacts of human activity on all sentient species of Australian animals.

In 2009, all states and territories agreed to implement welfare standards for the transport of livestock and pigs. National working groups are now developing welfare standards for aquaculture, zoos, horses, dogs, sheep, cattle, slaughter of animals and vertebrate pest-animal control.

A national review of animal welfare research needs and strategic communications requirements are two areas of work that continue.

The AHS and its partners, including industry bodies, animal welfare organisations and the community, are working together throughout the development and implementation processes.

National working groups are now developing welfare standards for aquaculture, zoos, horses, dogs, sheep, cattle, slaughter of animals and vertebrate pest-animal control.

5.3 Compliance activities

In 2009, new legal arrangements for the management of rodeos in Victoria came into force and as a result the AHS commenced random animal welfare audits. These monitored and improved the care and management of animals at Victorian rodeos and educated operators about their legal requirements. The AHS is now in discussion with the industry on how to standardise the requirement across other jurisdictions.

In addition, Victoria had new legal requirements for caged poultry kept for the production of eggs. The requirements will ensure compliance with national standards for space allocations given to egg-laying hens. Audits were carried out by the AHS in 2009 to assess compliance with the new standards.

Ongoing welfare monitoring activities continued in 2009 and included:

• auditing livestock saleyards, abattoirs andother enterprises
• responding to animal welfare incidents,including alleged cases of cruelty,emergency events and disease relatedwelfare issues.

The AHS met some major challenges in the northern irrigation areas of Victoria due to dry seasonal conditions. However, most of these problems were resolved promptly by providing professional advice and assistance to landholders.

National working groups are now developing welfare standards for aquaculture, zoos, horses, dogs, sheep, cattle, slaughter of animals and vertebrate pest-animal control.

6. DISEASE SURVEILLANCE ACTIVITIES

While Victoria’s livestock industries have an enviable animal health status, effective surveillance must be maintained to ensure early detection of diseases with the potential to impact public health, trade, and productivity.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) In addition to the ongoing surveillance activities, defines surveillance as: the systematic ongoing DPI’s Animal Health Service (AHS) implemented collection, collation, and analysis of information a number of livestock surveillance initiatives related to animal health and the timely during 2009. Co-funded by the Victorian dissemination of information to those who need livestock industries and the government, the to know so that action can be taken. In general, initiatives were designed to: surveillance is in place to:

• demonstrate the absence of disease or infection
• determine the occurrence or distribution of disease or infection
• detect as early as possible exotic or emerging diseases

Surveillance activities also help to monitor disease trends, facilitate disease management, support claims for freedom-from-disease or infection and provide data for use in biosecurity risk analysis.

The Victorian animal health surveillance system is principally based on structured non-random activities, including:

• disease reporting or notifications
• disease management programs/health schemes
• targeted testing/screening
• on-farm disease investigations
• ante-mortem and post-mortem inspections at abattoirs and knackeries
• laboratory investigation records and sentinel units

In addition to the ongoing surveillance activities, DPI’s Animal Health Service (AHS) implemented a number of livestock surveillance initiatives during 2009. Co-funded by the Victorian livestock industries and the government, the initiatives were designed to:

• deliver outputs of commercial benefit to all levels of industry
• encourage good on-farm biosecurity and welfare practice
• increase the ability of the AHS to detect EADs, including new and emerging conditions and
• provide further supporting evidence of Victoria’s high animal health status.

6.1 Disease investigations

Animal health professionals conducting disease investigations on farms are the ‘eyes and ears’ of the Victorian animal health surveillance system; both in respect to collecting surveillance data and the vital role of early detection and containment of possible EADs.

During 2009, in excess of 1,100 livestock disease events were investigated on-farm by the AHS staff or private veterinary practitioners carrying out DPI subsidised investigations. Approximately half of these investigations were initiated by a livestock producer or veterinary practitioner (Figure 12), with the remainder being associated with new surveillance initiatives (see section 6.3). The distribution of investigations shown in Figure 12 reflects the distribution of livestock in Victoria, and demonstrates a wide coverage of surveillance.

Veterinary practitioners investigating and reporting on unusual or significant disease incidents in Victoria are eligible for subsidies towards the investigation cost and laboratory fees. Established in 2005, the subsidised system led to 110 investigations being conducted in 2009.

6.2 Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy Freedom Assurance Program

The purpose of the national Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE) Freedom Assurance Program (TSEFAP) is to ensure market confidence that Australian animals and their products are free from TSEs, such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and scrapie. The program offers the market a nationally integrated management structure for animal-related TSE activities. The AHS is
responsible for implementing the programs for its three principal operational components in Victoria:

• surveillance
• ruminant feed ban auditing
• imported animal quarrantine and surveillance

Figure 12. Geographical distribution of 508 investigations conducted on-farm during 2009 by the DPI or by private veterinary practitioners as a subsidised investigation. This excludes approximately 600 investigations carried out as part of the new surveillance initiatives commenced in 2009.

6.2.1 National Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy Surveillance Program

Australia is free of BSE and scrapie and has a negligible risk status -the lowest risk ranking - by the OIE. The primary purpose of the National Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy Surveillance Program (NTSESP) is to support trade by maintaining a surveillance system for TSEs.

It is consistent with internationally-agreed criteria and assures importers that Australian cattle and sheep are free of these diseases. It also ensures early detection of a TSE, should one occur in Australia.

The program involves targeted field investigations by the AHS and private veterinarians where TSEs are suspected. All such TSE cases are sent for laboratory testing and in 2009 approximately 230 investigations in sheep and cattle were conducted to exclude a TSE units all returning negative results (Table 1).

 

 

Table 1. Numbers of livestock investigated for the NTSESP in 2009.

	Cattle		Sheep
Investigation undertaken by	No. examined	No. positive	No. examined	No. positive
DPI	40	0	79	0
Private practitioner	90	0	22	0
Other	130	0	101	0

6.2.2 Ruminant Feed Ban

In Victoria, The AHS enforces a nationally inclusive ban on feeding ruminants any substance, including meat and bone meal, derived from vertebrates. These substances are called restricted animal material (RAM) and are defined as: any material that is of vertebrate (including fish and bird) origin other than tallow, gelatin, milk products or oils extracted from poultry and fish.

Laws were enacted in 1997 in all jurisdictions of Australia to ban the feeding of RAM to ruminants, and this has become known as the Ruminant Feed Ban (RFB). Field activities associated with the national RFB are conducted in Victoria to demonstrate compliance with regulatory controls and to ensure that national and international requirements are met.

During 2009, 62 stockfeed manufacturers, 16 renderers, 42 retailers and 71 livestock producers were audited for compliance with the RFB. In 26 cases, audits identified areas where practice change was required; follow-up visits were made to confirm that corrective actions were taken.

6.2.3 Imported Animal Quarantine Surveillance Scheme (IAQSS)

Since 1952, Australia has banned the importation of live sheep and goats from all countries, except New Zealand. Due to BSE, Australia suspended the importation of cattle from the United Kingdom in 1988, expanding to other European countries by 2001. This ban was also extended to include Japan in 2003 and Canada and the United States of America in 2004.

Under national legislation, any live cattle imported from a country that has had a case of BSE have been identified and placed under life-time quarantine. The DPI monitors these animals every three months, including conducting a site visit at least once a year. The cattle are identified with a radio frequency identification device and recorded on the National Livestock Identification Scheme (NLIS) database. At the end of 2009, there were 23 imported cattle located in Victoria.

6.2.4 ISO 9001:2008 Certification

Following independent auditing in 2009, DPI TSEFAP field activities were certified under ISO 9001:2008. This achievement followed intense preparations for the program assessment over 18 months. All 20 field offices of the AHS are covered by this certification.

6.3 New surveillance initiatives in 2009

6.3.1 Enhanced surveillance tool, Yes!

A large amount of surveillance data is generated from on-farm disease investigations undertaken by private veterinary practitioners and DPI field staff. Unless managed and utilised properly, this can present a significant missed opportunity for surveillance. As part of DPI’s commitment to underpin market access for the Victorian livestock industries, an advanced software system has been developed for the collection and analysis of field surveillance data. This tool is known as the Yes Epidemiology System (Yes!).

Launched in April 2009, Yes! is a fully queriable database used to record cases of clinical disease in production animals. By building a profile of Victoria’s animal health situation and showing the location, time of year and type of diseases that occur in the state or different regions (Figures 13, 14 and 15), Yes! can be used to demonstrate to domestic and international trading partners that Victoria is undertaking surveillance for and is free from the diseases of concern to them. The other function of Yes! is to assist with endemic disease management and control activities.

Figure 13. Example of mapping output of Yes!; location of all livestock disease events
recorded on Yes! for September to December 2009.

Figure 14. Example of using Yes! to analyse animal health data in relation to spatial and temporal distribution.

The uniqueness of Yes! lies in its highly flexible A total of 1,105 records were entered in Yes! query interface which allows rapid data during 2009. Of these, 508 were ‘routine’ manipulation and mapping of disease events. disease investigations undertaken on-farm by The incorporation of Google Map™ technology DPI field staff or private veterinary practitioners, into the interface gives the system a mapping with the remainder from targeted DPI capability without the need for the user to be surveillance activities. familiar with complex Geographic Information System (GIS) software (Figure 13). The query interface in Yes! is simple and highly flexible, Figure 15. Example of a graphical allowing all users to generate tables and maps representation prepared from with ease. data collected by Yes!: cases of salmonellosis in Victorian dairy cattle, April to December 2009.

Figure 15. Example of a graphical representation prepared from data collected by Yes!: cases of salmonellosis in Victorian dairy cattle, April to December 2009.

Salmonellosis in Victorian dairy cattle

6.3.2 Lamb, kid and weaner sheep mortality investigations

In 2009, two projects focusing on the cause of lamb, kid and weaner sheep mortalities commenced.

The first project focused on lambs and kids from two weeks after birth to two weeks post-weaning. It involves the investigation of losses reported to the AHS by sheep and goat producers. In the latter half of 2009, approximately 200 lamb deaths, as part of 39 cases, were investigated on-farm by the AHS. Common diagnoses included infectious conditions, such as pulpy kidney, pneumonia and navel ill, parasitism and mismothering complex. No EADs were detected. In all cases, the AHS provided direct management advice to the livestock owner. The project is planned to continue for another two years.

The syndrome of post-weaning ill-thrift and mortality is a significant economic threat to Australian sheep locks. A second project to identify causes of mortality and ill-thrift in this age class commenced to refine management recommendations for Victorian sheep producers. This work is a collaboration between
the University of Melbourne’s Mackinnon Project and the AHS. The results are expected during 2010.

Figure 16: Location of lamb or kid mortality investigations

 

6.3.3 Early detection of emerging and exotic disease in sheep and goats in saleyards and abattoirs

In 2009, the AHS started a project to increase understanding of the major causes of death and loss in sheep and goats presented for sale or slaughter across Victoria. A key benefit of this project will be to ensure the early detection of EADs by establishing and maintaining surveillance at livestock aggregation sites in Victoria. Agreement to undertake the surveillance activity was reached with operators of 27 abattoirs and 25 saleyards located across Victoria, and their support is acknowledged.

With field activities commencing in late 2009, the department conducted 28 investigations into the cause of sheep and goat illness or death. A final diagnosis was reached in 72% of cases, with trauma and hypocalcaemia commonly found (Figure 16).

Figure 16. Breakdown of diagnoses reached in investigations undertaken in saleyards and abbatoirs in 2009.

6.3.4 Knackery surveillance

In Victoria, knackeries provide an important service to farmers by processing dead and unsaleable livestock. There are 19 licensed knackeries in Victoria, processing approximately 60,000 adult cattle annually. Knackeries provide a convenient and cost effective opportunity to conduct surveillance of diseased cattle for both endemic diseases and EADs.

Following the success of a pilot project at a single knackery in 2008, the AHS undertook surveillance at the four largest knackeries in Victoria during 2009. The aims of this surveillance were to identify the major causes of cattle wastage and enhance the early detection of EADs.

Over 430 cattle were examined during 2009 of Victoria and most of the cattle were dairy cows. The causes of wastage described were common to dairy cattle production systems and no EADs were detected (Figure 17).

Figure 17: Breakdown of diagnoses reached.

Figure 18: Knackery surveillance – location of properties of origin for cattle examined during 2009.

6.3.5 Sentinel flock monitoring – sheep and goats

The sentinel flock monitoring project is being jointly implemented by the DPI’s AHS and the Meat and Wool Team. It aims to identify the cause and prevalence of mortality and morbidity across all ages of sheep and goats in 20 sentinel flocks and herds, representing over 45,000 breeding ewes and does and it is anticipated that the findings will:

• establish best-practice techniques aimed at decreasing on-farm losses
• increase farm productivity and profitability
• quantify the financial impact of losses

During 2009, the first year of operations, the project team collected baseline information of animal health status and production performance for each flock/herd. Activities included:

• fertility examinations of rams
• testing for drench resistance
• determining trace element status of stock
• regular condition scoring of all classes
• detailed recording of flock health production data; including stock losses

The deaths of sheep and goats of all ages were investigated by conducting necropsies on farm and laboratory testing if needed. On the basis of this information, recommendations were provided to the herd/flock owner to assist with improving management practices.

Figure 19: Location of sheep and goat sentinel flocks.

During 2009, over 780 animals in the sentinel flocks and herds were examined as part of this surveillance activity (Table 2).

Investigations have reported that mismothering and dystocia are the main cause of lamb deaths. The deaths of most adult ewes were attributed to metabolic disorders, such as pregnancy toxaemia.

6.3.6 Anthrax knackery surveillance

Anthrax occurs sporadically in various parts of Victoria and occurs at all times of the year. Both the AHS and private veterinary practitioners routinely undertake investigations of sudden and unexplained deaths in cattle, sheep and other anthrax-susceptible livestock.

In 2009, the trial use of an immunochromatographic test (ICT) for rapid screening of suspicious anthrax cases in the field continued. AHS staff and private veterinary practitioners used the test for on-farm investigations of livestock sudden deaths.

In addition, in early 2009 the test was used to investigate suspicious cases presented to a knackery in north east Victoria. In total, 258 animals were screened and no cases of anthrax were discovered. Further definitive laboratory testing confirmed all of the results.

The ‘animal-side’ ICT has been found to be a highly sensitive, cost-effective and user friendly field screening test for anthrax. Data from the field, in conjunction with blood culture results, are now being collated and will be presented to the national Subcommittee on Animal Health Laboratory Standards (SCHALS) to seek national approval as a diagnostic test.

Table 2. Number of animals examined for sentinel flock/herd monitoring during 2009.

No. lamb/kid mortalities investigated	No. Ewe/doe mortalities investigated	No. ram fertility examinations	Total
529	62	190	781

6.3.7 Sheep and goat specialists

In mid-2009, the AHS filled three specialist livestock positions, two in sheep and one in goat health, in its team. These specialists provide species-specific technical support to the AHS and expertise to enhance services to industry. The value the new specialists have brought to the AHS and industry has been demonstrated by the many activities including:

• field days for producers across Victorian on sheep lice
• providing input into the development of ethical standards for the management of livestock
• promotion of disease investigations and traceability in the goat sector
• providing timely information to the sheep and goat industries of disease and other risks through releases, interviews and publications
• development of a formal ‘study group’ of 14 DPI staff undertaking further studies in sheep health and
• regular electronic alerts to DPI staff on sheep production and health issues

6.3.8 Dairy goat and sheep health management

The Victorian dairy goat and sheep industries are rapidly expanding and providing significant contributions to Australia’s total agricultural production. Supported by the AHS, the University of Melbourne’s Mackinnon Project is identifying herd and flock health management issues for operators. The project will improve awareness of important issues encountered in intensive production systems. This will help producers to better identify issues and implement appropriate actions.

Field investigations undertaken by Mackinnon Project staff for this activity and the weaner sheep study (section 6.3.2) involve both undergraduate and postgraduate veterinary students at the University of Melbourne.

The investigations will enhance teaching and improve student knowledge and awareness of both the extensive animal industries and the role of the DPI.

6.3.9 Other activities

During 2009, the Mackinnon Project produced a monthly surveillance report for the AHS on the extensive animal industries. This reported on disease events investigated by Mackinnon Project staff and captured information on seasonal conditions, pasture production, animal production issues and other topics that may have implications for industry.

This work is an important addition to the Victorian animal health surveillance system as it will assist with the detection of new and emerging trends. This new information will be incorporated into materials and advice provided to livestock producers.

6.4 Bee diseases

6.4.1 Varroa mite

In 2009, the AHS, in partnership with the apiary industry and Animal Health Australia, continued surveillance activities designed to provide early detection of a varroa mite incursion.

It is understood that varroa mite will most likely arrive in Victoria on overseas ships and in shipping containers. In 2009, three sentinel hives located at or near the ports of Melbourne, Geelong and Portland were sampled quarterly. No evidence of varroa mite was found. The AHS also monitored 29 swarm-catch boxes positioned at these locations and at Western Port.

Two bee swarms that lodged in catch boxes at Corio Quay in Geelong, and bees nesting in a concrete power pole at Port Melbourne were sampled and found to be free of the mite. The origin of such swarms is not known as the catch boxes and other cavities attract both exotic and local swarms.

Finally, an industry team whose membership grew to 80 volunteers during the year carried out ongoing in-hive surveillance throughout Victoria.

6.4.2 American foulbrood disease of honey bees

American foulbrood (AFB) is a disease of honey bee larvae that weakens and slowly kills infected honey bee colonies. Spores of the causal bacterium Paenibacillus larvae remain viable for over 35 years and can occur in honey and on beehive components originating from infected hives. AFB is endemic in most states in Australia, including Victoria.

The AFB Smart honey culture testing program screens beekeeper supplied honey samples for AFB spores. Samples comprise bulked extracted honey harvested from all hives in an apiary. A detection of spores provides an early warning that disease is either present in bee brood in one or more hives in the apiary, or that an outbreak may be imminent.

The AFB Smart program has operated for nine years and its success is demonstrated by a voluntary participation rate of up to 60 percent of registered beekeepers each year. Their participation has led to early detection of active and potential diseases and has significantly reduced the number of diseased hives during outbreaks.

6.5 National Animal Health Information System

The National Animal Health Information System (NAHIS) is a database that collects summary data from a wide range of government and non-government activities. It provides an overview of animal health in Australia and is essential for supporting trade in animal commodities and meeting Australia’s international reporting obligations.

The AHS provides surveillance data and reports of disease investigations cases on a quarterly basis to the NAHIS. This data comes from a range of sources, including surveillance activities, monitoring programs, disease control programs, diagnostic laboratories and veterinary investigations.

Summary NAHIS data is available from the Animal Health Australia website and is reported in the Animal Health Surveillance Quarterly newsletter and the Animal Health in Australia annual report, both published by Animal Health Australia.

6.6 National Arbovirus Monitoring Program

The National Arbovirus Monitoring Program (NAMP) monitors the distribution of economically important insect-borne arboviruses of livestock and their vectors. The arboviruses of interest, like bluetongue, akabane and bovine ephemeral fever viruses and their vectors, are usually confined by climatic and geographic factors to northern and eastern parts of Australia. They rarely affect Victorian livestock.

Victoria has five sentinel cattle herds that are bled twice in November and June each vector season. They are located in Orbost, Stratford, Hamilton, Stanhope and Mildura (Figure 20). Insect trapping is also conducted at Hamilton and Orbost and Stanhope six times a year from December to May (Figure 20). During the 200809 vector season, all sentinel animals tested negative and no vector activity was observed (Table 3).

Further information about the program is available from the Animal Health Australia website.

Table 3. Results for National Arbovirus Monitoring Program (NAMP) sentinel herd monitoring for 2008-09.

Virus	No. tests performed	No. positive results
Bluetongue	119	0
Akabane	119	0
Bovine ephemeral fever	119	0

Figure 20: Map showing NAMP monitoring sites.

6.7 Wildlife health surveillance

Wildlife health surveillance is conducted to ensure any exotic, emerging and zoonotic diseases of wildlife are rapidly detected and that disease management programs are activated when necessary. Investigations are targeted at suspect exotic and OIE listed diseases, like zoonoses, including bat viral diseases and mass or unexplained morbidity/mortality events.

During 2009, ten separate clusters of wild-bird deaths were investigated. Results showed the deaths were not attributed to avian influenza virus, West Nile virus or paramyxoviruses. Australian bat lyssavirus was excluded in 16 cases of morbidity or mortality in bats and in cases where humans were potentially exposed.

In addition, large mortality events in three wild-fish species were investigated and resulted in the exclusion of new and exotic diseases. Also, a macropod herpes virus was isolated during an investigation into a mob of eastern grey kangaroos with upper respiratory tract disease.

Results of wildlife disease investigations performed by the AHS, Zoos Victoria and the University of Melbourne are reported to the Australian Wildlife Health Network’s national electronic Wildlife Health Information System.

7. ENDEMIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT

In general, the major endemic diseases of Victorian livestock are jointly managed as a partnership between the DPI and industry. For some diseases, such as Johne’s disease and enzootic bovine leucosis (EBL), nationally coordinated programs exist to provide a standardised management approach. Victoria actively participates in the development of national approaches to endemic diseases.

Although endemic disease management programs focus on the control or eradication of certain diseases, they also provide opportunities for DPI’s Animal Health Service (AHS) staff to maintain a regular presence on livestock producing properties in Victoria. This general surveillance further enhances the animal health
surveillance system and importantly, increases the AHS’s ability to detect new and emerging disease threats early.

7.1 Johne’s disease

Johne’s disease is primarily a disease of dairy cattle and sheep, and to a much lesser extent Table 5. The number of herds or flocks beef cattle, goats and deer (Table 4).

Table 4. Number of herds and flocks infected with Johne’s disease in Victoria at 31 December 2009.

Species	No. infected herds or flocks
Cattle	965
Sheep	597
Deer	4
Goats	10
Camelids	0

The Australian Johne’s Disease Market Assurance Program (MAP) is a voluntary, national accreditation program to provide livestock breeders and their clients with assurance that participating herds and flocks
are at a low risk of being infected with the disease. All species are currently represented in the MAP in Victoria (Table 5). The AHS administers the program in Victoria on behalf of Animal Health Australia.

Table 5. The number of herds or flocks in Victoria participating in the MAP at 31 December 2009. The number in parentheses represents the number of sheep flocks vaccinated with a commercially available vaccine (Gudair™).

Species	Monitored Negative (MN) status
	MN1	MN2	MN3	Total
Cattle	83	69	88	240
Sheep	8 (4)	14 (7)	41 (27)	63 (38)
Alpaca	1	4	4	6
Goat	0	0	1	1

7.1.1 Bovine Johne’s disease

Industry and the AHS have invested significant time, effort and resources to manage bovine Johne’s disease (BJD) in Victoria.

The AHS assisted the dairy and beef sectors of the cattle industry in the management of BJD through a range of activities in 2009, including:

• Administering the Victorian BJD Test and Control Program 2 and the Johne’s Disease Calf Accreditation Program
• Facilitating and auditing the Beef Only scheme – which producers use to declare a low risk of BJD
• Collaborating with Pfizer Animal Health to trial a vaccine in commercial cattle herds
• Developing and trialling new diagnostic tests
• Facilitating the National BJD Financial and Non-financial Assistance Package
• Administering the CattleMAP on behalf of Animal Health Australia
• Actively participating in the development of national BJD policies and procedures

The management of BJD in Victoria is guided by a nationally agreed strategic plan and Standard Definitions and Rules developed by industry and government.

7.1.2 Ovine Johne’s disease

Victoria currently bases the management of ovine Johne’s disease (OJD) on both nationally agreed guidelines and the preferred approach of the state’s sheep industry, which is determined by the Victoria OJD Advisory Committee and the Sheep and Goat Compensation Advisory Committee.

The Assurance Based Credit (ABC) Scheme is a national system for measuring the risk of OJD infection at the flock or group level and has a fundamental role in the current national approach to OJD.

In 2009, the AHS assisted the sheep industry to manage OJD through a range of activities, including:

• Printing and distributing booklets of carbonised National Sheep Health Statements
• Facilitating the supply of Gudair™ vaccine and administering the industry-funded vaccine subsidy rebate for eligible producers
• Facilitating the development of Property Disease Management Programs for infected flocks
• Facilitating abattoir inspections for OJD which allowed producers to use negative findings in their ABC Scheme score
• Flock owner notification of OJD detections by the National Abattoir Sheep Health Monitoring Program
• Administering the SheepMAP on behalf of Animal Health Australia

7.1.3 Johne’s disease in other species

Johne’s disease also affects goats, deer and camelids; for example alpacas and llamas. The AHS assists affected producers to manage Johne’s disease by providing advice on control measures, vaccinating where available, and administering the GoatMAP and AlpacaMAP on behalf of Animal Health Australia.

7.2 Enzootic bovine leucosis

The Australian dairy industry views freedom from the viral disease enzootic bovine leucosis (EBL) as a potential competitive advantage in the global market. To ensure continued access to international milk, milk products, genetic materials and live animal markets, the Australian dairy industry aims to achieve freedom status by December 2012.

To this end, the final stage of a national eradication program began during 2009 and necessitated the testing of all Victorian dairy herds -approximately 4,300 -by dairy processors, herd test centres, private veterinarians and the AHS. Over half of the herds required intensive testing – this labour intensive process resulted in these herds being progressed from a herd EBL status of Bulk Milk Negative to Monitored Free status. The testing was based on bulk milk samples collected on-farm from the milk vat. This testing strategy was an immense undertaking and was only made possible through the joint efforts of the Victorian dairy industry and the AHS.

The significant efforts to complete this testing in 2009 enabled the Australian dairy industry to claim Provisional Freedom from EBL in early 2010. The next three years will require ongoing activities in the form of a modified surveillance program for EBL; all dairy herds in Victoria will be subjected to three annual bulk milk tests. At the end of that period, Australia will be eligible to claim freedom from EBL in the national dairy herd.

7.3 Ovine brucellosis

Ovine brucellosis (OB) occurs at low levels in Victorian sheep flocks. During 2009, infection was detected in 18 flocks, with the majority being located in the south west of the state. The infected flocks were detected while investigating fertility issues or testing for flock accreditation.

The AHS administers the Ovine Brucellosis Accreditation Scheme, which is a voluntary accreditation process that provides an assurance that rams are free from OB. This is necessary for the purpose of participation in certain sales, interstate movement, overseas export and attendance at shows.

The scheme is based on the results of a property risk assessment, regular testing, adherence to best-practice flock management and investigation of suspect cases. Both the AHS and private veterinary practitioners are involved in program implementation across Victoria and at 31 December 2009, 537 flocks were accredited as being OB free.

The AHS also supports the operation of the Mallee OB control area. This disease was historically significant with a high prevalence in the Mallee region of north west Victoria. This was mainly due to a lack of suitable fencing and less focus on sheep management in wheat/sheep enterprises in the region. In the past, voluntary schemes proved unsuccessful.

In 1996, sheep producers from the area requested government support for a compulsory control program for OB. Consequently, the AHS has helped to implement a highly-successful, compulsory and systematic control program.

In 2009, no major surveillance testing was conducted in the control area following two years of negative test results. Surveillance testing is planned for 2010 and aims to demonstrate freedom from OB in the area.

Surveillance testing is planned for 2010 and aims to demonstrate freedom from OB in the area.

7.4 Ovine footrot

Ovine footrot, caused by Dichelobacter nodosus infection, remains present in Victorian sheep flocks. In previous years drought conditions have limited infection with only a small number of infected properties detected by saleyard inspections and on-farm investigations by the AHS. However, in late November 2009, increased rain, mild temperatures and adequate pasture length created ideal conditions for footrot. A total of 9 infected flocks were detected in 2009 and eradication programs have now been implemented in those flocks.

8. PRODUCT INTEGRITY

The DPI assists and supports Victoria’s livestock industries by participating in programs that help to ensure livestock are correctly identified, can be traced and are free from unacceptable chemical residues.

The programs are operated with the support of SAFEMEAT, the national industry government partnership responsible for:

• policy related to food-safety issues for red meat products
• whole-of-supply-chain quality assurance arrangements for industry

8.1 National Livestock Identification System

The National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) is Australia’s system for identifying and tracking animals susceptible to foot and mouth disease. These include cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, alpacas and llamas. In Victoria, the government is working with industry to ensure that over time the use of the system meets Australia’s National Livestock Traceability Performance Standards.

8.1.1 NLIS (Cattle)

Victoria’s cattle identification system began in the 1970s with the registration of properties, introduction of tail tagging, and use of paper-based records to track cattle for disease control purposes. In the 1990s, the limitations of these arrangements became apparent during incidents when large numbers of cattle had to be traced quickly.

In 1996, a national industry and government working group was formed, led by Victoria, and recommended the introduction of a ‘wholeof-life’ identification and tracking scheme for cattle, using machine readable, permanent identification devices. This system became known as the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS).

The NLIS involves the use of electronic ear tags and rumen boluses and the recording of livestock movements on a national database, managed by the producer-controlled corporation Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA). During 2009, responsibility for the management of the NLIS database was transferred from MLA to a separate legal entity called NLIS Limited.

It is notable that 2009 marks the tenth anniversary of the commencement of the NLIS (Cattle), which is now operating throughout Australia.

While the main driver for the development and introduction of the NLIS (Cattle) was the need to protect Victoria’s access to export markets for beef, there are significant on-farm benefits associated with the use of NLIS technology, including its ability to quickly identity cattle and to accurately record production information.

Victoria’s NLIS Implementation Advisory Committee, chaired by beef producer Mr John Wyld, continues to meet regularly to review the operation of the NLIS (Cattle) in Victoria. It is an excellent example of what can be achieved when government and industry engage and work cooperatively.

The NLIS (Cattle) is based on the use of the NLIS approved ear tags and boluses that contain a half duplex (HDX) transponder encoded with a unique and unalterable number. The movement of cattle from one Property Identification Code (PIC) to another is recorded by industry participants on the national NLIS database. However, the states and territories are responsible for the registration of properties and the recording of related biosecurity information.

During 2009, over 1.9 million NLIS (Cattle) tags were purchased and Victoria had approximately 6,100 active NLIS database user accounts.

A large number of movements of cattle were recorded in Victoria on the NLIS database in 2009 (Table 6). The AHS routinely uses movement information contained on the database to track cattle of interest for disease control and residue management purposes.

The AHS regularly audits saleyards and abattoirs for NLIS tagging compliance and during 2009, the tagging rates at Victorian saleyards and abattoirs were found to be 99.5 per cent and 99.6 per cent respectively.

8.1.2 NLIS (Sheep & Goats)

The NLIS (Sheep & Goats) commenced nationally on 1 January 2006 and is based on the use of visually readable tags and paper records of stock movement. Producers have the option of using electronic NLIS (Sheep) tags and through the AHS can purchase electronic NLIS (Sheep) tags that use the best available technology for $1 per tag.

The AHS operates the national database for the registration of electronic NLIS (Sheep) tags, known as Livestock Tag and Trace (LTAT). Producers and processors can choose to register movements on this database. During 2009, Victorian sheep and goat producers purchased 123,853 electronic NLIS (Sheep) tags.

In late 2009, Animal Health Australia appointed consultants to prepare a national business plan to outline the options to address the remaining gaps in the NLIS (Sheep & Goats) system. The business plan, to be completed by May 2010, will consider whether electronic tagging is a better method for identifying sheep and goats for biosecurity purposes than the current system, which is based on visually readable tags.

Table 6. Movements of cattle in Victoria recorded on the NLIS database during 2009, including movements to abattoirs, feedlots and other properties.

Description of movement	Number
Victorian PIC to Victorian Saleyard	1,146,376
Victorian PIC to non-Victorian Saleyard	266,984
Non-Victorian PIC to Victorian Saleyard	121,108
Victorian Saleyard to Victorian PIC	1,117,340
Victorian Saleyard to non-Victorian PIC	149,856
Non-Victorian Saleyard to Victorian PIC	577,599
Victorian PIC to Victorian PIC *	591,343
Victorian PIC to non-Victorian PIC *	537,013
Non-Victorian PIC to Victorian PIC *	443,236
Victorian Properties Consigning cattle	35,036
Victorian Properties Receiving cattle	24,217
Victorian Properties Consigning or Receiving Cattle	37,082

* Includes movements to abbatoirs, feedlots and other properties.

8.1.3 NLIS (Pork)

The national system for the identification and tracking of pigs in Australia is known as NLIS (Pork). This system is currently based on three key activities.

The first is the mandatory registration of pig producing properties. When registering their properties, producers are issued with a tattoo brand and a Property Identification Code (PIC).

The second relates to ink tattooing on the backs of adult pigs prior to dispatch from a property. Victorian legislation provides for a tattooing exemption for weaner pigs that weigh less than 25 kilograms. Prior to dispatch, these weaner pigs must have ear tags inserted with a visually readable tag printed with the property’s PIC.

Finally, Victorian legislation requires an approved movement document for all pigs sold or slaughtered. Therefore, a Vendor Declaration movement document must be provided that records the date, number of pigs, pig tattoo number and the PIC of the dispatch property. The document recommended by Australian Pork Limited is the PigPass National Vendor Declaration (NVD).

During 2009, Animal Health Australia coordinated a national tracing exercise called Pigcatcher. This exercise measured the ability of the current NLIS (Pork) system to meet the National Performance Standards for Livestock Traceability. All states and territories were required to trace the movements of pigs selected at saleyards and abattoirs, including the movements of their cohorts. Nationally, 30 pigs were selected for tracing, with four of these pigs selected at Victorian abattoirs and two from Victorian saleyards. The AHS staff successfully traced 14,000 pigs in 150 mobs, but experienced difficulties tracing small numbers of pigs in saleyard mobs.

The Pigcatcher exercise demonstrated that improvements are needed, particularly to saleyard transactions. It also benchmarked performance levels for use in future. Australian Pork Limited is currently coordinating joint industry and government action to address the various report recommendations for enhancing the NLIS (Pork).

8.1.4 NLIS Mirror

The NLIS mirror is a database hosted by the AHS that contains a copy of cattle movement and related biosecurity data stored on the national NLIS database. The data on NLIS mirror is updated and refreshed nightly.

The NLIS mirror is used for routine tracing and auditing purposes and, in the event of an emergency, the AHS uses it for complex tracing tasks. This allows the NLIS database to focus on the important task of processing cattle movement records received from database account holders within the supply chain.

Victoria currently maintains a vast amount of data across a number of systems related to livestock-producing properties, livestock movements and related biosecurity information. The NLIS mirror is an important component of this package.

The AHS is developing a user friendly means of visualising the contents of these systems that display information in a useable and clear format. Outputs can take many forms, such as maps, graphs, link analyses and timeline charts, that are used to quickly analyse large volumes of data. When link analysis is combined with geo-spatial analysis, the results are even more powerful. Apart from meeting market needs in terms of livestock traceability, this system will greatly enhance capacity in terms of disease tracing and emergency response.

During Exercise DIVA ‘09, the NLIS mirror was used to test the AHS’s tracing capability and to prototype innovative movement visualisation tools (Figure 21).

Figure 21. Map of NLIS movements from a selected property.

8.1.5 Livestock Tag and Trace (LTAT)

The AHS developed the Livestock Tag and Trace (LTAT) database for the tracking of livestock for biosecurity, food-safety and market access purposes. During 2009, LTAT operated as Australia’s database for managing data related to sheep and goats with electronic NLIS (Sheep) tags. Sheep and goat producers throughout Australia can use electronic NLIS (Sheep) tags on a voluntary basis and all tags issued to date are registered on the LTAT database.

The LTAT also has a web site and uses web services to allow third parties, including producers, saleyards and processors to record information (Figure 22). However, registering information about the movement of sheep and goats identified with electronic NLIS (Sheep) tags on the LTAT database is not compulsory.

A number of countries are considering the introduction of livestock identification and tracking arrangements similar to the NLIS (Cattle). Government agencies in these countries have realised their benefits and following some overseas interest, the AHS has non-exclusive agreements with two companies connected to the northern hemisphere that plan to use the LTAT database in official government-supported systems. These relationships have the potential to benefit both the AHS and Victoria’s livestock industries through the emergence of a common multi-jurisdictional approach to identifying and tracking livestock for biosecurity purposes.

Figure 22. The home page for the Livestock Tag and Trace (LTAT) website.

8.2 Property registration

The AHS registers properties with livestock and issues each producer with a PIC. On 31 December 2009, over 71,000 properties were registered in Victoria (Table 7).

Table 7. Victorian livestock properties, by species, registered at 31 December 2009.

Species	No. of properties
Cattle- beef	49,024
Cattle- dairy	9,896
Sheep	17,480
Goats	1,517
Pigs	1,283
Deer	212
Horses *	5,775
Poultry (>500 birds)	962
Alpacas and llamas	912
Buffalo	2
TOTAL	71,367 #

# Properties may hold more than one livestock species

* The registration of properties with horses is voluntary

The AHS operates an information helpline for livestock producers to assist with issues related to registration of their properties and the identification of their livestock. This helpline is located within the Animals Standards Branch. In 2009, the helpline received approximately 19,000 calls.

8.3 Residue minimisation programs

8.3.1 National Residue Survey

The National Residue Survey (NRS) monitors chemical residues and environmental contaminants in animals and plants. The results of NRS residue testing provide assurance to exporters and importers that the commodity meets the appropriate standards. They are also used to identify and provide a timely response to potential chemical residue problems.

Livestock being processed for human consumption in domestic and export abattoirs are surveyed for a range of potential contaminants. Carcase selection is random and is designed so that the probability of a carcase being selected is proportional to the throughput of the abattoir.

Although the AHS is not involved with survey sample collection, it does conduct investigations when contaminants are detected above the maximum residue limit (MRL).

8.3.2 National Antibacterial Residue Minimisation (NARM) Program

The AHS participates in the National Antibacterial Residue Minimisation (NARM) program. This involves testing for antibacterial residues in bobby calves due for processing at both domestic and export abattoirs. Urine samples are collected and tested using a microbial inhibition test (MIT). Any positive results are followed by analysis of tissue samples to quantify the antibacterial residue present.

The results for 2009 are provided in Table 8. The most common antibacterial residues detected were: sulphadimidine, sulphadiazine, oxytetracycline and neomycin.

Table 8. Results of antibacterial residue testing in Victoria during 2009. MIT refers to microbial inhibition test and MRL to maximum residue limit for the particular antibiotic. The figures in parentheses are the percentage of all samples tested.

Abattoir type	No. calves sampled	No. positive MIT result	No. samples above MRL
Domestic	7,315	55 (0.75)	21 (0.29)
Export	24,001	72 (.30)	18 (0.07)

In 2009, calves with residues above the MRL were traced and investigations to date have concluded that the presence of residues was due to:

• a failure by the producer to follow withholding period on product labels
• the inadvertent sale of treated animals
• the use of contaminated feeding utensils

Eighteen producers were investigated in 2009 and have received an infringement notice while four received advisory or warning letters.

8.3.3 National Organochlorine Residue Management Program

The National Organochlorine Residue Management (NORM) Program focuses on minimising the risks of organochlorine (OC) residues in beef. The beef industry and the state governments jointly fund NORM. Apart from compliance testing cattle from at-risk properties at abattoirs for OC residues, the program is focused on supporting owners of properties with identified OC contamination hazards to develop and apply on-farm management plans to minimise risk.

The NORM program is coordinated nationally by the NRS and the AHS supports it in Victoria through field activities, program management and fat and soil testing. During 2009, there were no new OC detections.

9. AQUATIC BIOSECURITY AND AQUACULTURE

Aquatic animals are often neglected when looking across the spectrum of traditional livestock species.

In recent decades the consumption of seafood products has increased worldwide with demand now outstripping supply. In 2008, seafood consumption rates peaked at a new high of 17.4 kilograms per capita. Aquaculture production also continues to increase and in the near future is expected to meet 50 per cent of demand for seafood products.

Victoria has a relatively small aquatic production industry in the farmed (aquaculture) and wild-catch sectors. There are seven main areas of aquaculture production with trout and abalone farming being the larger industries.

Annual value of production in Victorian aquatic species is estimated at over AUD$90 million with aquaculture contributing around AUD$20 million of this value. By 2015, this annual production value is estimated triple in size to AUD$60 million.

In the wild-catch sector, abalone fishing produces the most value: generating AUD$68 million per annum. Recreational fishing in Victoria, which generates AUD$850 million per annum, is not included in these estimations.

Australia is yet to develop an agreement between states and territories to manage aquatic species disease emergency responses. However, a national working group is now developing arrangements to better manage aquatic disease emergencies. The group will use the abalone viral ganglioneuritis (AVG) outbreak in 2006 -arguably Australia’s largest ongoing aquatic disease incident -as the model. The working group comprises representatives from industry and state and commonwealth governments.

A key challenge for the group is to develop an emergency response structure that applies to both aquaculture and wild-catch industries, which are often small and geographically dispersed. Furthermore, unlike terrestrial industries, the majority of Australia’s aquatic resource is wild – making surveillance and treatment of exotic disease far more difficult.

Diseases can enter Australia through a variety of ways, such as invading freshwater and marine aquatic pests and unwittingly through the importation of ornamental fish. As Victoria is the largest importer of ornamentals, it has a significant interest in avoiding any related biosecurity risk.

However, improved arrangements between stakeholders should result in a greater awareness of aquatic diseases and an enhanced ability to respond to threats effectively. The DPI is currently reviewing arrangements across the Victorian Government to ensure it can mount an efficient and effective response to aquatic disease incursions.

In 2009, DPI engaged businesses operating in the wild-catch and culture sectors of the main aquatic species to assist with virus surveillance activities. Historic samples of abalone were collected along the Victorian coastline to map the movement of the abalone virus. The AHS also continued to encourage fish farmers to collect and submit samples; if a disease event is significant and unidentified, the AHS will subsidise the cost of laboratory testing.

Basic fish health and disease identification sessions were also conducted for fish farmers in remote northern areas where access to laboratories and veterinary expertise is limited. The AHS commenced several research projects in 2009, including a:

• salmonid health program
• large collaborative project with CSIRO to study the epidemiology of AVG
• survey of fish farmer health needs

Improved arrangements between stakeholders should result in a greater awareness of aquatic diseases and an enhanced ability to respond to threats effectively.

 

10. LABORATORY SUPPORT

The DPI Animal Health Service (AHS) has formal arrangements with two laboratories, DPI’s Biosciences Research Division (BRD) laboratory at Attwood, and Gribbles Veterinary Pathology, the largest veterinary diagnostic laboratory in Victoria.

Together, these laboratories support and enable effective and prompt EAD detection and response, as well as management of endemic disease, chemical residues and animal welfare incidents. Written agreements with each laboratory detail the expected deliverables and the associated quality standards and specifications.

It is through these laboratories that the DPI has direct access to modern analytical, diagnostic, research, training, advisory and reporting services to support field-based activities. This access minimises impacts of significant animal health and welfare issues on domestic and export trade product quality and public health.

Both laboratories work collaboratively with the AHS to ensure the highest level of professional laboratory services is offered and that Victoria is prepared to respond to an EAD. Veterinary pathologists from both facilities also provide continuing education to AHS staff and private veterinarians.

10.1 DPI Biosciences Research Division

The BRD protects Victoria’s livestock industries, market access and public health by providing diagnostic and research laboratory services to the AHS. The BRD diagnostic facility at Attwood has ten employees, including five veterinary pathologists.

Key achievements of the BRD diagnostic laboratory in 2009 include:

• implementing exotic and emerging animal disease surveillance and preparedness for FMD, avian influenza, Hendra virus, classical swine fever and bluetongue
• conducting surveillance for zoonotic diseases – diseases that can pass from animals to humans -including anthrax, leptospirosis, tuberculosis, salmonellosis and Australian bat lyssavirus
• maintaining a national reference laboratory status for anthrax and Johne’s disease
• training AHS staff and private veterinarians in gross pathology
• conducting research and development of new diagnostic technologies for emerging, emergency and exotic disease agents, including anthrax

10.2 Gribbles Veterinary Pathology

Gribbles Veterinary Pathology provides diagnostic services in anatomical pathology, haematology, clinical chemistry, serology, microbiology and molecular testing to the animal health community. The laboratory employees six veterinary pathologists, including some that are registered specialists in anatomical and clinical pathology, supported by a large technical team.

In 2009, Gribbles provided the AHS and private veterinary practitioners with postgraduate training in disease investigation. It also hosted case discussion nights with veterinarians from some of Victoria’s major zoos. Gribbles also published disease findings in international journals and gave oral presentations at national and international scientific meetings.

Also, to create a thorough reference point for veterinarians, the laboratory developed a comprehensive manual on available diagnostic tests. It includes over 30 fact sheets and protocols to assist veterinarians to understand and carry out diagnostic testing. In addition, general animal disease information was made available to clients through the website and via direct mail-outs.

Glossary

Animal Health Service (AHS)	All groups within DPI that are involved in the detection, reporting, control and eradication of livestock diseases. This comprises the Chief Veterinary Officer’s Unit, Animal Standards Branch, Animal Health Field Services and contracted diagnostic laboratories.
Anthrax	A peracute bacterial disease of all mammalian species caused by Bacillus anthracis, characterised by septicaemia and sudden death. It is a zoonotic disease, affecting both humans and other animals, primarily cattle. Control is by movement restrictions, vaccination and disposal of affected carcases.
Biosecurity	Biosecurity is the protection of the economy, the environment, social amenity or human health from negative impacts associated with the entry, establishment or spread of animal or plant pests and disease, or invasive plant and animal species.
Biosecurity strategy for Victoria	Victoria’s biosecurity strategy (2009) covers threats to primary industries, the environment, social amenity and human health, across Victorian public and private land, freshwater and marine habitats, caused by: plant pests and diseases animal pests and diseases, including diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans (i.e. zoonoses) invasive plants and animals. The focus of the biosecurity strategy is on new and emerging threats, rather than on endemic pests or diseases that are currently managed by government, industry, the community or other parties.
BioWeb	A secure online platform available to all AHS staff that coordinates, standardises and stores all animal health management information.
Birthing complications	Conditions such as difficulty in the birthing process, nerve damage and other problems that may lead to an animal being unable to recover from giving birth.
Bulk milk test	A screening test using a sample of milk combined from all milking cows on a farm to determine if a disease is present or not. This type of test is currently in use in Victoria for enzootic bovine leucosis.
Certificate in Gross Pathology	A 12 month course run by DPI to enable field veterinarians to improve their skills in conducting field necropsies.
Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1992	An Act under Victorian legislation that imposes controls on the use, application, manufacture and sale of agricultural and veterinary chemical products, fertilisers and stock foods. It aims to protect the health of the Victorian public and environment, and trade in agricultural and livestock products.
Emergency animal disease (EAD)	A disease that, when it occurs, requires an emergency response, because it would have a national impact if it was not controlled. An emergency animal disease may or may not be exotic.
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. A majority of emerging animal diseases recently detected are transmissible to humans.
Endemic (disease)	A disease that is known to occur over a long period of time within a population or a geographic range.
Enzootic bovine leucosis (EBL)	A viral disease of cattle.
Epidemic	An unexpected and substantial increase in the incidence of a disease.
Epidemiology	The study of disease in populations and of the factors that determine its occurrence.
Exercise DIVA ’09	A simulation and functional exercise conducted from July to November 2009, testing the response to an imaginary outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the Goulburn Valley region of Victoria.
Exotic (disease or pest)	A disease that does not normally occur in a particular area or country (as opposed to an endemic disease).
Foot and mouth disease (FMD)	An extremely contagious, exotic viral disease of cloven-hoofed animals (sheep, pigs, cattle, camels, buffalo etc.). It causes vesicles (blister-like lesions) on the lips, tongue and coronet most frequently, causing lameness and difficulty eating resulting in rapid production losses. FMD is one of the most significant exotic diseases for the livestock industries in Australia.
FMD susceptible species	Species of animals that can be infected with the FMD virus. Includes all cloven hoofed animals.
Immunochromatographic test (ICT)	A field test that detects the presence of a disease agent in blood samples. The test can be run in 15 minutes in the field using a small blood sample. An ICT test is currently in use in Victoria for anthrax.
ISO 17025:2005	Audited compliance with the standards established under the International Standards Organisation (ISO) relating to the general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.
Johne’s disease	A bacterial disease of ruminants caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis. It is characterised by a thickening and corrugation of the intestinal wall, with progressive wasting and death in affected animals.
Livestock Disease Control Act 1994 (LDCA)	An Act under Victorian legislation that provides for the prevention, monitoring and control of livestock diseases and to provide compensation for losses caused by certain livestock diseases.
Livestock Management Act 2009	This Act under Victorian legislation will underpin the recognition of, and compliance with, standards that impose minimum management, welfare and biosecurity standards on operations involved in the livestock industries.
Livestock standstill	An order made under the LDCA that prohibits movement of specified livestock species, products or equipment for a period of usually 72 hours. Occurs when an exotic disease is found in Australia, at the instruction of the CCEAD.
Metabolic disease	Where normal metabolism is disturbed resulting in an absence or shortfall of something (e.g. pregnancy toxaemia in sheep resulting in low blood sugar levels) or an accumulation of something (e.g. acetonaemia in cattle) that results in disease.
Morbidity	Illness or disease.
Ovine brucellosis	A bacterial infection of sheep, particularly rams, caused by Brucella ovis. In rams, brucellosis results in abscesses and scarring in the epididymis and testes, leading to infertility.
Pandemic disease	An epidemic disease that occurs over a widespread area (multiple countries or continents) and usually affects a substantial proportion of the population.
Pathogen	A biological agent that causes disease or illness in its host.
Perinatal	A period of time just before, or just after, birth.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)	A highly sensitive test that can detect DNA fragments of viruses or other organisms in blood or tissue. It works by repeatedly copying genetic material using heat cycling and enzymes similar to those used by cells.
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986	An Act under Victorian legislation with the purpose of preventing cruelty to animals, encourageing the considerate treatment of animals and improving the level of community awareness. It provides powers to AHS staff to investigate and prosecute cases of animal cruelty. AHS staff are involved principally in the investigations of cruelty in livestock species.
Resourcing	The procurement and delivery of anything required for delivery of work. In the context of an EAD, resourcing is usually is confined to people required to deliver the on ground activities, coordination and control in the response.
Salmonid	A member of the fish family Salmonidae; includes salmon and trout.
Sentinel	A previously uninfected, identified group of animals, or hive, at a specific location used to monitor disease prevalence or activity such as viral infection or parasitic infestation. Samples (eg blood, bees) are collected at intervals to check whether activity has occurred.
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.
Stock (Seller Declaration and Liability) Act 1993	An Act under Victorian legislation with the purpose of establishing a system that enables vendors to declare that livestock or livestock products presented for sale meet a specified description and gives purchasers confidence in the declaration; requiring that livestock are free from particular diseases; and protecting and ensuring the quality of livestock and livestock products for national and international markets.
Surveillance	The systematic ongoing collection, collation, and analysis of information related to animal health and the timely dissemination of information to those who need to know so that action can be taken.
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.
Traceability performance standards	Agreed national standards on how quickly individual animals and their cohorts can be traced. Species traced are those that are FMD susceptible.
Vaccination strategy	A strategy to implement vaccination of livestock for a specific disease that gives the best outcome for that disease. Usually used in the context of an endemic disease (e.g. ovine Johne’s disease) or an exotic disease (e.g. FMD)
Vector	A living organism (eg an insect) that transmits an infectious agent from one host to another.
Vertebrate	An animal with a vertebral column or backbone; includes mammals, birds and fish.
Virulent	A term referring to the relative ability of an infectious agent to cause disease.
Zoonosis (zoonotic disease)	A disease that can be transmitted from animals to people or, more specifically, a disease that normally exists in animals but that can infect humans. Plural: zoonoses.

Abbreviations

ABL	Australian bat lyssavirus
ABS	Australian Bureau of Statistics
AFB	American foulbrood
AHA	Animal Health Australia
AHC	Animal Health Committee
AHO	Animal Health Officer
AHS	Animal Health Service (DPI)
AI	avian influenza
AQIS	Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service
AQUAPLAN	Australia’s National Strategic Plan For Aquatic Animal Health
AQUAVETPLAN	Australian Aquatic Veterinary Emergency Plan
AUSVETPLAN	Australian Veterinary Emergency Plan
AVC(CU)A	Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1992
AVG	abalone viral ganglioneuritis
AWHN	Australian Wildlife Health Network
BJD	bovine Johne’s disease
BMT	bulk milk test
BRD	Biosciences Research Division (DPI)
BSE	bovine spongiform encephalopathy
BTV	bluetongue virus
CCEAD	Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases
COP	code of practice
CVO	Chief Veterinary Officer
DNA	deoxyribonucleic acid
DPI	Department of Primary Industries (Victoria)
DVO	District Veterinary Officer
EAD	emergency animal disease
EADRP	emergency animal disease response preparedness
EBL	enzootic bovine leucosis
EI	equine influenza
FAO	Food and Agriculture Organization (United Nations)
FMD	foot-and-mouth disease
HPAI	highly pathogenic avian influenza
ICT	immunochromatographic test
JE	Japanese encephalitis
LDCA	Livestock Disease Control Act 1994
LDCC	Local Disease Control Centre
LTAT	Livestock Tag and Trace
MAS	Manager Animal Standards
MAX	Maximum Disease and Pest Management system
MIT	microbial inhibition test
MRL	maximum residue limit
M&W T	Meat and Wool Team (DPI)
NAHIS	National Animal Health Information System
NAMP	National Arbovirus Monitoring Program
NARM	National Antibacterial Residue Minimisation
NLIS	National Livestock Identification System
NORM	National Organochlorine Residue Management
NRS	National Residue Survey
NTSESP	National Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy Surveillance Program
NVD	National Vendor Declaration
OIE	World Organisation for Animal Health
PCR	polymerase chain reaction
PIMC	Primary Industries Ministerial Council
PISC	Primary Industries Standing Committee
POCTAA	Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986
PVO	Principal Veterinary Officer
RAHO	Regional Animal Health Officer
SAHM	Senior Animal Health Manager
SCAHLS	Subcommittee on Animal Health Laboratory Standards
SDCHQ	State Disease Control Headquarters
S(SLD)A	Stock (Sellers Liability and Declarations) Act 1993
TSE	transmissible spongiform encephalopathy
TSEFAP	Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy Freedom Assurance Program

Appendix A – Overview of Victoria’s livestock industries

Victoria has a varied and valuable livestock sector, with major industries in dairy, beef, pig and sheep. It has significant poultry industries - layer and broiler chicken, ducks and turkey - and aquatic industries experiencing rapid growth.

Table A.1 Livestock numbers across Australia in 2007-08.

Species	Australia	NSW	Vic	Qld	SA	WA	Tas	NT	ACT
Dairy	2 537	321	1 583	174	160	101	198	0	0
Beef	24 784	5 330	2 254	11 731	966	2 013	444	2 041	6
Sheep	76 938	26 378	16 765	3 960	9 983	17 854	2 137	0	61
Pigs	2 412	770	394	610	363	262	12	0	0

Figures given in thousands (‘000). Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Agricultural commodities Australia report 2007-08. Statistics valid for 2009.

Table A.2 Livestock farmers for different systems in 2007-08.

Production system	Victoria	Australia
Sheep farming (specialised)	3 549	11 148
Beef cattle farming (specialised) (inc. feedlots)	8 719	41 640
Sheep-beef cattle farming	1 651	7 226
Grain-sheep or grain-beef cattle farming	2 511	13 059
Dairy cattle farming	5 538	8 792
Poultry farming (meat)	230	862
Poultry farming (eggs)	105	417
Deer farming	42	138
Horse farming	495	1 697
Pig farming	107	642
Beekeeping	145	488
Other livestock farming NEC	171	616

Source: ABS Agricultural commodities Australia report 2007-08. Statistics valid for 2009.

# Refer to page 55 for total number of registered livestock properties in Victoria.

Beef cattle

Victoria has about 10 per cent of Australia’s beef cattle. This is a mixture of grazing, feedlot and breeding stock that is traded interstate. Around 2.6 million head are held on just over 18,000 establishments. In 2008-09 the industry was worth AUD$1.26 billion to Victoria, with half of this value being from overseas exports.

Figure 23: Beef cattle distribution across Victoria.

Dairy cattle

Almost two-thirds of Australia’s dairy production is centred in Victoria. The state produces 85
per cent of Australia’s milk product exports, contributing 7.7 per cent of the global trade in this commodity. Due to water requirements, this production is centred in the Goulburn-Murray irrigation area in the north east and in Gippsland and the south-west coastal area. The 1.65 million head are located on nearly 10,000
properties and contributed AUD$2.3 billion to the Victorian economy in 2008-09.

Figure 24: Dairy cattle distribution across Victoria.

Sheep

Victoria has around 20 per cent of the Australian sheep flock, concentrated in the Western Districts, Wimmera and Goulburn Valley areas. Exports were valued at AUD$1.06 billion for wool and AUD$550 million for meat in 2008-09.

Figure 25: Sheep distribution across Victoria.

Pigs

The pig industry is centred in the Mallee and the Bendigo region where there is access to grains, water and transport for production. Victoria has around 20 per cent of Australian pigs, in terms of numbers of animals and pig properties. The industry is worth around AUD$130 million per annum to Victoria.

Figure 26: Pig distribution across Victoria.

 

Poultry – layers

Egg production in Victoria is mainly for consumption within Australia, with production at around 56 million dozen eggs in 2005-06. This sector is worth around AUD$110 million per annum and is centred around Melbourne and Geelong. However, due to amenity concerns, the cost of transportation of feed and the lack of biosecurity in the area immediately surrounding Melbourne, there is a significant shift of the industry from around Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula to the Barwon and Western District areas.

Poultry – broilers

Over 23 million birds are bred annually to supply demand for chicken meat. This sector is concentrated in the Mornington Peninsula and Barwon area; however, like the egg-laying sector, there is a movement to relocate these industries to areas where there is better access to grain stores and room for better functional biosecurity.

Victoria produces around 50 per cent of Australia’s annual production of turkeys and ducks.

Figure 27: Poultry (including broilers, layers, turkeys and ducks).

Aquaculture

In 2008-09, exports of Victorian seafood decreased by AUD$5 million compared to the 2007-08 period and were valued at AUD$100 million. However, abalone exports were valued at AUD$57 million and Lobster exports at AUD$24 million.

Appendix B – Industryconsultative groups

DPI’s Animal Health Service, working in partnership with Ministerial Committees industry, develops and implements strategies to protect Sheep and Goat Identification Advisory and enhance the reputation of Victoria’s livestock Committee industries.

A number of committees involving representatives of industry stakeholder groups operate to support this function. These committees provide a vehicle for information exchange on operational, policy and strategic issues relating to disease control, livestock management and welfare standards, traceability and emergency animal disease preparedness.

DPI greatly appreciates and values the assistance provided by the members of the various committees.

Statutory Committees

Sheep and Goat Compensation Advisory Committee* MEMBERS Ailsa Fox (Chair) David Goldby Gary Hardwick Rosemary Irving Bruce Starritt Peter Bailey Kathryn Mannion	Cattle Compensation Advisory Committee* MEMBERS Ailsa Fox (Chair) John Wyld Gary Hardwick Peter Owen Robert Gray Val Hilton Peter Bailey
Swine Industry Project Advisory Committee MEMBERS John Harkin (Chair) Claire Penniceard Brenda McCormick Tim Kingma John Bourke	Apiary Industry Advisory Committee MEMBERS Elwynne Papworth (Chair) Judy Leggett Rodney Whitehead Russell Goodman Joe Riordan

* The term of these committees expired during 2009.

Ministerial Committees

Sheep and Goat Identification Adviso3ry Committee MEMBERS Stuart McLean (Chair) Theo Castricum Russell Coad Gerald Leach Kathryn Mannion Marg Piccoli Peter Tischler Peter Bailey (till October 2009) Hugh Millar (from October 2009) OBSERVERS Brian Casey Jo Quigley Christian Mulders Kevin Thompson David Pollock

NLIS (Cattle) Implementation Advisory Committee MEMBERS John Wyld (Chair) Daniel Albernethy Yvonne Crawford Ailsa Fox Kathryn Mannion Robert Radford Paul White Peter Bailey (till October 2009) Hugh Millar (from October 2009) OBSERVERS Brian Casey Jo Quigley Christian Mulders Kevin Thompson Robert Bolton David Pollock Ashley Copping Val Hilton

Department Committees

Livestock Industry Consultative Committee (LICC) MEMBERS Andrew Cameron (Chair) Roy Subramaniam Gerald Shanley Nick Renyard Chris Nixon Ailsa Fox Ian Blyth Meg Parkinson Peter Turner Brian Casey Kathryn Mannion David Pollock Christian Mulders Corrie Goodwin Stuart Barber Robert Parkes	Horse Health Industry Advisory Committee MEMBERS Andrew Cameron (Chair) Paul O’Callaghan Brant Dunshea Barry Smyth Kate Savage Arnold Van Orsouw Roger Lavelle Samantha Forrest
Enzootic Bovine Leucosis (EBL) Victorian Steering Group MEMBERS Andrew Cameron (Chair) Ailsa Fox Cassie Allison Carol Millar Lisa Thurlow Robin Condron Wendy Brown Peter Grant Nick Renyard Glen Hanson Stuart Brown Greg Lemmens Jo Brookes Ken Garner Val Hilton David Hester	Anthrax Industry Advisory Committee (AAC) MEMBERS John Wyld (Chair) Val Hilton Brian Casey Ailsa Fox Paul Burchill Robert Cox Andrew Perry Michael McCormack Corrie Goodwin Stuart Barber Jo Brooke Stuart Brown Marge Brewer Tim Humphries Kathryn Mannion
Bovine Johne’s Disease (BJD) Advisory Committee MEMBERS Andrew Cameron (Chair) Jo Brookes Glen Hamson Chris Griffin Ailsa Fox Robin Condron John Ryan

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The DPI wishes to thank all those who have assisted in the gathering of information and production of the Animal Health in Victoria 2009 report.

Photograph acknowledgements:

p22 Department of Sustainability and Environment and Glenn Rudolph p23 Dairy Extension Centre and Michelle Ryan

If you would like to receive this publication in an accessible format (such as large print or audio) please call the Customer Service Centre on: 136 186.

Published by the Department of Primary Industries, Animal Health Victoria. May 2010 © The State of Victoria, 2010 Printed on ENVI Carbon Neutral Paper. ENVI is Certified carbon neutral by the Australian government s Department of Climate Change.

This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Spring Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia ISBN 978 1 74264 050 1 (print) ISBN 978 1 74264 051 8 (online)

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For more information about DPI visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au or call the Customer Service Centre on 136 186