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Notifiable diseases
Early recognition of a serious or exotic animal disease is one of the most important factors influencing the success in controlling the disease and reducing its economic and social impact on the whole community.
Government recognises this issue by prescribing some animal diseases as "notifiable diseases" under the Stock Act 1915. When suspected by owners, vets, laboratory staff or anyone else, they must be reported to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or the Emergency Disease Watch Hotline 1800 675 888.
The list includes exotic diseases that are not found in Australia and need to be eradicated if they are detected. It also includes some animal diseases that do occur in Queensland that are of veterinary or public health significance.
It is important that the following signs of disease in animals or birds are immediately reported:
- a lot of ill or dead animals including birds or aquatic animals
- rapid spread of disease through a herd or flock
- animals that are lame, drooling or salivating excessively
- animals that have ulcers, erosions or blisters around the feet, muzzle, udder or teats and/or in the mouth
- unusual nervous signs
- profuse bloody diarrhoea
- respiratory distress or persistent coughing in horses
- deep smelly, fly struck wounds
- any link to another country
- any unusual or unfamiliar disease in animals or birds.
There are no government charges for investigations into suspect notifiable diseases, including negative diagnoses. All reports are treated confidentially.
