Welcome to the first edition of Vet Watch for 2024. It has been a busy start to the year, with many Agriculture Victoria staff being involved in emergency responses to significant fires in the west of the state, and the detection of anthrax in beef cattle in northern Victoria. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their contribution to these responses, including Agriculture Victoria field teams, private veterinarians, and producers. Commitment from government, industry and communities during emergencies is key to delivering an effective and timely response.

During January 2024, we were honoured to host representatives from two international delegations; the United Kingdom's Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and counterparts from China's Yunnan Province (like Victoria, Yunnan province is a leader in agricultural production). Agriculture Victoria was very grateful for the opportunity to strengthen these relations and work towards improved trade outcomes for Victorian producers. These interactions also highlighted the global nature of the biosecurity challenges we face and emphasise the importance of international collaboration to mitigate biosecurity risks.

Figure 1: His Excellency Wang Xiangang and delegation from Yunnan Province

As recently circulated in a Biosecurity Advisory, anthrax was confirmed as the cause of death of beef cattle on two properties located north-east of Shepparton. The affected properties were immediately quarantined, carcasses safely disposed of and the remaining susceptible stock vaccinated. Since the original detections, no further anthrax detections have occurred and almost 8,000 at-risk cattle and sheep have been vaccinated. This result would not have been possible without the assistance of private veterinarians, who worked alongside landholders and Agriculture Victoria 's Animal Health team to ensure this was a swift and efficient response.

Figure 2: A positive immunochromatographic test (ICT) for anthrax. Private veterinarians can become accredited ICT users by contacting Agriculture Victoria on Ph: 136 186.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Victoria has continued preparedness activities for a range of key biosecurity threats, with the global H5N1 avian influenza outbreak continuing to pose an ongoing risk to Victoria. Recent assessment of the likelihood of introduction of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) to Australia via migratory birds has increased compared to previous years. In response, Wildlife Health Australia have updated their online resources including advice to veterinarians and animal health professions which is available here. Recent developments include the discovery of HPAI in Antarctic skuas, the first occurrence on mainland Antarctica. In addition to the potentially devastating impacts to the unique Antarctic wildlife, this also presents a further potential incursion risk to Victoria from the south.

Additionally, this summer has seen above average rainfall in some areas, creating ideal mosquito breeding conditions and highlighting the need to stay alert for arboviruses. While there have been no confirmed reports of flaviviruses such as Japanese encephalitis virus or Murray Valley encephalitis virus this season to date, it is important to remain vigilant for suspect cases. Useful resources include:

• The Department of Health produces a weekly update on mosquito surveillance across the state including viral detections here.
• Information regarding arbovirus infections in horses can be found here. 
• Information on the signs of Japanese encephalitis in pigs can be found here.

This edition provides updates of our surveillance and preparedness programs along with several case reports which I hope you will find of interest. 

Thank you for your ongoing contribution and assisting Agriculture Victoria in protecting Victoria’s agricultural industries.

Dr Graeme Cooke
Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) Victoria

Following the recent detection of anthrax on two adjacent beef properties north-east of Shepparton, private veterinarians have worked alongside members of Agriculture Victoria’s Animal Health team to vaccinate almost 8,000 cattle and sheep on at risk properties.

No further cases of anthrax have been detected.

All properties vaccinated will remain under quarantine for 20 days following the completion of vaccination of all stock, or for 20 days after the last anthrax death on affected properties, whichever is longer.

Quarantine is issued primarily to restrict the movement of livestock from those the properties until post vaccination immunity has developed. Vehicles and equipment that have been in contact with infected carcases and not been disinfected appropriately also cannot leave a property.

Quarantine controls will not affect the movement of local people, vehicles, or livestock.

Outbreaks of anthrax have previously been confirmed in this area and sporadic cases are not unusual in northern Victoria.

This incident highlights the importance of early reporting and the need to consider anthrax as a differential diagnosis whenever unexplained sudden death occurs in sheep, cattle or other susceptible species in Victoria.

Anthrax is an infectious bacterial disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, affecting both animals and humans. Cases can occur year-round and in unexpected locations. Stay informed through Agriculture Victoria's website for updates, guidance, and precautions to prevent exposure.

Further reading and more information

• Anthrax fact sheet
• Subsidies for conducting disease investigations, including sudden death investigations for anthrax
• Anthrax in animals

Victorian animal health data is collected from a number of sources, including targeted surveillance activities, monitoring programs, disease control programs, diagnostic laboratories, livestock producers and field investigations conducted by Agriculture Victoria (AgVic) staff and private veterinary practitioners.

There were 1,405 disease events in livestock investigated in Victoria between 1 April to 31 December 20231 .The geographic spread of the investigations (Figure 1) and the most frequently reported diseases in each species are shown below (Tables 1-6). In these tables below cases of clinical disease where no definitive disease agent was identified were reviewed in the context of the surrounding circumstances, and exotic or emergency diseases were excluded where appropriate.

Figure 3. Location of livestock investigations by species between 1 April 2023 to 31 December 2023.

1 Based on livestock disease investigations reported to Agriculture Victoria.

There were 870 disease investigations of cattle between 1 April to 31 December 2023.

Table 1 shows the most frequently observed cattle diseases in each region during the period.  It does not include 402 investigations where no definitive diagnosis was made.

Salmonellosis continues to be the most commonly diagnosed disease of cattle. Veterinary practitioners are reminded that Salmonellosis is an important zoonotic disease and appropriate PPE should be utilized when conducting investigations of suspect cases of salmonellosis or any other potential zoonosis.

Table 1 Most commonly diagnosed diseases of cattle - 1 April 2023 and 31 December 2023 

There were 272 disease investigations in sheep reported to AgVic between 1 April to 31 December 2023.

Table 2 shows the most frequently observed sheep diseases during the period. It does not include 74 investigations where no definitive diagnosis was made.

Table 2. Most commonly diagnosed diseases of sheep - 1 April to 31 December 2023

There were 51 disease investigations in goats reported to AgVic between 1 April to 31 December 2023.

Table 3 shows the diseases observed in goats during the period.  It does not include 22 investigations where no definitive diagnosis was made.

Table 3. Diagnosed diseases of goats - 1 April to 31 December 2023

Table 4. Diagnosed diseases of horses – 1 April to 31 December 2023

There were 61 disease notifications or investigations of poultry reported to AgVic between 1 April to 31 December 2023, including 54 reports in chickens, 2 each in ducks and pigeons, and 1 each in emus, ostriches, and quail. 

The most common diseases diagnosed are listed in Table 5. The table does not include 13 cases where no definitive disease agent was found in chickens, ducks or pigeons.

Table 5 Most commonly diagnosed diseases of poultry - 1 April and 31 December 2023

There were 29 investigations reported to AgVic between 1 April to 31 December 2023.

Table 6 includes a list of the diseases diagnosed during the period. The table does not include 11 cases where no definitive diagnosis was made.

Table 6. Most commonly diagnosed diseases of pigs - 1 April to 31 December 2023

Early detection of an emergency animal disease threat is vital to preventing its spread. AgVic encourages and facilitates the reporting and investigation of suspect EADs.

There were 356 investigations to exclude suspect emergency or exotic diseases undertaken between 1 April to 31 December 2023. Data is reported separately for livestock (Table 7) and companion animals and wildlife (Table 8). Note that some investigations exclude more than one EAD (e.g., animals tested for foot-and-mouth disease will generally also be tested for vesicular stomatitis).

The data includes clinical disease investigations by private and AgVic veterinarians.
Figure 2 shows the geographic spread of livestock, wildlife and companion animal investigations.

Table 7. EAD exclusion testing in livestock undertaken. (1 April to 31 December 2023)

1 A low pathogenic non H5/H7 strain of avian influenza was identified on a single property. A subsequent risk assessment by Agriculture Victoria and the Department of Health determined that depopulation was not required.

Table 8. EAD exclusion testing in companion animals and wildlife (1 April to 31 December 2023)

1 Both affected dogs had travel history from the Northern Territory

2 Pig hunting dog

Figure 4. Location of suspect EAD investigations of livestock by species (1 April to 31 December 2023)

Since 2020 there has been an increase in the frequency and geographic spread of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) associated with HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b with occurrences in North America, Asia, Africa and Europe. Mortalities, including mass mortalities have been observed in a wide range of species.
It has not occurred in Australia. Previously the risk of introduction to Australia via wild birds had been assessed as low, but the epidemiology of this clade is considered to have increased the risk of introduction to Australia via this route.

HPAI H5N1 was detected for the first time in October 2023 in sub-Antarctica.  It has subsequently been confirmed on the Antarctic mainland for the first time in February 2024.

Ongoing surveillance and monitoring in the region is being undertaken by the Sub-Antarctic and Antarctic Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 Monitoring Project. Updates on the project are available at https://scar.org/library-data/avian-flu#cases

The National Avian Influenza Wild Bird Steering group updated the Technical Issue Update – Global High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Events in September 2023 acknowledging the increased risk of introduction to Australia. This document as well as other updates relating to HPAI are available on the Wildlife Health Australia (WHA) website (https://wildlifehealthaustralia.com.au/Incidents/Incident-Information/high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-information.  

Some useful references for private vets can be found below:

• Advice for people who encounter sick or dead wild birds V2.0
• Risk management advice for bird banders, wildlife rangers and researchers V2.0
• Advice for veterinarians and animal health professionals V2.0

Between August 2023 and February 2024, Agriculture Victoria received notification of six confirmed, and additional suspect cases, of Avian Chlamydiosis. Of these reports, two were linked to human cases investigated by the Victorian Department of Health. Practitioners and wildlife shelters accepting wildlife (particularly in the Grampians and Loddon Mallee areas) are advised to be aware of the potential for further cases.

Avian Chlamydiosis (parrot fever or psittacosis) caused by the bacteria Chlamydophila psittaci is a significant disease in wild birds, parrots, and parrot-like birds, but can also affect pigeons and commercial poultry flocks of ducks and turkeys.

Wild birds, particularly parrots, are the natural host for the bacteria and usually carry it without showing any symptoms. The shedding of bacterial occurs when birds are under stress. Captive Psittacine birds often shed Chlamydiae and develop clinical signs following transportation and introduction to new environments.

The bacterium Chlamydophila psittaci can spread through:

• Inhaling airborne particles contaminated with the bacterium.
• Close contact with an infected bird's feathers, droppings, or with eye and nasal secretions.
• Contact with contaminated surfaces, cages, or equipment.

Clinical signs you may see in parrots include:

• swollen eyelids
• nasal discharge
• sneezing
• depression
• ruffled feathers
• weight loss
• loss of appetite
• bright green diarrhoea
• feather colouration changes
• occasionally nervous signs, or even sudden death

Early detection and diagnosis are important. Due to the zoonotic potential of this disease, personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used by bird handlers if Chlamydiosis is suspected. It is a legal requirement to notify Agriculture Victoria within 12 hours of any known or suspected Chlamydiosis in birds you are caring for by either:

• Calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 (24 hours a day, every day of the year) or
• Using the Notify Now app, allowing users to send high-quality geo-located photographs of the affected animals, with the owner’s details and Property Identification Code or
• Completing the Disease notification form which can be emailed to cvo.victoria@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Further information can also be found on the Agriculture Victoria webpages

Poultry diseases - Parrot fever

Wildlife Health Australia Factsheet  

Chlamydia in Australian wild birds

Following a significant storm event, multiple high mortality events in sheep were reported to Victoria’s Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) hotline and investigated through the significant disease investigation (SDI) program over the 2023 Christmas-New Year period. Although ultimately the cause of these deaths was due to exposure to adverse weather, veterinarians were supported to ensure relevant emergency animal diseases were excluded.

Private vets attended a large mortality event on a property in north-east Victoria and were able to utilise the significant disease investigation program to undertake investigations to determine the factors contributing to mortalities. Recent shearing combined with thunderstorms, heavy rain, wind and exposure were the predominant factors.

Agriculture Victoria staff attended an unrelated property in northern Victoria which had also experienced significant numbers of sheep deaths following a notification received via the EAD hotline. Investigation allowed identification of the causes of death to be determined – also related to recent thunderstorm events.

Whilst these events were attributable to extreme weather, it is important to keep other causes of sudden death front of mind for both producers and veterinarians. Anthrax exclusion testing should be conducted on all sudden unexplained deaths of cattle, sheep and other susceptible livestock. Field testing of cattle and sheep carcasses can be carried out using a hand-held immunochromatographic test (ICT). Agriculture Victoria Animal Health and Welfare (AHW) staff can provide training to any vets in your practice on use of the ICT kits. Subsidies for private vets are available to undertake this testing.

The Significant Disease Investigation (SDI) Program aims to boost Victoria's capacity for the early detection of such diseases in livestock and wildlife by increasing the participation of vets and subsidising the cost of investigating significant diseases. Subsidies are available from Agriculture Victoria for the initial field investigation, including clinical and post-mortem evaluation, laboratory testing and a follow-up investigation of significant disease events in livestock and wildlife.

SDI guides for cattle and sheep, horses and pigs can be found here. These resources offer guidance on notifiable diseases, zoonoses, differential diagnosis, necropsy and sample collection. Hard copies are also available from your local Animal Health and Welfare team. They are designed to be a glove box reference tool!

These sheep mortalities are a reminder that extreme weather can occur anywhere and at any time of the year, and impact sheep welfare.

Veterinarians have an important role to play in supporting producers to maintain animals in good health year-round and providing veterinary advice on managing animal welfare when extreme weather is forecast.

Resources veterinarians can direct producers to include:

• The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) issues weather warnings, including Severe Weather Warnings and Sheep Grazier Warnings. Warnings issued for Victoria can be read on the BOM website. A notification can be set up via the BOM application on a mobile phone to receive Severe Weather Warnings for a location.
• Guidelines on shelter for sheep can be found on the Agriculture Victoria website. There is also information on additional care for recently shorn sheep, shelter for lambing ewes, lambing in bad weather and information on stress and metabolic disease in extreme weather.

Agriculture Victoria webpages:

• Sheep shelter guidelines: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/sheep/health-and-welfare/sheep-shelter-guidelines
• Feeding Livestock website: https://www.feedinglivestock.vic.gov.au/
• Victorian codes of practice for animal welfare: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/animal-welfare-victoria/pocta-act-1986/victorian-codes-of-practice-for-animal-welfare

WormBoss website: https://wormboss.com.au/

In July 2023, Agriculture Victoria worked with private veterinarians to investigate a cluster of equine mortality incidents.

Over a period of nine days, three properties experiencing multiple equine mortalities were reported to Agriculture Victoria and investigated under the Significant Disease Investigation program. The properties were geographically dispersed in southern Victoria, and initial investigations did not identify a common link other than the apparently sudden death of otherwise healthy horses.

Multiple horse deaths on a single property are uncommon. Reports of these incidents were shared widely and rapidly by horse owners and private practitioners, resulting in a high level of public awareness and concern. A total of 17 deaths across six properties throughout Victoria were reported (Figure 5).

Investigations prioritised the rapid exclusion of infectious exotic and emergency animal diseases including Hendra and Nipah viruses, anthrax, Australian bat lyssavirus, African horse sickness, Aujeszky’s disease, equine influenza and exotic flaviviruses, with samples dispatched to the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) for urgent exclusion. Once important zoonoses were excluded, arrangements were made for carcasses to be necropsied, with diagnostic support provided by the University of Melbourne Veterinary School at Werribee.

Although the list of likely differential diagnoses for sudden death (particularly in multiple equines) is relatively limited, a broad range of potential causes were considered. In addition to the exotic diseases listed above, infectious endemic diseases including equine herpesvirus type 1 and equine viral arteritis were considered, along with parasites and other non-infectious causes such as toxins (including mycotoxins, plant toxins, monensin, blue-green algae and botulism) and lightning strike.

A thorough epidemiological investigation was undertaken for each of the reported incidents, investigating feed sources, animal treatments, horse movements and other risk factors that may have been associated with the deaths. Blood samples were also collected from sick horses on the properties, or clinically well horses in the same feeding or management group as the mortalities. Owing to the cases being clustered in time, the possibility of a common source of toxin (for example in a purchased feed) was also considered. This possibility was quickly excluded through analysis of detailed surveys, on-farm investigation by Veterinary Officers and subsequent laboratory testing of any suspect feed products.

Laboratory results indicated no evidence of any common inflammatory or infectious process. The necropsies identified a range of common causes of death (including trauma and gastrointestinal accidents). Specific plant toxins were the suspected cause of death for horses on two of the properties. No common link was identified between the reported cases (be it through common feed sources, movements, laboratory findings or other risk factor analysis).

While it is unusual to receive several reports of multiple equine mortalities in a short period of time, there were no unusual, exotic or common causes of death identified through the investigation. The incidents are therefore considered to be unrelated.

On 2 August 2023, the investigation was formally concluded. All horse owners in Victoria with a registered Property Identification Code were advised by email and the Agriculture Victoria website was updated to reflect the findings1 . Horse owners were advised to take regular steps towards ensuring the best health of their horses, as tailored to the season, including good parasite management and weed control, and providing quality feed and water.

This cluster of horse mortality events was detected through the Victorian Significant Disease Investigation program2 , which underpins Victoria’s capacity for the early detection of emergency animal diseases in livestock and wildlife. Private veterinarians attending unusual cases (including where there is high morbidity, mortality or rate of spread) can receive a subsidy towards the cost of the investigation and laboratory diagnostics.

Agriculture Victoria is grateful for the assistance of horse owners, private veterinarians, Melbourne Veterinary School, ACDP and the equine industry for their assistance during these investigations.

Figure 5. Location of horse properties reporting multiple deaths during the investigation.

_________________________

1  agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/horses/sudden-horse-death-investigations

2  agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/significant-disease-investigation-sdi-program

Kikuyu is a perennial pasture and common lawn species that may provide a palatable summer feed to grazing livestock. Although kikuyu may be grazed with no negative consequences, cases of neurological disease and death in grazing livestock can occur. In the past year, two suspect kikuyu poisoning cases have been reported in East Gippsland in cattle as well as an unconfirmed case in pigs. The cattle cases presented with acute deaths in ~2% of the herd, as well as severe dehydration, distended rumens with a lack of motility and sham drinking (with cattle attempting to drink water, but not swallowing) in <5% of the herd. The cattle had all recently been moved onto a kikuyu paddock that had been spelled for 1 month prior to grazing.

Cases of kikuyu poisoning have historically occurred in cattle, sheep and goats grazing rapidly growing kikuyu pasture in late summer and autumn after a period of drought followed by summer rains, or where hungry livestock have been yarded and exposed to yards or “house” paddocks where kikuyu is the main pasture species. Livestock grazing kikuyu dominant pastures 2-3 weeks after these high-risk environmental conditions are at greatest risk of kikuyu poisoning. Other risk factors involve recent topdressing of nitrogenous fertilisers, paddocks being spelled for weeks before grazing, periods of pasture stress and times when hungry stock are placed on affected paddocks with no alternative feed sources.

The cause of kikuyu poisoning is not fully understood however evidence suggests that a fungus (Fusarium torulosum) growing on the kikuyu pasture may cause kikuyu poisoning. Fusarium torulosum produces toxins (wortmannin) that cause similar pathological changes in laboratory settings to that seen in cattle affected by kikuyu poisoning on farms.

Clinical signs that may be seen in livestock with kikuyu poisoning include excessive drooling, sham drinking, severe dehydration, abdominal pain, green diarrhoea, tongue paralysis, ataxia, recumbency and death. Due to the range of neurological and lethal signs, kikuyu poisoning can resemble other diseases such as milk fever, grass tetany, lead poisoning or nitrate/nitrite poisoning as well as infectious meningoencephalopathies. Kikuyu poisoning can also resemble emergency animal disease such as foot and mouth disease (due to high morbidity and excess salivation).

A thorough history, assessment of clinical signs in surviving animals and post-mortem examinations can help provide a diagnosis. On post-mortem, damage to the lining of the rumen with a large accumulation of fluid and grass in an enlarged rumen is typically observed.

Whilst there is no specific treatment for kikuyu poisoning removing stock from suspect pastures, providing low risk feed (hay, silage) and providing supportive veterinary treatment may assist. Unfortunately, kikuyu pastures implicated in poisoning livestock do not display identifiable features. Risks to livestock grazing kikuyu can be minimised by ensuring stock have alternative feed options available (providing hay, access to other low risk pasture paddocks), feeding stock on low-risk feed prior to introducing them to the new paddock, monitoring stock when introduced to assess for reluctance to eat pasture and assessment of early clinical signs. Producers can discuss kikuyu grass control options with their local rural supply store or agronomist.

If you notice any unusual signs when assessing livestock, contact your local District Veterinary Officer or the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Figure 6: Kikuyu grass
Source: NSW Government Department of Primary Industries pasture species and varieties. https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/pastures-and-rangelands/species-varieties/pf/factsheets/kikuyu/kikuyu

Exercising is an integral part of testing policies to ensure that they meet the needs of a disease control strategy whilst also ensuring they can be practically implemented in the ‘real-world’.

From 28th August to 15th September 2023, industry and government personnel from across Australia participated in a national exercise using a foot-and-mouth disease scenario.

Animal Health Australia led the virtual exercise to test the recently reviewed movement controls for raw milk under the AUSVETPLAN Response Strategy: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).

AUSVETPLAN contains the nationally-agreed approach for the response to emergency animal disease incidents in Australia and is captured in a series of manuals and supporting documents, which includes the FMD response strategy.

Participants from the dairy sector, milk processors and government contributed to a series of working group discussions over the three-week period. Attendees gained a better understanding of the complexities of the dairy industry and disease control principles and discussed a range of issues including the challenges associated with on-farm decontamination of trucks, and the importance of efficient and effective permit systems.

The exercise highlighted the importance of preparing for emergency animal diseases and the need for ongoing discussions between industry and government to continue to operationalise the nationally-agreed approach to managing an FMD incursion.

Emergency preparedness is everyone’s responsibility and exercising is just one of many things you can do.

Agriculture Victoria and Animal Health Australia have a range of online training modules to better prepare you for an emergency animal disease incursion.

Further information is available at

• Animal Health Australia - https://animalhealthaustralia.com.au/online-training-courses/
• Agriculture Victoria/Biosecurity Courses - https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/support-and-resources/elearning/biosecurity-courses

Researchers from the University of Sydney would like to investigate leptospirosis cases in Victoria to understand the causative serovars, sources of infection and risk factors associated with infection.

Canine leptospirosis situation in Victoria:

• 35 cases of canine leptospirosis have been reported to Agriculture Victoria from 1 January 2017 until 31 December 2023 (including 10  cases in 2023).
• Thirteen of those dogs died or were euthanised (mortality rate 37%)
• Microscopic agglutination testing (MAT) was conducted in only 13 of the 35cases.
• Serovar Copenhageni was the most identified serovar however it is unknown if other serovars might be important in Victoria.
• The currently available vaccine contains Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni (Protech C2i, Boehringer Ingelheim).

Figure 7: Location of all cases of canine leptospirosis notified in Victoria from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2023.

Details on clinical presentation and management of canine leptospirosis can be found in the previous edition of VetWatch.

If you have a confirmed/ suspected case:

• Canine Leptospirosis is a notifiable disease in Victoria, and all suspect or confirmed cases must be reported to Agriculture Victoria. This can be done by contacting your local Veterinary Officer, by using the Notify Now app, or emailing a completed disease notification form to cvo.victoria@agriculture.vic.gov.au.
• The University of Sydney is also interested in collecting information including medical history, clinicopathological findings, imaging results etc after obtaining client consent.
• Please store serum, EDTA and urine samples (please separate serum, use small urine tubes if possible and freeze samples if stored for >1 week – if storage time is less, we can collect the samples or organise a courier). 
• If you have a high index of suspicion for leptospirosis however the client is financially constrained, please contact Sydney Uni and send them the history and blood results for the patient. They have a small amount of research funds available to cover costs for leptospirosis testing in those cases.

If you have any suspicious cases, have samples to collect or want to discuss a case, please contact: christine.griebsch@sydney.edu.au and nicolle.kirkwood@sydney.edu.au

Varroa mite was detected in NSW in June 2022 – however to date, Victoria remains free.

The Victorian Government has joined other State Governments and affected industry parties in transitioning from eradication to management of Varroa destructor.

Victoria currently remains free of Varroa mite and under a Transition to Management program the focus will be on slowing the spread and ensuring our industries are prepared and supported for its arrival.

Varroa mite is a parasite of adult honey bees and honey bee brood. The mite weakens and kills honeybee colonies and can also transmit honeybee viruses. The mites are very mobile and readily transfer between adult bees. Varroa mites spread between colonies and apiaries when hive components, infested brood and adult bees are interchanged during normal apiary management practices.

In Australia, the spread of Varroa mite is expected to occur over long distances because of the migratory nature of the beekeeping industry.

It is every beekeeper’s responsibility to ensure they are up to date with current movement requirements before moving their bees and related items.

If you see or suspect Varroa is present in your apiary, or in hives belonging to a client, you must report it immediately by calling the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline: 1800 084 881 (the hotline is staffed 8am-6pm weekdays and 10am-6pm on weekends and public holidays, outside these hours please leave a message). You can also make an online report.

Vets are encouraged to visit the Agriculture Victoria website for the most accurate and current information about the situation and how to test for Varroa mite in hives – agriculture.vic.gov.au/varroa

Figure 8: Varroa mite on larvae

In December Agriculture Victoria delivered a webinar to vets providing an overview of:

• The Victorian Government Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Preparedness Program
• Biosecurity threats and current risk status
• What a biosecurity response is like in Victoria
• The potential role of vets in an EAD response
• How Agriculture Victoria will work with vets during the preparedness phase, and any response to an EAD event
• How vets will be engaged/contracted
• Training opportunities

The recording is available at https://rise.articulate.com/share/D31ul9L-0O82LyixDFma36pqfpxJr-K8#/

Foot and mouth disease 

Australian bat lyssavirus - Aug 2023

Red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta)

African horse sickness

Antimicrobial resistance

Anthrax – Ausvetplan - Response Strategy Protect your animals and plants from pests and diseases 

Climate change and the agricultural sector

The VetWatch newsletter (which you are currently reading) is produced by Agriculture Victoria and aims to contain useful information for Victorian veterinarians and other interested parties. If you have any feedback on the content, or suggestions for future editions – we would love to hear from you at cvo.victoria@agriculture.vic.gov.au. Current and archived copies are available at https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/vetsource