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Reportable animal diseases

Find the list of reportable animal diseases in Western Australia and how to report if you see unusual disease signs in animals.

What is a reportable disease?

In Western Australia (WA), the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 requires that certain diseases must be reported to a Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 Inspector if they are known or suspected to be present.

If you know or suspect that an animal is affected by a reportable disease, there is a legal obligation to notify a DPIRD Inspector as soon as is reasonably possible.

DPIRD Diagnostic Laboratory Services waive laboratory fees for investigations into cases of suspected reportable diseases, and subsidies are available to support veterinary investigations.

Which diseases must be reported?

Diseases of significance to WA that must be reported are listed below and on the Reportable animal diseases - Western Australia list. These diseases, and details of their legal status, are also listed on the Western Australian Organism List (WAOL).

How to report

During normal office hours you can contact your nearest department field veterinary officer. You can also report unusual disease symptoms to your local vet. After hours, contact the Emergency Animal Disease toll free hotline.

The department provides subsidies for disease investigations where the signs are unusual or affecting several animals in a group. Ask your veterinarian about the Significant Disease Investigation Program. 

Why is reporting so important?

Early recognition and reporting of disease is one of the most important factors influencing the control of disease and the reduction of its impact on industry and the community.

·         Fast detection enables rapid investigation, control, and eradication wherever possible.

·         Reporting also supports continued critical export market access by providing evidence of the absence of specific animal diseases.

There are several reasons why a disease may be included on the reportable disease list. The disease may be:

·         exotic to Australia

·         present in Australia but exotic to WA

·         subject to a control or eradication program

·         of  significance for export/trade

·         have the potential to cause significant socio-economic impacts

·         zoonotic (can affect humans).

What happens after a disease is reported?

The action that follows a reportable disease report varies according to the level of suspicion of disease and the disease involved. The department will work with the producer to investigate when there is suspicion of the disease and confirm whether it is an endemic (disease known to be present in WA) non-reportable disease or a reportable disease.

If a reportable disease is confirmed, for emergency diseases of major significance such as foot-and-mouth disease or bovine spongiform encephalopathy there would be an emergency response aimed at eradication. The diagnosis of some reportable diseases may result only in advice being provided to the producer to manage the disease.

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