All ruminants entering Western Australia must meet published import requirements and be accompanied by the relevant documentation.
Requirements under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 and the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Regulations 2013 apply when importing livestock from interstate and/or overseas into Western Australia to protect the state from pests and diseases.
Land capability assessment is used to identify the potential for agricultural and non-agricultural land uses. It considers specific requirements of the land use and also identifies potential degradation risks. It is an important tool in Western Australia’s rural planning system.
The National TSE Surveillance Program (NTSESP) conducts surveillance for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE or mad cow disease) in cattle and scrapie in sheep.
Border controls and movement requirements apply when importing livestock from interstate into Western Australia.
Western Australia has laws that control chemical use on livestock. These laws protect people, animals and the environment from harm, and maintain access to overseas markets. Chemical users must follow label directions, not use unregistered veterinary chemicals (e.g.
Western Australia has laws to control chemical use on trade animals. These laws protect people, animals and the environment from harm. Misuse of chemicals may result in harmful residues in animal products.
Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, is normally produced by bacteria in the rumen of cattle and sheep on well-balanced roughage diets.
Thiamine deficiency reduces energy availability to the brain, which leads to a type of brain degeneration called polioencephalomalacia or PEM.
‘Calf scours’ is when young calves develop diarrhoea and become dehydrated. The scour can be white, yellow, grey or blood-stained, and is often foul-smelling. It occurs in calves being suckled by their mothers in the paddock and in hand-reared calves.
Preventing lead residues in livestock protects human food safety and Western Australia's ongoing access to international markets. Lead is highly toxic to livestock, particularly cattle, and can result in sudden death.
