January 2025

In This Issue: 

• SA Footrot Program Legislative Changes 

• Enhancing Biosecurity: Business Case Reveals Requirements for Truck Wash Facilities for South Australia's Livestock Industry 

• Strengthening Farm Biosecurity with Quarantine Paddocks 

• Ovine Brucellosis Refresher for Sheep Producers 

• Pestivirus Refresher for Cattle Producers 

• Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 

SA Footrot Program Legislative Changes

The South Australian Footrot Program is undergoing important changes, aimed at improving disease management while reducing economic and animal welfare impacts.  

Here’s a summary of the key updates: 

Notifiable Disease Status

Footrot will now be classified as a notifiable (report only) disease.

Movement & Sale of Sheep

• All sheep flocks with suspected or confirmed Footrot can be moved or sold directly to another property within SA, provided prior notification of their Footrot status is provided to the purchaser.

• Footrot status can be declared via:

  • The National Sheep Health Declaration (NSHD)

  • A formal sales agreement

  • An online selling platform declaration

Movement Restrictions

• Sheep from infected or suspect properties cannot move through saleyards, transit or spelling facilities unless approved by the Chief Inspector.

Approved Sale Locations

• Naracoorte Regional Livestock Exchange and Mount Gambier District Sale Yards are approved for selling sheep from properties with known or suspected footrot.

• These facilities will display warning signs and mark NSHDs with a warning about Footrot risk.

Saleyard Placarding

• No placarding of suspected footrot infected sheep at terminal sales will occur.

Surveillance & Investigation

• PIRSA will continue footrot surveillance at saleyards.

• Consignments from known infected properties with an accurate NSHD will not be investigated unless there is an associated animal welfare issue.

• PIRSA will sample and notify owners if new cases are detected.

Legal Obligations

• If a person knows or has reason to suspect that livestock owned by or under his or her control are affected by footrot, they must take all reasonable measures to control or eradicate it.

• A person must not do an act intending that or be recklessly indifferent as to whether livestock become affected or further affected with footrot.

• A person must not, without the approval of the Chief Inspector, bring footrot into the state or cause footrot to be brought into the state.

Support for Producers
These changes aim to balance effective footrot management and minimise the economic and welfare impacts of footrot.

Ongoing support and resources will help producers manage and eradicate footrot, and we encourage the implementation of on-farm biosecurity practices.

For more information, visit our website or contact PIRSA.

Enhancing Biosecurity: Business Case Reveals Requirements for Truck Wash Facilities for South Australia's Livestock Industry 

Livestock SA, funded by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), have teamed up with ACIL Allen and GHD to investigate the creation of biosecurity truck wash facilities at key livestock transhipping hubs in South Australia. 

Biosecurity is a key issue for Australian livestock producers. Australia has a range of endemic livestock pests and diseases that need to be managed and a need to minimise risk and prepare to prevent new and emerging incursions to protect the livestock industry and its value chain. Truck wash facilities are one option for livestock transporters to minimise biosecurity risks under general biosecurity obligations.   

Two important reports outline the progress and potential impact of this initiative: 

1. Preliminary Business Case 

This report evaluates the feasibility of establishing truck wash facilities in three priority regions: 

• Adelaide-Fleurieu Peninsula/Kangaroo Island 

• Northern Pastoral (Port Augusta) 

• Murray-Mallee (Murray Bridge/Tailem Bend) 

It assesses the financial, operational, and biosecurity benefits of these facilities, along with exploring potential investment and funding options. 

These reports highlight the strategic importance of truck wash facilities in bolstering biosecurity and supporting the long-term sustainability of South Australia’s livestock industry. 

Link to report here

2. Basis of Design Report 

This report defines the technical and functional requirements for the proposed truck wash facilities. Designed to enhance livestock biosecurity and environmental management, these facilities will meet critical biosecurity, environmental, and safety standards, ensuring compliance with industry regulations. 

Link to report here

For further details on the reports and the initiative, visit the Livestock SA website. 

Strengthening Farm Biosecurity With Quarantine Paddocks 

Maintaining a robust defence against disease and pest outbreaks is more important than ever in the face of evolving biosecurity threats. A proactive approach can make all the difference, and one key strategy gaining attention is the use of quarantine paddocks. An article from Farm Biosecurity outlines how quarantine paddocks can serve as an effective tool in isolating and managing potential risks on the farm. 

Pre-Arrival Precautions 

Effective biosecurity starts before new livestock arrivals reach your property. Here’s what you can do: 

• Research pest and disease outbreaks at the source farm or region. 

• Request pest-free certifications, animal health declarations, fodder declarations, and proof of monitoring from vendors. 

• Ensure equipment, animals, and vehicles are clean before entering your property. 

These steps help assess and minimise the risk of introducing pests or diseases. 

Quarantine Upon Arrival 

One of the best biosecurity measures is isolating new livestock and imported fodder in quarantine paddocks. This provides time for monitoring and ensures any health issues or pests are contained before spreading to healthy stock. 

New animals should be quarantined for at least three weeks, during which their health should be closely monitored. 

Upgrading Your Protection 

A well-designed quarantine system is key. Best practices include: 

• Position quarantine paddocks near the farmhouse for easy access and monitoring. 

• Complete necessary quarantine animal health treatments 

• Regularly clean water and feeding points, and rest the paddock before reusing it. The recommendation is to rest it for 6 months in winter, and 3 months in summer.  

• Ensure water flow from quarantine areas is directed away from other paddocks. 

• Use double fencing to prevent contact between new and existing livestock. 

• Regularly inspect paddock boundaries to maintain security. 

Biosecurity Vigilance 

Taking a proactive approach to biosecurity is essential for protecting your farm’s future. If you notice anything unusual, report it to your veterinarian or agronomist, and contact the relevant hotlines (Exotic Plant Pest Hotline: 1800 084 881 or Emergency Animal Disease Hotline: 1800 675 888). 

Article: Farm Biosecurity, n.d. Strengthening farm biosecurity with quarantine paddocks. Farm Biosecurity. Available at: https://www.farmbiosecurity.com.au/strengthening-farm-biosecurity-with-quarantine-paddocks/ 

Ovine Brucellosis Refresher for Sheep Producers 

What is Ovine Brucellosis? 
Ovine Brucellosis (OB) is a venereal disease in sheep, leading to infertility, longer lambing periods, abortions, and weak lambs. Although not notifiable, it can significantly affect flock productivity. 

Signs of Brucellosis in Rams 

• Swollen Testicles or Epididymides - The epididymis (near the testicle) may feel firm or lumpy  

• Decreased Fertility - reduced pregnancy rates or an increase in barren ewes. A noticeable decline in lambing percentages 

• Scrotal Lesions - Inflammation, abscesses or nodules in the scrotal region  

• Reluctance to mate - exhibit reduced libido or difficulty mating due to discomfort.  

Signs of Brucellosis in Ewes 

• Abortion  

• Unexplained infertility  

Ovine Brucellosis-free Accreditation Scheme 
The South Australian Ovine Brucellosis-free Accreditation Scheme is managed by PIRSA voluntary and aims to: 

• Protect flocks from OB 

• Promote OB-free accredited rams 

• Ensure OB-free certification for participating flocks 

Eligibility and Management 
Ram flock owners registered with an approved breed society or association can apply for accreditation. The scheme is supported by breed societies, approved vets, and PIRSA, who oversee testing, re-accreditation, and certification. 

Role of Veterinary Practitioners 
Approved vets conduct testing, clinical exams, and property inspections, submitting reports to PIRSA. 

How to Apply 
Flock owners must submit: 

• Covering letter 

• Application and declaration form 

• Payment registration form 

• Rules and procedures 

For more information or to apply, contact PIRSA staff member: 
Karen Greenhalgh 
Phone: (08) 8429 0869 
Email: [email protected] 

Protect your flock with proactive biosecurity measures. 

Ovine Brucellosis Fact Sheet

Pestivirus Refresher for Cattle Producers 

Pestivirus, also known as Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV), affects around 1% of the Australian cattle population and can cause significant issues, including: 

• Abortion in pregnant cows 

• Ill thrift, diarrhoea, and weight loss in young animals 

• Increased susceptibility to respiratory diseases 

• In severe cases, death 

Symptoms in cattle may include drooling, ulcerations on lips and noses (similar to foot and mouth disease), and in some cases, deformities in calves or poor suckling responses. 

Diagnosis and Spread 
Pestivirus is transmitted through direct contact with infected or Persistently Infected (PI) carrier animals, which can be present in up to 60% of affected herds. The virus is often spread in high-density environments like feedlots or dairies, especially during stressful events (e.g. weaning or introducing new animals) but can be found in extensive environments too. 

Key Symptoms to Watch For: 

• Early-term abortion or embryonic loss 

• Weak, stunted, or deformed calves 

• Temporary infertility 

• Diarrhoea and respiratory issues 

What to Do If You Suspect Pestivirus 
If you notice any of these symptoms, consult a veterinarian for a diagnosis. The disease can be diagnosed through blood tests, and early detection is vital to prevent its spread. 

Prevention Measures 

Vaccination: 

• Use a registered pestivirus vaccine (e.g., Pestigard®) to immunise cattle. 

• Vaccinate breeding animals before joining, as this provides protection during pregnancy. 

• Follow the recommended schedule, including booster doses. 

Biosecurity: 

• Isolate new cattle: Quarantine for 4–6 weeks and test for pestivirus before introducing them to the herd. 

• Avoid co-grazing with other herds: This minimises the risk of exposure to infected animals. 

• Maintain good fencing: Prevent straying cattle from entering your property. 

Testing and Monitoring: 

• Test for PI animals: Use blood tests or ear-notch samples to detect PI animals, which shed the virus persistently. 

• Regularly screen the herd to monitor infection status, particularly before breeding. 

• Controlled Breeding: Avoid exposing susceptible pregnant cows or heifers to PI animals during early pregnancy, as this can lead to the birth of new PI calves. 

• Record Keeping: Keep detailed records of vaccination and testing. 

• Document the health status of incoming cattle and their pestivirus testing results. 

Management of Infected Herds

• Cull PI Animals to remove PI animals promptly to stop them from spreading the virus. 

• Herd Segregation to separate infected animals from susceptible groups, especially pregnant cows and heifers. 

• Enhance nutrition and stress management. Proper nutrition and reduced stress can help animals cope better if exposed to pestivirus. 

• Work with a Veterinarian to develop a pestivirus control program tailored to your herd’s specific circumstances. 

• Use diagnostics to identify risk periods and high-risk groups 
   

Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 

Suspected diseases or pests in livestock, poultry or aquatic animals must be reported immediately. Call PIRSA to help stop the spread of animal illness, even if you are unsure of the disease, the hotline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 675 888.

For more information, visit the Pestivirus webpage here.

Thank you for reading this edition of our Biosecurity Bulletin, if you need additional support or have any suggestions please contact our team on 08 8297 2299.

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