Read the latest information on
Foot-and-mouth disease
Maintaining a robust farm biosecurity plan is a vital step in protecting your livestock and supporting the resilience of Australia’s animal industries. If you’ve already got one in place, well done!
But even with strong biosecurity measures, some pests and diseases may still breach your defences. If you suspect an emergency animal disease (EAD) outbreak on your farm, knowing how to respond quickly and effectively is just as important as prevention.
This article outlines the immediate actions to take during a suspected EAD event and what to expect in the critical days that follow.
Early detection and prompt reporting are essential to Australia’s rapid response system for EADs. The first 24 hours are crucial. Any delay can significantly impact disease containment efforts.
If you notice unusual signs in your livestock that may indicate an EAD, contact your veterinarian immediately or call the EAD Hotline on 1800 675 888. A government veterinarian will assess the situation and determine if a visit is warranted for investigating it. If suspicion of an EAD is high, then they may also notify the jurisdictional Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO).
Samples taken from animals will be sent to both your local animal health laboratory and the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) in Geelong, Victoria. The ACDP, Australia’s laboratory for emerging infectious diseases, ensures that EAD sample testing is standardised across Australia’s animal health laboratories. Testing at both sites ensures accuracy and confidence in the results.
Even if signs seem vague or could be attributed to less serious conditions, it’s always better to rule out an EAD through proper investigation.
If you’ve noticed unusual signs in your herd, initiate quarantine measures immediately to prevent potential spread while waiting for a veterinarian.
A well-designed quarantine paddock should:
Regularly clean the quarantine area and inspect the fencing for damage or gaps. For diseases that spread via insects or fomites (like fleece) or through the air, indoor quarantine may be more appropriate.
Keep in mind that animals may be infected before showing signs. Limit all livestock movement on your property, even among animals that appear healthy, and consult local authorities if you need guidance on appropriate quarantine protocols.
Once an EAD is suspected, do not move animals, livestock products, or potentially contaminated materials off your property unless directed by authorities.
Before anyone leaves the farm, coordinate with inspectors or authorities to establish a safe and approved exit process. As always, you should undertake a thorough personal disinfection at the farm gate before leaving the property:
Depending on the nature and severity of the suspected disease, authorities may impose livestock movement controls. This may be local, regional or even national for the most serious EAD – foot and mouth disease. While movement restrictions can be disruptive to your business operations, they’re critical to preventing widespread outbreaks and long-term industry losses.
If an EAD is confirmed, response efforts will follow protocols outlined in the relevant AUSVETPLAN manuals. Affected states and territories will develop an EAD response plan to guide disease control and eradication strategies within their jurisdiction.
Being prepared and knowing how to act swiftly during a suspected EAD outbreak on your farm can make all the difference. Prevention is still key, but when the unexpected happens, a calm and informed response will help protect your farm, your community, and the broader livestock industry.
