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.

Articles

Emergency diseases of pigs

15 January 2014

There are many infectious emergency diseases of pigs that do not occur in Australia.
Keep pigs healthy - follow the biosecurity checklist

10 December 2013

Pig owners play a vital role in maintaining Western Australia's high animal health status and reputation as a producer of quality livestock and livestock products.
African swine fever - biosecurity resources for producers

7 October 2019

African swine fever is a highly contagious virus that causes high death rates in pigs.
Pigs: a step-by-step guide to sampling and post-mortem

26 March 2020

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has created a sampling and post-mortem guide to assist veterinarians investigating pig disease.
Emergency pig disease: African swine fever (ASF)

4 July 2014

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious virus that causes an often fatal disease in pigs and wild boar.
Emergency pig disease: classical swine fever (CSF)

8 December 2014

Classical swine fever (CSF), also known as hog cholera, is a highly contagious disease of pigs caused by a pestivirus. The disease only affects pigs and is exotic to Australia.
Anthrax

14 September 2015

Anthrax is a bacterial disease of animals, most commonly seen in cattle, sheep and goats.
WA livestock industries and government unite for standstill planning

8 May 2014

More than 60 livestock industries and government representatives joined forces on 2 May 2014 in Perth to work through their respective sectors’ preparedness to communicate and implement a national