A Message From Our CVO

I’m pleased to introduce this refreshed edition of VetWrap, which brings together clearer, more accessible surveillance insights to support the vital work veterinarians do across NSW. This re-vamp reflects our commitment to providing timely and practical information that strengthens decision-making, biosecurity awareness, and early detection of emerging issues.

In this edition, you’ll find updated seasonal diagnostic trends, key surveillance events, and new training and preparedness resources, including those developed through our recent HPAI in wildlife workshops. These insights demonstrate the strength of our surveillance system and the value of the close partnership between private veterinarians, Local Land Services, NSW Animal and Plant Health Laboratories (APHL) and DPIRD.

Thank you for your ongoing contribution to NSW’s animal health system. I’m excited to continue building VetWrap into an even more useful tool for our veterinary community.

Dr Jo Coombe

NSW Chief Veterinary Officer, Director Animal Biosecurity

NSW Surveillance Update

This section provides an overview of trends in diagnoses across NSW, including the Top 5 Diagnoses from September to October 2025 and the Top 5 Most Probable Diagnoses for Summer for cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry. You’ll also find seasonal articles and key updates from NSW Animal Biosecurity.

NSW surveillance insights are drawn from the NSW Animal Disease Surveillance Data Set (ADSDS), which brings together standardised diagnostic investigation data collected by Local Land Services and laboratory results from EMAI and ACDP as well as notifiable disease test results reported by external laboratories. Only diagnostic cases for animals located in NSW are included.

If you’re interested in more detailed, region-specific diagnostic trends, please reach out to your local District Veterinarian on 1300 765 299.

Infographic showing NSW cattle disease trends. A bar chart lists the Top 5 Diagnoses from September–November: Theileriosis, Malnutrition, Pestivirus (BVDV Type I), Pneumonia and Fasciola. A table titled ‘Summer Most Probable Diagnosis’ shows for December and February: Theileriosis, Pneumonia and Pestivirus (BVDV Type I). A photo of beef cattle in a paddock appears on the right

Key events:

Local Land Services has received several reports of cattle presenting with significant swelling/haematomas on their brisket, mandible, hip or other regions, some also presenting with neurological signs such as staggers, ataxia, and collapse. Notifiable diseases and Emergency Animal Diseases have been excluded by EMAI. If you see cattle presenting with these signs, please contact your Local Land Services District Veterinarian on 1300 795 299.

Infographic showing NSW sheep disease trends. A bar chart lists the Top 5 Diagnoses from September–November: Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Ovine Brucellosis, Footrot – benign, and Hypocalcaemia. A table titled ‘Summer Most Probable Diagnosis’ lists December, January and February predictions including Abscess-foot, Footrot (benign and virulent) and Haemonchus. A photo of a flock of sheep appears on the right.

Advice:

NSW Government has released advice to keep livestock Anthrax-free: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/about-us/media-centre/releases/2025/general/nsw-government-advice-to-keep-livestock-anthrax-free

Infographic showing NSW poultry disease trends. A bar chart lists the Top 5 Diagnoses from September–November: Avian mycoplasmosis, Infectious laryngotracheitis, Pasteurella multocida, Rickets and Salmonellosis. A table titled ‘Summer Most Probable Diagnosis’ lists expected diagnoses for December, January and February including Chronic respiratory disease, Coccidiosis, Hepatitis, Infectious Laryngotracheitis and Septicaemia. A photo of hens in a grassy paddock appears on the right.

Infographic showing NSW pig disease trends. A bar chart lists the Top 4 Diagnoses from September–November: Ascarids, Colitis, Enteritis and Leptospirosis. A table titled ‘Summer Most Probable Diagnosis’ lists December, January and February predictions including Collibacillosis, Ascarids, Encephalomyocarditis and Japanese Encephalitis. A photo of piglets running outdoors appears on the right.

Key Events:

Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) was detected in mosquitos in Horsham, Victoria for the first time in the 2025-2026 season. See media release here: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/media-releases/japanese-encephalitis-virus-detected-in-horsham-area. See the NSW Government website for information on recognising and preventing Japanese Encephalitis in livestock. https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/dpi/biosecurity/animal-biosecurity/animal-diseases-of-concern-for-nsw2/japanese-encephalitis-virus. More information on human health is provided below.

H5 Bird Flu Detected on Heard Island – No Change to Mainland Risk

Two large male elephant seals rearing up and sparring on a wet sandy beach, their necks and chests marked with pink wounds. Waves crash behind them in the late afternoon light. Photo credit: Anchor Lee (Unsplash).

H5 avian influenza (H5 bird flu) has been confirmed in southern elephant seals on Heard Island, a remote and uninhabited sub-Antarctic Australian external territory. The detection follows testing by the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness after sick and dead wildlife were reported.

Importantly, this detection does not change the risk to mainland Australia. Heard Island is more than 4,000 km from the mainland, with no livestock, no resident human population, and no direct pathways for disease spread. DAFF has confirmed that the event does not alter Australia’s current biosecurity settings.

This detection is, however, a reminder of the global circulation of HPAI viruses and the need for continued vigilance in wild birds, poultry, and mixed-species environments. Veterinarians should report unusual morbidity or mortality through the EAD Hotline (1800 675 888).

Read the full media release here.

NSW HPAI in Wildlife Workshops Strengthen Preparedness for H5 Bird Flu

Infographic titled “NSW HPAI in Wildlife: Veterinary Personnel and NSW Government Officer Workshops.” NSW Government branding appears in the top right. Left section: A map of NSW with the text “4 Workshops across NSW.” Below are three photos: participants wearing full PPE conducting wildlife sampling and donning and doffing gear. An icon of a heron appears with the text “>80 Participants Trained.” Middle section lists “What did participants learn?” with icons beside each point: – An overview of HPAI – Emergency management roles and responsibilities – Reporting requirements and processes – Sample collection and submission – Human health considerations – PPE use and decontamination A Participant Confidence graphic shows
improvement from 2.6/5 before to 4.4/5 after the workshop. Right section titled “A One Health collaboration.” Delivered by DPIRD Animal Biosecurity, the Australian Registry of Wildlife Health at Taronga, and NSW Health. A Participant review box includes positive quotes praising practical demonstrations, PPE training, and cross-agency expertise. Bottom section highlights ongoing opportunities for capacity building through online training modules. Emergency Animal Disease Hotline number (1800 675 888) appears with icons for reporting wildlife mortality. Footer text: “Be prepared for H5 bird flu: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/ai.” Four people stand outdoors on a paved area beside a blue tarp, each holding or stepping into white protective coveralls as part of a PPE demonstration. Buckets, gloves, and disinfectant gear are laid out on the tarp, and tall green shrubs form the background. Photo credit:
DPIRD.

More than 80 veterinary personnel and NSW Government officers have now completed the NSW High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Wildlife Workshops, delivered across four locations statewide. This practical training series was designed to strengthen frontline readiness for a potential incursion of H5 bird flu, supporting a coordinated One Health response across animal, environmental and human health sectors.

Participants received hands-on training in emergency management roles, reporting requirements, safe and correct use of PPE, and sample collection and submission for HPAI testing. Human health considerations and interagency communication were also key components of the program.

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with confidence in responding to a suspected HPAI case increasing from an average of 2.6 to 4.4 out of 5 following the training. Participants highlighted the value of realistic demonstrations, expert facilitation, and the strong collaboration between DPIRD Animal Biosecurity, the Australian Registry of Wildlife Health at Taronga, and NSW Health.

Be prepared for H5 bird flu: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/ai

HPAI/ H5 Bird Flu Field Officer Online Training Module  

This engaging and informative training module is highly recommended for all veterinarians (practicing, retired and students), veterinary nurses and technicians, and all government field staff who may encounter sick and dead wildlife during their usual work activities, or if they are involved with an H5 bird flu emergency response. Trainees will learn about the grave multi-faceted risk H5 bird flu poses for Australia, how to report suspect cases to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline (1800 675 888) and how to protect human health if they are involved with examination, sampling or disposal of sick and dead wildlife potentially infected with the virus. 

HPAI Field Officer Training (1-2 hours to complete): HPAI Field Officer Training - Emergency Management Capability Hub 

Four people stand outdoors on a paved area beside a blue tarp, each holding or stepping into white protective coveralls as part of a PPE demonstration. Buckets, gloves, and disinfectant gear are laid out on the tarp, and tall green shrubs form the background. Photo credit: DPIRD.

New Resources For H5N1 Avian Influenza (H5 Bird Flu)

H5N1 avian influenza (H5 bird flu) has not been detected in Australia, but governments continue preparing for its potential arrival due to likely impacts on wildlife, poultry industries and human health. Veterinarians will be a key trusted source of information, so it’s important to stay familiar with current risks and available resources.

Following the 2025 HPAI in wildlife workshops, DPIRD, the Australian Registry of Wildlife Health and NSW Health have expanded their H5 bird flu resources. DPIRD has updated its HPAI/H5 information for stakeholders, including factsheets, posters and biosecurity signs. The Registry has released additional training materials, including workshop manuals, presentations and HPAI preparedness videos. Wildlife Health Australia has also expanded its H5 resource centre with guidelines, fact sheets, webinars and risk assessments. NSW Health continues to provide advice to support human health protection.

For more information visit:

DPIRD HPAI/H5 bird flu webpage: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/ai

Australian Registry of Wildlife Health – H5 resources:
https://arwh.org/resources/ which includes

HPAI Preparedness Workshop for Veterinary Professionals 2025 – Resource Manual
HPAI Preparedness Workshop for Veterinary Professionals 2025 – Presentation
HPAI Field Officer Workshop Training – Resource Manual
HPAI Preparedness Resource Videos

Wildlife Health Australia – H5 resource centre:
https://wildlifehealthaustralia.com.au/Resource-Centre/H5-bird-flu

NSW Health – H5 Bird Flu (avian influenza): https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/bird-flu/Pages/default.aspx

New Poultry Necropsy and Sampling Training Video Released

The pathology team at the NSW Animal and Plant Health Laboratory (APHL), Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI), has released a new instructional video on poultry examination, necropsy, and sampling. This resource comes at a crucial time, supporting NSW DPIRD’s ongoing H5N1 avian influenza preparedness efforts and responding to the rise in avian enquiries and submissions to both the Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Hotline and APHL.

Funded through the National Significant Disease Investigation Program, the video aims to improve awareness and capability among animal health professionals by demonstrating correct techniques for investigating suspected avian disease cases. It also provides a practical tool to rapidly upskill staff who may be deployed during an avian EAD response.

https://youtu.be/2Pngl7Bn0zc

A small flock of brown hens standing and foraging in lush green grass. Two hens are in sharp focus in the foreground—one standing upright and alert, the other pecking at the grass—while more hens appear blurred in the background. Photo credit: Thomas Iversen (Unsplash).

Lorikeet & Flying-Fox Paralysis Syndrome Could Surge Again This Summer

A brightly coloured rainbow lorikeet with a blue head, green wings, and yellow-orange breast perched among pink bottlebrush flowers. The bird is leaning forward with its orange beak slightly open, surrounded by soft-focus foliage and sunlight. Photo credit: Trevor McKinnon (Unsplash).

Last summer saw unusually high numbers of Lorikeet Paralysis Syndrome (LPS) and Flying-Fox Paralysis Syndrome (FFPS) cases across Northern NSW and South East Queensland. With another warm season approaching, veterinarians should be prepared to see cases again.

Affected lorikeets and flying foxes may present with hind-limb weakness, paralysis, inability to fly or swallow, and, in severe cases, respiratory compromise. While the cause is still under investigation, evidence suggests an environmental toxin rather than an infectious agent. Early recognition and supportive care remain essential.

Veterinarians wishing to submit bats to EMAI for Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV) testing must call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline (1800 675 888) before sending samples, as per NSW DPIRD guidance.

For detailed case definitions, sampling and treatment advice: https://wildlifehealthaustralia.com.au/Incidents/Incident-Information/incident-lorikeet-paralysis-syndrome-nsw-qld-ongoing

Information on ABLV testing at EMAI: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/about-us/services/laboratory-services/veterinary/australian-bat-lyssavirus

Are Veterinarians at Risk of Japanese Encephalitis?

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a rare but serious disease spread by mosquitoes, which is preventable by vaccine.

A free JEV vaccine is available for people who live or work in areas at high-risk of JEV.

Veterinarians who work with pigs or visit piggeries are also at higher risk of being exposed to the JEV. This includes:

Veterinarians providing care for pigs on farms
Veterinary students and nurses involved in pig care
Anyone visiting piggeries as part of their work.

Because of this risk, a free JEV vaccine is also available for veterinarians and others who work with pigs in NSW.

To get vaccinated, speak to your doctor, local pharmacist, or Aboriginal Medical Service today.

Find out more: www.health.nsw.gov.au/JEvaccine

Protect Your Team and Clients: Raise Q Fever Awareness

Q Fever is a serious disease and continues to pose a significant health risk in NSW. Q fever is a disease caused by bacteria (Coxiella burnetii) spread to humans from animals. It can cause flu-like symptoms that can be severe. Some people experience long-term health issues following infection. Q fever is vaccine preventable.

Veterinarians and people who work with animals can play an important role in prevention of Q fever infections in people. NSW Health asks that vets consider opportunities to actively discuss Q fever risks with other staff, students and visitors during clinic work or field work / site visits.

Encourage anyone in high-risk roles and environments including animal handlers, farm workers, abattoir staff, agriculture and veterinary students to contact their GP about vaccination.

By promoting Q fever awareness and vaccination, you can help protect your team, clients, and the broader community.

For more information, visit:

EAD Global Situation Update

This section provides a snapshot of the current global Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) landscape, highlighting significant international events, emerging threats, or notable trends. Staying informed about global EAD activity supports early awareness and strengthens preparedness across NSW.

High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) Status (11 November 2025):

Australia remains the only continent free from H5N1 HPAI (H5 bird flu), the strain causing global concern. This strain, in particular, has spread rapidly between continents associated with the movement of wild birds.

The new HPAI season started in October 2025 and saw:

72 reported outbreaks in poultry across the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa
154 outbreaks in non-poultry birds and mammals across the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa
Approx. 3,444,691 poultry birds died or culled mostly in the Americas.

Notable outbreak:

Iraq – First outbreak in a zone since 2016
12,000 domestic birds dead
62,000 birds culled.

African Swine Fever (ASF) Status (October 2025)

October 2025 saw:

1 new ASF event reported in Asia
12 European countries updated ongoing events
Europe and Asia reported 100 new outbreaks in domestic pigs, 300 in wild boars and 1,697 domestic pig losses

Table 1 - Summary of the number of outbreaks, cases and animal losses caused by ASF in the different world regions 1-31 October 2025. Source: WOAH 2025

Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) Status (November 2025)

There have been no reported cases of FMD in Australia, Timor Leste or Papua New Guinea. FMD was reported in Indonesia on 9 May 2022.

Notable outbreaks:

South Africa - 17^th November 2025

First outbreak of FMD since 2024
250 positive cases in domestic cattle
93,534 cattle susceptible to infection

China - 19^th November 2025

10 positive cases in domestic cattle in a zone
120 cattle culled

Mozambique - 19^th November 2025

First outbreak in a zone since 2023
45 positive cases in domestic cattle
2,511 cattle susceptible to infection

Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) Status

There have been no reported cases of LSD in Australia, Timor Leste or Papua New Guinea. LSD was reported in Indonesia on 2 March 2022.

Notable cases:

France

Event start date: 23^rd June 2025

Reason for notification: First occurrence in the country

Event status: Ongoing

269 confirmed cases
3,000 susceptible domestic cattle
1,928 cattle killed and disposed of

Italy

Event start date: 21^st June 2025

Reason for notification: First occurrence in the country

Event status: Ongoing

469 confirmed cases
3,685 susceptible domestic cattle
3,141 cattle killed and disposed of

See Statement on recent lumpy skin disease outbreaks in Europe - WOAH - World Organisation for Animal Health for further information.

Updated Emergency Animal Diseases Field Guide

A group of 7 merino sheep standing closely together in a grassy paddock, all facing toward the camera. Rolling green hills and trees form a soft, blurred background. Photo credit: Ariana Prestes (Unsplash).

An updated online version of Emergency animal diseases: a field guide for Australian veterinarians has been released. It includes 12 new chapters on livestock diseases that have emerged or increased in importance since the previous edition.
If you have any questions about this resource contact: adpr@aff.gov.au

Emergency Animal Disease Online Training Modules

Online case studies, designed to equip veterinarians and veterinary students with essential knowledge and skills for recognising, reporting, and responding to suspected emergency animal diseases, are now available via the Biosecurity Training Hub.

The modules were developed in collaboration with the University of Melbourne, and veterinarians can download a continuing professional development (CPD) certificate for each module completed. Two additional case studies will be released in March 2026.

If you have any questions about this resource contact: adpr@aff.gov.au

A large mixed group of cattle standing in a dusty fenced paddock in arid rangeland country, with dry grass, scattered shrubs, and low rocky hills in the background under a clear blue sky. Photo credit: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry