Disease prevention and response
Remain vigilent on footrot - report lame sheep
NSW has gone from having a very high prevalence of footrot in 1990 to now having less than 1 per cent of the state infected. Livestock Health and Pest Authorities (formerly RLPBs) continue to carry out advisory work in this area, encouraging producers to report lame sheep in a flock. To find out about footrot status or programs in your area, or to report lameness in your flock, contact your local Livestock Health and Pest Authority.
Disease surveillance and reporting
District vets carry out-in-the-field investigations into animal health issues on local properties as a key part of their role. Surveillance reporting carried out locally is collated at a regional level to help identify trends and identify areas for improvement.
This work forms part of NSW and Australias highly credible surveillance system which ensures the maintenance of international markets.
Emergency disease prevention, preparedness and response
The potential effects of a major emergency animal disease (EAD) outbreak are well known. That is why organisations such as the Livestock Health and Pest Authorities (formerly RLPBs) invest significant resources in prevention, preparedness and response. Below are some of the ways we work with producers and the community to minimise the risks of such an outbreak.
Prevention
- deterring feeding of swill to pigs
- assisting the NSW Department of Primary Industries to enforce bans of ruminant feeding
Preparedness
- having animal health staff in the NSW First Response Team
- targeting training to enhance our ability to respond effectively should it be required
- participating in programs such as Look. Check. Ask a Vet.
Response
- vets and stock inspectors are able to be mobilised quickly when a response is required, for example, during the 2007 equine influenza outbreak.
Certification
Certification that livestock are free of disease and residue is essential for continued and competitive access to domestic and international livestock markets.
Livestock Health and Pest Authorities carry out certification for properties and stock within their district. Types of certification include:
- providing information as part of property searches
- export certification
- certification to allow for interstate movement and export of stock.
To find out about animal health or residue certification for stock or a property, or for information about fees associated with certification, contact your local Board
Helping people comply with NLIS
Livestock Health and Pest Authority District Veterinarians and Rangers are the frontline stock inspectors in NSW. The role includes visits to saleyards to ensure compliance with the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) and educate producers about the importance of tracing livestock.
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