This edition of VetWatch features a varied collection of reports, including some interesting, potentially zoonotic diseases, several avian issues, and an update on the equine arbovirus surveillance project.

Wildlife Health Australia has provided a report on the first diagnosis of Salmonella typhimurium DT160 in wild birds in Victoria (and on mainland Australia). Infected wild birds (for example, house sparrows) have the potential to be sources of infection for humans, domestic animals and native animal and bird species. In New Zealand, where the disease has been known since 2000, S. typhimurium DT160 has become a major cause of human salmonellosis.

Many of you have been involved in the recent surveillance project for arboviral disease in Victorian horses. The response from Victorian equine practitioners was fantastic with samples from 85 horses received. Interestingly, only seven horses were identified with antibody titres consistent with recent infection with Ross River Virus. This is significantly fewer horses than we saw in the 2011 outbreak, where there were more than 470 equine cases recorded. Importantly, as a result of this study and the need for convalescent sera to allow a definitive diagnosis for suspect cases, Agriculture Victoria will now routinely provide a supplementary significant disease investigation (SDI) subsidy to veterinarians for the collection of a convalescent blood sample (2-3 weeks after an initial blood sample) from horses with suspected arboviral infections. Please speak with the duty pathologist at Agribio if you think this may be an appropriate diagnostic option for a case you are investigating. Click here further information. 

In a recent review of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), it was estimated that, by 2050, an estimated 10 million human deaths every year could be attributed to AMR.  AMR is a real “one health” problem and responsibility and, as the stewards of antibiotic use by your clients, I urge you to promote the following simple messages:
• Not all sick animals need antibiotics
• Many minor infections and injuries can heal without antibiotics
• Only give antibiotics to your animal if your veterinarian prescribes them

STOP PRESS: A temporary bluetongue virus (BTV) zone has been introduced in Northern Victoria. The zone was established on 13 October 2017 in response to positive results in routine BTV testing in cattle destined for export.  The zone will be in place whilst surveillance activities are undertaken. Results from these activities will assist in determining how and when livestock exports to the countries involved can resume. For more information, visit the BTV page.

All of these recent events highlight the need to think
“call the hotline – 1800 675 888” whenever you suspect an emergency animal disease event in Victoria. I urge you to put this number in your phone and do not hesitate to use it if you suspect an emergency or exotic animal disease.

Finally, a reminder  - Useful  information that is specifically tailored for Victorian veterinary practitioners is available at VetSource.

I hope you enjoy this edition of VetWatch.

Regards,

Charles Milne
Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO)

A version of this edition is also published on the Agriculture Victoria website.

There were 759 disease investigations recorded by Agriculture Victoria from 1 May 2017 to 31 August 2017, inclusive. 

View the map and read the summary of investigations

To have a closer look at the disease investigations undertaken in your region, by species, between May and August 2017, please click on the links below:

• Gippsland Region
• Northern Region
• South West Region

In late February 2017, a high mortality of Australian Shelducks at Lake Buloke Donald near Swan Hill in North Victoria was reported. Approximately 500 dead birds were observed on the water's edge over a 3 km stretch of the eastern side of the lake.

Read more on the recent outbreak

Avian influenza (AI) is a highly contagious viral disease with all bird species thought to be susceptible.

Read more here

AgriBio Pathology Rounds with a real-time discussion of case studies, including evaluation of histopathological slides, have recommenced. Interactive webcast sessions are held on Wednesday at 3 pm and run for 30-45 minutes. History, gross findings, histopathology and other relevant lab data are presented for 3-4 diagnostic cases.

Live broadcast details:

Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/944715541

Use your microphone and speakers (VOIP) for audio. You'll sound best with a headset.

Recorded sessions:
http://goo.gl/kutTYl

Instructions for playback: use Firefox or Internet Explorer 11 (not Google Chrome) and choose HD quality from settings at the bottom right of the video.

Follow the link above for the latest disease investigation summaries from Australia and around the globe.