Diseases

Diseases have a detrimental effect on plants and animals and impact on market access and agricultural production. Diseases include micro-organisms, disease agents (bacteria, fungi and viruses), infectious agents, parasites and genetic disorders.

Western Australia is free from some of the world's major agricultural and livestock diseases. Biosecurity measures on your property are vital in preventing the spread of diseases.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development provides:

  • biosecurity/quarantine measures at the WA border to prevent the entry of plant and animal diseases
  • post border biosecurity measures for harmful animal and plant diseases
  • advice on widespread diseases present in the state.

For advice on animal and plant diseases search our website, the Western Australian Organism List or contact our Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS).

For diagnostic services, please contact our Diagnostic Laboratory Services.

See Also

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Articles

  • Polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB) tunnells into trunks, stems and branches.

    Polyphagous shot-hole borer

    10 September 2021

    Polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB, Euwallacea fornicatus) is a small beetle native to Southeast Asia that tunnels into the trunks, stems and branches of trees and plants.

  • Ram scrotum with no obvious swellings, however palpation may detect abnormalities in the epididymal or testicle tissue

    Ovine brucellosis

    10 July 2014

    Ovine brucellosis is a reproductive disease that can affect all breeds of sheep.

  • Biosecurity Blitz

    We’re asking WA residents to send us photos of any critters, insects, plant disease symptoms or weeds you spot between 16 October – 16 November.

  • trial site image

    Plant research trials map 2024-25

    22 January 2018

    In 2024, the department is conducting more than 250 research trials across the state for grains research and development, climate resilience, pastures, and horticulture systems. 

  • Native budworm larvae feeding on lupin pods

    About PestFacts WA

    8 November 2013

    PestFacts WA (formerly known as PestFax) is an interactive reporting service delivered by DPIRD, providing risk alerts, current information and advice on insect pests and diseases threatening crops

  • PestFax Map

    29 November 2013

    The PestFax Map shows occurences of pests and diseases reported.

  • Null

    Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS)

    15 October 2013

    The Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS) provides advisory and identification services on animal and plant pests, weeds and diseases that impact Western Australia's agriculture and food ind

  • Pathologist in laboratory in front of microscpoe holding apple covered with fungal spores

    DDLS - Plant pathology services

    20 November 2013

    DDLS - Plant pathology is a service area under the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development's Diagnostic Laboratory Services (DDLS).

  • Loading a sample on the MALDI-TOF at the Animal Health Laboratories. A MALDI-TOF (or matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight) is a soft ionization technique used in mass spectrometry, allowing the analysis of biomolecules)

    DPIRD Diagnostics and Laboratory Services (DDLS) - Animal Pathology

    25 October 2013

    The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Diagnostics and Laboratory Services (DDLS) - Animal Pathology, Western Australia (formerly DAFWA Animal Health Laboratories) provides a

  • An unmarked lamb in the yard

    Managing flystrike in sheep

    29 November 2013

    Flystrike is a significant health and welfare risk to Australian sheep and costs $280 million annually.

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