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WA livestock disease outlook
Winter 2026
Australia’s ability to sell livestock and livestock products depends on evidence from our surveillance systems that we are free of particular livestock diseases. The WA livestock disease outlook – for vets summarises recent significant disease investigations by Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) vets and private vets that contribute to that surveillance evidence.
Recent news
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)
- Australia remains FMD‑free, but global spread is increasing. A serotype previously confined to Africa (SAT1) has spread into the Middle East, southeastern Europe and, most recently, China, where it was detected in March 2026 for the first time.
- Recent outbreaks in Europe and Asia highlight ongoing incursion risk. These outbreaks have also resulted in trade restrictions and changes to Australia’s FMD‑free country list.
- Maintain high suspicion for vesicular disease and reinforce on‑farm biosecurity, especially with recent overseas travel exposure. Report to a DPIRD veterinarian or the Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Hotline on 1800 675 888 immediately if you suspect FMD.
Newcastle disease (ND)
- ND has surged across several European countries in 2026. The virus has spread from Eastern to Central and Southern Europe. Poland is the worst affected country with Germany also reporting its first detection of the virus in 30 years.
- Many of the outbreaks have been attributed to the subgenotype VII 1.1.
- Spain, Czechia, Lithuania and Slovakia have all reported new cases.
- Despite widespread vaccination programs in affected countries, outbreaks are still occurring, raising concerns about the effectiveness of vaccination protocols and the need for continuous surveillance and strain characterisation to manage the disease effectively.
- See more on Newcastle disease to become familiar with testing criteria.
- ASF continues to cause outbreaks in commercial pig flocks across multiple countries.
- In Papua New Guinea, recent outbreaks (Dec 2025 - Jan 2026) in East and West Sepik Provinces indicate ongoing spread beyond previously affected areas.
- Disease expansion is occurring in wild/feral pig populations, increasing regional biosecurity risk.
- Persistent endemic circulation and sporadic flare-ups in close neighbours reinforces the importance of strict biosecurity and swill feeding restrictions in preventing entry into Australia.
NABSnet Masterclass – Perth, March 2026
- The Northern Australian Biosecurity Strategy (NABSnet) supports private veterinarians working in northern Australia in the investigation of significant disease events, strengthens regional surveillance activities and contributes to the evidence base underpinning Australia’s high animal health status.
- DPIRD hosted the 2026 NABSnet Masterclass in Perth (6 - 7 March), bringing together 52 participants including private practitioners, government veterinarians and students.
- The event included sessions on brain sampling techniques, LSD surveillance, toxicology and global priority disease updates. Case studies were also shared to highlight field investigation approaches and diagnostic decision-making in practice.
- Masterclasses support capacity building in the north through ongoing professional development and training, strengthen surveillance capability and collaboration between private and government veterinarians, while also reinforcing preparedness for EADs.
Employment opportunities within DPIRD
- Recruitment for multiple roles within DPIRD is expected to commence soon, including field veterinary officers and policy veterinarians, in both metro and regional locations.
- Veterinarians interested in upcoming opportunities are encouraged to monitor the JobsWA website and consider setting up job alerts to stay informed when positions are advertised.
Recent disease investigations
Respiratory disease in backyard poultry in the
Great Southern
- In a backyard flock of six, three-month-old bantam chickens, three birds affected with respiratory disease were euthanised over a short time period. Clinical signs included lethargy, open-mouth breathing, pallor of combs and wattles, and haemoptysis in one bird.
- Three birds had been introduced to the flock several weeks prior to the onset of disease.
- A private veterinarian investigated the case and submitted swabs to DPIRD to exclude reportable diseases, including avian influenza and Newcastle disease.
- PCR testing detected infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) virus in one bird, with an indeterminate result in a second and a negative result in the third. Mycoplasma synoviae was detected in all birds and Mycoplasma gallisepticum in one bird. PCR testing for avian influenza, Newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis virus and Chlamydia spp. was negative, and bacterial culture did not detect significant pathogens.
- Detection of ILT virus by PCR supports the presence of infection within the flock; however, PCR results should be interpreted alongside clinical findings, other laboratory results and epidemiology, particularly as ILT can be shed by latently infected birds.
- Concurrent Mycoplasma infections likely contributed to respiratory disease, with M. synoviae associated with mild respiratory signs and M. gallisepticum associated with more significant respiratory disease.
- Recent introduction of birds is the most likely source of infection.
- Submission of appropriate samples allowed exclusion of reportable diseases, supporting Western Australia’s freedom from trade-sensitive poultry diseases.
- Avian influenza and Newcastle disease are reportable EADs. Any suspicion should be reported immediately to a DPIRD veterinarian or the EAD Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Abortion diseases ruled out in Merino ewes in the South West
- In a mob of 150 two-year-old Merino maiden ewes, 15 were affected with diarrhoea, weight loss and abortions, with one ewe dead. The mob was due to lamb in approximately one month.
- The ewes had been grazing a coastal lease block on pasture alone for several months before being returned to the home property two weeks prior to disease onset, where they were transitioned onto pellets and oaten hay. Scouring and a tail to the mob developed prior to the onset of abortions.
- A private veterinarian investigated the case and submitted a full diagnostic sample set, including foetal material, to DPIRD Diagnostics and Laboratory Service under the Significant Disease Investigation (SDI) program to exclude reportable reproductive diseases (Salmonella abortus ovis).
- Post-mortem findings included enteric lesions with thickened intestinal mucosa and an enlarged, friable liver. Histopathology demonstrated severe enterocolitis. Laboratory testing (PCR and culture) detected Salmonella spp. in multiple tissues from affected ewes and aborted material, with serotyping identifying Salmonella typhimurium.
- PCR testing for other infectious causes of abortion including Campylobacter, Listeria, Toxoplasma, Neospora and Chlamydia spp. was negative.
- This case highlights salmonellosis as a cause of abortion storms and enteric disease in sheep, often associated with stressors such as dietary change and movement.
- Salmonella typhimurium is zoonotic appropriate hygiene and PPE should be used when handling affected animals and aborted material.
- Submission of a complete sample set enabled exclusion of key abortion differentials, with subsidised testing through the SDI supporting disease surveillance in Western Australia.
In winter, watch out for these diseases:
Arthritis in lambs:
- Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is the most common cause of bacterial arthritis in lambs in WA.
- Lambs are most susceptible to infection soon after birth (via the umbilicus), at marking, mulesing and shearing. Any break or wetting/softening of the skin can allow entry of bacteria and development of arthritis.
- Differentials include endemics such as benign or virulent footrot (reportable), foot abscesses, laminitis from grain overload, scabby mouth extending to the lower legs, rickets, white muscle disease and exotic diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease, bluetongue.
- Prevention involves ensuring hygienic mulesing and shearing practices in lambs and/or a vaccination program if erysipelas arthritis has been identified as the cause.
Ante-mortem samples:
N/A
Post-mortem samples:
- Swab of joint fluid/ synovium in transport media for culture
- Fixed joint capsule and muscle
- Fixed bone/joint sample if lesions or deformity
Mastitis:
- Most common in ewes raising multiple lambs or with high milk production.
- Most cases occur during the first weeks after lambing or immediately before weaning.
- Good ewe nutrition and providing a clean lambing environment are important factors in reducing the incidence of mastitis.
- Cross-suckling of mastitic ewes may spread infection and cause pneumonia in lambs.
- If mastitis occurs concurrently with conjunctivitis or arthritis, please collect samples for excluding contagious agalactia.
Ante-mortem samples:
- 10-20 mL of milk in clean plastic or glass container for general culture.
- Include blood samples from five affected ewes for serology (both plain and lithium heparin tubes).
- Keep all samples at 4°C, and send to DDLS in an esky with an ice brick.
Copper deficiency in sheep and cattle:
- Seasonal variation in the availability of copper from pastures makes sheep and cattle most at risk of a deficiency during late winter and spring.
- Young lambs, pregnant or lactating animals or cattle with heavy worm infestations are most at risk of copper deficiency.
- Clinical signs in cattle include ill-thrift, rough hair, sometimes loss of pigment around eyes, sudden death.
- Clinical signs in sheep include ill-thrift, increased incidence of fractures, enzootic ataxia in unweaned lambs.
- Treatment and prevention revolves around copper supplementation which may include individual animal treatments, providing mineral licks or by applying fertilisers.
Ante-mortem samples:
- 10 blood samples from the cohort collected in lithium heparin tubes.
Post-mortem samples:
- 100g of fresh liver sample.
In cases of adult sheep or cattle with ill-thrift and diarrhea consider Johne’s Disease (reportable) exclusion testing.
Note: Always include base samples and any clinical or gross lesions in submissions. For sample submission advice, contact your local DPIRD field vet or the duty pathologist on 9368 3351.
Global distribution of confirmed lumpy skin disease outbreaks reported to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) EMPRES Global Animal Disease Information System (Empres-i +; https://empres-i.apps.fao.org/general) between January 2021 and May 2026.
- Lumpy skin disease is a Capripoxvirus that affects cattle and buffalo.
- LSD first occurred in Africa. From the late 1980s it was detected in parts of the Middle East, from 2012 in Europe, and from 2019 in mainland South-East Asia, gradually moving east. In March 2022, it was detected in Singapore and Indonesia. LSD has never been recorded in Australia, but its presence in near neighbours has increased the need for greater surveillance effort especially in northern Australia.
- Bos taurus cattle are more susceptible to the disease than Bos indicus breeds, with some dairy breeds (Jersey, Guernsey, Friesian and Ayrshire) particularly susceptible. Asian water buffalo (Bubalis bubalis) can be infected, but clinical disease may be milder.
Clinical signs
- Typically presents as fever, multiple nodules on the skin and mucous membranes, which commonly become necrotic. Necrotic nodules may also occur within the alimentary system.
- Severity of clinical signs may vary from inapparent to severe, and disease signs in Bos indicus cattle may less obvious.
- Signs generally include a fever lasting 6-72 hours, increased ocular, nasal and pharyngeal secretions, inappetence, milk drop, depression and reluctance to move. After 1-2 days nodules will erupt on the skin – these may cover the whole body or may be localised. The nodules will be raised, red and may be weeping. Regional lymph nodes will be enlarged, and regional dependent oedema may occur.
- If the respiratory tract is involved, respiratory distress may occur. Pneumonia is a common complication and may be fatal.
- The nodules may slough leaving full thickness lesions in the skin which commonly fill with purulent exudate. Scabs may also form on these nodules and may fall off, leaving large holes in the hide that can become infected.
- There is a rapid loss of condition, lesions may persist for 4-6 weeks, and can take up to 6 months to fully resolve.
What to do if you see signs
- Lumpy skin disease is a reportable disease in Australia. Eradication of LSD is difficult and early detection is essential for successful control and eradication. If you investigate a disease with these signs, contact your local DPIRD field vet or the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888
More information
- Cattle Australia released a webinar in February on LSD delivered by Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Beth Cookson, which provided valuable insights for the Australian cattle industry in preparing for and preventing its entry to our shores.
Sampling guide for investigating skin lesions
DPIRD encourages and assists vets to investigate cases where livestock show signs consistent with reportable diseases. Correct sampling increases the likelihood of a definitive diagnosis.
Where animals are alive, a full ante‑mortem sample set should be collected, including;
- blood (EDTA and plain)
- fresh and fixed tissue biopsies from the edge of the lesion and skin flaps
- fluid or swabs where vesicles are present.
Download DPIRD’s Samples to investigate skin lesions for a quick reference table. For further information and differentials list, see the NABSnet Skin differentials and sampling guide for cattle.
Subsidies for skin disease investigations may be available through programs such as NABSnet and DPIRD’s SDI program, supporting veterinarians to investigate and report significant disease events. Contact your local DPIRD field vet for more information.
Other seasonal resources for producers
DPIRD provides seasonally relevant information and management resources to support producers across Western Australia, including guidance on pasture conditions, livestock management and climate outlooks. The most recent guide can be found here.
Producers and veterinarians can also subscribe to stay informed through DPIRD’s StockedUp newsletter, which delivers updates on current research, practical production advice, seasonal challenges and upcoming livestock events
Important disclaimer
The Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the State of Western Australia accept no liability whatsoever by reason of negligence or otherwise arising from the use or release of this information or any part of it.
Copyright © State of Western Australia (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development), 2026
