In this edition....
Watch out for these livestock diseases in WA this month
Certain livestock diseases are more common in particular seasonal conditions and times of year.
Stock brand registration update
DPIRD's Stock Brands office is experiencing a high demand in re-registering stock brands and processing new applications and as a result, there have been delays with some brands not being re-registered before their expiry date.
Sheep management in dry conditions
Dry conditions over summer and autumn months can result in a deficit in feed available on farm for livestock, which can cause sheep to lose condition unless adequately managed.
NLIS introduced for pigs
Australian state and territory governments have introduced mandatory National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) requirements for pigs.
Get the answers to your LPA questions at Woolorama
Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) representatives will be at Wagin Woolorama on 9-10 March to explain the recent changes to strengthen the LPA accreditation system.
Sampling kits at Woolorama to help producers
Lamb producers attending Wagin Woolorama on 9-10 March will be able to pick up a free sampling kit from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development display.
LCU appointment and training to benefit animal welfare
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is building a highly skilled and experienced team to work in its Livestock Compliance Unit (LCU) to strive for better animal welfare outcomes.
Managing sub clover red leaf syndrome in season 2018
Sub clover is the most widely used annual pasture legume in Western Australia with around eight million hectares sown.
Farmer wants a life
‘Farmer wants a life’ is the theme of the Sheep research open day, being held at the Katanning Research Facility next month.
Watch out for these livestock diseases in WA this month
Certain livestock diseases are more common in particular seasonal conditions and times of year.
Kikuyu poisoning
Following heavy rainfall in January, producers are reminded to be aware of the risk of kikuyu poisoning, particularly in cattle.
Kikuyu normally grows spring-autumn and can provide valuable summer feed, however, livestock poisoning can occur under certain conditions.
A long dry spell followed by heavy summer rain can cause rapid grass growth and lush paddocks that are ungrazed prior to rain may pose the biggest risk.
Signs of the disease in livestock may include unusual vocalisation, bloating, drooling, lack of coordination, lying down, reluctance to move and sham drinking.
For more details about kikuyu poisoning and how to manage and prevent it, see the latest issue of the e-newsletter WA Livestock Disease Outlook – for producers.
Bovine anaemia due to Theileria orientalis group (BATOG)
Producers are also advised to look out for potential cases of bovine anaemia due to Theileria orientalis group (BATOG).
BATOG occurs in cattle in the southern areas of WA where the bush tick Haemaphysalis longicornis is found.
Infected ticks spread the blood parasite Theileria orientalis.
Signs of BATOG include anaemia, abortion, yellow mucous membranes, laboured breathing, weakness and collapse.
Signs are more severe when animals are infected during stressful periods.
The disease may cause deaths in young stock.
Healthy young stock that become infected may develop immunity but continue to carry the parasite.
Disease signs may never develop in these animals.
For more information about BATOG, see the latest WA Livestock Disease Outlook – for producers.
Additional news
Recent disease investigations in livestock in WA that have helped to provide data to support WA’s freedom from exotic diseases and our ability to access high-value markets.
Exclusion testing was carried out for a number of reportable equine diseases including Hendra virus and the exotic pig diseases, African swine fever and classical swine fever.
Test results for these were all negative.
WA producers and veterinarians are crucial players in the early reporting of signs of exotic disease.
Early recognition of a disease could dramatically reduce the severity and cost of an outbreak to producers and industry.
Producers and vets can report signs of exotic disease in stock to the Emergency Animal Disease hotline 1800 675 888 or their department field veterinary officer.
To keep up to date with the latest in livestock health in WA, subscribe to the monthly e-newsletter WA Livestock Disease Outlook.
We encourage any feedback you may have on the newsletter, so that we can tailor the resource to producers’ needs.
To provide feedback, email waldo@dpird.wa.gov.au
Stock brand registration update
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s (DPIRD) Stock Brands office is experiencing a high demand in re-registering stock brands and processing new applications and as a result, there have been delays with some brands not being re-registered before their expiry date.
The volume of Brand registration renewals increased significantly in 2017, with renewals processed by the Department increasing from 5000 to 7000, representing a 30 per cent increase.
This partly resulted due to the transition from five to three year brand registrations under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management (Identification and Movement of Stock and Apiaries) Regulations 2013.
DPIRD has committed to resolve this issue by changing the mail-out of the Brand renewal form so livestock owners now receive the formeight weeks before expiry, instead of four weeks, to encourage early return and facilitate processing before their expiry date.
DPIRD has also advised owners who are in the process of selling livestock to check their registered brand on the Department’s website prior to sale, and phone the Brands office on 9780 6207 if the registration has expired.
DPIRD will re-register these Brands immediately, provided the correct documentation and payment has been received.
Under the Financial Administration and Audit Act 1985, the Department is bound to process payments when they are received.
Confirmation the registration has been processed is only verified by checking the website or on receipt of a new PIC card, not when the funds are transferred.
To view whether a stock Brand is valid, visit the department’s home page and search for the ‘Stock Brand and PIC Register’ page.
For more information contact Robert Vassallo, Manager Animal Integrity Systems, Bunbury on +61 (0)8 9780 6203.
Sheep management in dry conditions
Dry conditions over summer and autumn months can result in a deficit in feed available on farm for livestock, which can cause sheep to lose condition unless adequately managed.
It is vital for producers to monitor the condition of their sheep over summer, and plan for supplementary feeding in case it is required.
Due to reduced rainfall over the growing season in Western Australia, spring pasture growth was poor, resulting in reduced available feed on offer (FOO) in paddocks.
This issue is exacerbated by the deterioration in quantity and quality of dry feed over time, particularly over summer and autumn.
Pasture quantity naturally declines by up to 50% during these seasons, highlighting the importance of utilising pastures and stubbles early on in the season before the bulk of their nutritional value is lost by natural degradation.
All producers should have a feeding plan in place to ensure nutritional requirements of their livestock are being maintained as early as possible.
It is easier to feed to maintain condition than to gain condition. Producers are advised to monitor ewe and weaner flocks every three to four weeks to assess changes in condition score, and adjust feeding strategies to prevent nutritional deficiencies or illnesses.
The aim of supplementary feeding is to feed as little as possible, while achieving required sheep production. The level of supplementary feeding required will depend on the current condition score of the flock, and what feed is available in the paddock. The following steps are used to determine accurate feeding levels:
- determine energy requirements of the animal
- estimate value of feed in the paddock
- calculate supplementary feed needed to fill the deficit.
As the dry conditions progress and pasture resources are depleted, the portion of feed sheep are receiving through hand feeding should increase. It is important for producers to complete a feed budget monthly to ensure sheep are getting enough nutrition to maintain condition.
For producers interested in learning more about supplementary feeding, the Lifetime Ewe Management course gives sheep producers the skills to monitor their sheep flock in order to optimise the productivity of their livestock enterprise.
During the course, producers learn how to condition score their ewe flock, and complete feed on offer assessments on their pasture, allowing them to complete regular feed budgets ensuring their sheep receive adequate nutrition. These skills are particularly useful for producers over dry or drought conditions.
For more information on the Lifetime Ewe Management course contact Brydie Creagh on +61(0)8 9892 8470.
NLIS introduced for pigs
Australian state and territory governments have introduced mandatory National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) requirements for pigs.
As of 1 February this year, in addition to identification of all pigs and use of transport documents, all movements onto a property must be recorded on a national database.
The NLIS is Australia’s system for the identification and tracing of livestock. For the pig industry, the system operates through PigPass, which many pig producers will already be familiar with.
PigPass provides access to the PigPass National Vendor Declaration waybill (PigPass NVD) and is the reporting database for all pig movements onto farms, saleyards, showgrounds and abattoirs.
The PigPass database automatically transfers all recorded pig movements across to the NLIS database to be stored with the records of cattle, sheep and goat movements.
Pig identification has primarily been a slap brand tattoo issued by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) when you register as an owner of stock.
The tattoo is applied prior to leaving a property.
Previously, pigs under 10 weeks of age did not have to be identified when moved, however with NLIS Pigs in place, pigs up to 25kg will have to be identified with an approved NLIS tag.
These are visually readable ear tags printed with a Property Identification Code (PIC) and the NLIS logo.
Owners have the choice of the tattoo or a tag for pigs over 25kg.
Pigs leaving their property of birth need to be tagged with a yellow NLIS tag in their left ear, or tattooed on their left shoulder if using that option.
Pigs leaving any other property must be tagged in their right ear with an orange NLIS tag, or tattooed on their right shoulder.
All owners of pigs, commercial or pet, one or one hundred, are required to be registered as an owner of stock, have a PIC for their property and must complete a PigPass NVD or other transport document for all movements of pigs off a property.
includes movements to other farms or properties where ownership or PIC changes, abattoirs, saleyards or showgrounds.
All pig movements must then be recorded in the PigPass database within 48 hours of the arrival at a new PIC.
The receiver of the pigs is responsible for making sure the database is updated.
When pigs are identified with tattoos or tags and accompanied with appropriate movement documentation with details recorded on the database, they can be reliably traced back to the property of birth and/or last property of residence.
NLIS Pigs underpins the integrity of Australia’s pig meat products by enabling rapid animal identification and traceability in the case of a food safety issue or an exotic disease outbreak.
This helps support domestic and export consumer confidence in Australian pig meat and upholds Australia’s reputation as a producer of safe, quality pig meat products.
Owners of pigs can register for PigPass to complete a free PigPass NVD online to print off, or order a PigPass book.
The PigPass portal has additional information on how to create and report a PigPass NVD.
Alternately, contact the PigPass helpdesk on 1800 001 458 or email.
Forms to register as an owner of stock to get a PIC and pig tattoo can be found by searching for ‘Registration forms’ on DPIRD's Agriculture and Food website or by calling (08) 9780 6207.
Information is also available on the NLIS pigs page.
Get the answers to your LPA questions at Woolorama
Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) representatives will be at Wagin Woolorama on 9-10 March to explain the recent changes to strengthen the LPA accreditation system.
Customer Services Manager for Integrity Systems Company, George Basha, said he was looking forward to meeting WA producers to answer their questions about how the enhanced LPA system worked.
Mr Basha said the LPA program underpinned Australia’s reputation as a reliable supplier of safe red meat to domestic and international markets.
“LPA accreditation means the producer can provide an assurance that they have produced their meat safely and ethically,” Mr Basha said.
“Upholding the integrity of this system is vital to sustain and grow our markets.
“At Woolorama, I will be walking producers through the accreditation system, including the on-farm biosecurity plans and animal welfare components, and answering any questions they have.”
Meat and Livestock Australia value chain program manager David Beatty has recently returned from his role as International Business Manager in the Middle East and will be available to talk to producers about how important Australia’s integrity systems are to overseas customers.
“We will be located in the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development shed at Woolorama, along with Livestock Biosecurity Network representative Frances Gartrell,” Mr Basha said
Department veterinarians will also be on-hand to assist producers with questions about on-farm biosecurity plans and animal welfare information will be available from department inspectors.
There also will be an LPA question-and-answer session in the DPIRD shed twice a day.
If you can’t make it to Woolorama and you have questions about LPA accreditation, contact Frances Gartrell, LBN on Fgartrell@lbn.org.au or 0497 700 113 to register for the next WA information session or see the LPA website.
Sampling kits at Woolorama to help lamb producers
Lamb producers attending Wagin Woolorama on 9-10 March will be able to pick up a free sampling kit from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development display.
The kit is provided to producers as part of the department’s surveillance program to monitor lamb deaths in aborted and newborn lambs that have not yet walked.
The program is designed to help sheep producers identify the cause of these losses, which costs the Australian lamb industry an estimated $540 million annually.
Many losses due to abortion and neonatal death in lambing flocks go undiagnosed.
Producers may not realise there is problem until lamb marking time, but by then it is not possible to get the necessary samples to diagnose the cause of the problem.
This program is designed to improve chances of making a full diagnosis.
Surveillance and testing is important as it helps demonstrate that WA is free from significant causes of sheep abortion.
This was important to support domestic markets as well as sheep exports, worth $200 million in 2015/16.
The samples that producers submit to the program are tested for common infectious causes of sheep abortion or newborn lamb deaths.
When an endemic cause is found, producers can take action to manage the problem and improve their lambing percentage and profitability.
Flocks are eligible if they experience three or more losses, either abortions that they have seen occur or losses of newborn lambs that have not walked. This means the ‘slippers’ present at birth are still on the hooves.
Department veterinarians will be on hand at the Wagin display to discuss the program and answer any questions on lamb losses or other livestock health issues, including ovine brucellosis.
Our veterinarians will also be able to assist with farm biosecurity plans and to provide a farm biosecurity sign to producers who participate in a three-question biosecurity quiz.
For more information about the surveillance scheme go to the department’s website at agric.wa.gov.au or watch this short video.
Producers wishing to take advantage of the scheme can contact Dr Anna Erickson on +61 (08) 9881 0211 or contact a private veterinarian.
LCU appointment and training to benefit animal welfare
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is building a highly skilled and experienced team to work in its Livestock Compliance Unit (LCU) to strive for better animal welfare outcomes.
New recruit Charles Cadwallader joined the team as a senior compliance inspector in October last year, bringing a wealth of international experience to the role.
Arriving from New Zealand, he has spent his time so far familiarising himself not just with the role of the LCU and Western Australia’s animal welfare legislation, but also with life in Australia.
His work in animal welfare began in the 1970s, having been employed as a zookeeper for 12 years, mostly at London Zoo.
Charles’s dedication to the well-being of animals was recognised during a three-year stint working with orca and dolphins at a marine mammal collection in the south of France, where he was awarded the Grand Prix Humanitaire de France for his work in conservation and animal welfare.
His experience also includes 20 years as a detective with the police in the United Kingdom from1986, before heading to New Zealand to manage Animal Welfare Investigations in the Ministry for Primary Industries.
His next role was as National Chief Inspector of the Royal New Zealand Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (RNZSPCA).
While with the RNZSPCA, Charles personally secured the release of Mila, New Zealand’s last circus elephant, who was eventually transferred to the San Diego Zoo.
As senior compliance inspector, Charles has oversight of inspections of all saleyards, livestock shipping exports, abattoirs, feedlots and farms in Western Australia.
Department inspectors have been building their investigative skills, completing a Certificate IV in Government Investigations in December last year.
The course focusses on teaching the skills to perform in an investigative or compliance role and the ethical and legislative requirements of the public service.
It provided officers with a skill-based and best practice approach to conducting investigations and acting on non-compliance.
The department employs animal welfare inspectors across the state in towns such as Broome, Albany, Katanning and Narrogin.
These inspectors monitor the welfare livestock at aggregation points, including saleyards, ports and feedlots.
They also investigate reports of cruelty to livestock and conduct compliance and enforcement actions.
To report suspected cruelty to animals, contact the RSPCA on +61 (0)8 9209 9300 or 1300 278 3589 (emergencies only).
For more information contact Rick Bryant, Client Engagement Leader, South Perth on +61 (0)8 9368 3346.
Managing sub clover red leaf syndrome in season 2018
Sub clover is the most widely used annual pasture legume in Western Australia with around eight million hectares sown.
As a consequence there has been considerable concern among livestock producers regarding recent outbreaks of sub clover red leaf syndrome, the occurrence of which seems to becoming more frequent and widespread.
Symptoms include reddening of leaves; stunted plants, losses in productivity and even premature plant death.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development investigated the 2017 outbreak finding that 80% of clover plants tested, with obvious red-leaves, were infected with Soybean dwarf virus (SbDV) compared to just 2% of ‘healthy looking’ plants.
A workshop was held to consult with livestock producers, seed industry members and experts in pasture and plant disease last December.
The participants agreed the primary cause of this syndrome is likely to be SbDV infection.
The symptom expression is related to overall plant health so additional stresses such as drought, poor nutrition or root pathogens can weaken the plant further.
In addition, a partnership was formed between DPIRD, the Univerisity of WA (UWA), Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) and Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) to investigate methods of controlling and managing future outbreaks.
Soybean dwarf virus is not seed borne but is hosted by live plants in summer and spread to sub clover by aphids.
Substantial summer rain can result in a green bridge being present prior to the emergence of sub clover seedlings.
This allows both the virus to survive and aphid populations to increase at a time when new pastures are just developing.
Given that sub clover plants are likely to develop severe symptoms of red leaf syndrome, if infected as seedlings our best advice currently is to control aphids during the period of pasture establishment.
This involves spraying an anti-feeding insecticide at two and six weeks after sub clover seedling emergence using a synthetic pyrethroid at the highest registered rate to deter aphids from feeding and spreading the virus.
Refer to the insecticide label for withholding periods or Safemeat for export intervals.
In addition, oats can be sown as a barrier around pasture paddocks to disperse aphids and slow early spread into pasture from outside sources.
Growing alternative pasture species is one method to lessen the impact of a devastating loss of sub clover as the result of an outbreak.
Serradella is one option as it does not appear to be affected by the syndrome even when growing alongside symptomatic sub clover plants.
Serradella is suited to sandy soils and can be sown into weed free paddocks in summer as pod or seed in autumn/winter.
However a note of caution; it is unknown whether some of the alternative pasture species are hosts of SbDV.
DPIRD and UWA are investigating this possibility.
Grasses are known not to host SbDV so using annual ryegrass or forage oats could be a useful tactic and in the absence of an outbreak would most likely improve feed availability.
If sowing alternative pasture species, seek further advice to be certain they are suited to your soils, rainfall and management.
As a result of the recent summer rain in the south west of WA, DPIRD and UWA have commenced a summer sampling program in an effort to discover which plant species host the SbDV virus.
This is the beginning of a larger research project (funded by MLA, AWI, DPIRD and UWA) designed to understand the life cycle of this virus and its impact on sub clover which is the mainstay of our livestock and grain industries.
The goal over the next three to five years is to deliver proven methods to prevent and manage this syndrome.
For more information contact Paul Sanford, DPIRD Senior Research Officer, Albany on 9892 8475 or Kevin Foster, UWA Pasture Researcher, Nedlands on 6488 2220.
Farmer wants a life
‘Farmer wants a life’ is the theme of the Sheep research open day, being held at the Katanning Research Facility next month.
Hosted by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development in partnership with the Sheep Alliance of WA, the event aims at maximising work/life balance by getting the most out of sheep enterprises through using the latest technology, emerging research and management techniques for sheep.
The sheep research open day has now become an important event on the sheep industry calendar.
Last year’s event proved valuable in giving producers the opportunity to interact directly with researchers in a practical setting.
Seeing research in action is the best way to stimulate discussion and networking among those involved in all parts of the sheep value chain.
A range of expert speakers from government and industry have been organised to present, including Sheep Industry Business Innovation’s (SIBI) Beth Paganoni whoseco-presentation with Amy Lockwood is titled ‘Call the midwife!! Let’s minimise lambing strife’.
Other presentations include DPIRD’s Dr Danny Roberts presenting on how worms not only affect your sheep’s bottom, but also your bottom line.
More speakers will be announced soon and added to the Farmer wants a life webpage.
The open day will be held on Thursday 22 March at the department’s Katanning Research Facility, on Nyabing Road.
For more information contact Development Officer Julia Smith on +61 (0)8 9892 8450.