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

  • A lousy sheep showing biting behaviour and rubbed fleece.

    Sheep lice spread and detection

    3 December 2013

    The most common lice affecting sheep are body lice (Bovicola ovis).

  • Ovine campylobacteriosis (formerly ovine vibriosis)

    8 August 2014

    Ovine campylobacteriosis is an infectious disease of breeding ewes causing abortion in late pregnancy. It is caused by the bacteria Campylobacter fetus ssp. fetus.

  • Trail feeding of ewes in late summer on dry pasture.

    Pulpy kidney (enterotoxaemia) of sheep

    12 December 2013

    Pulpy kidney (enterotoxaemia) is a disease of sheep, goats and cattle.

  • Sheep with photosensitisation; exposed raw tissue on the face and muzzle

    Photosensitisation in livestock

    11 December 2013

    Photosensitisation is inflammation of the skin, and occasionally the conjunctiva and cornea of the eye.

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    Arthritis in sheep

    29 November 2013

    Arthritis means inflammation in one or more joints. In sheep, it is usually the result of bacterial infection.

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    Botulism in cattle

    28 November 2013

    Botulism is a rapid onset, usually fatal disease caused by the botulinum toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.

  • Bat with Australian bat lyssavirus

    Animal health and One Health in Western Australia

    27 October 2017

     ‘One Health’ is an internationally supported approach that recognises that the health and well-being of animals, people and the environment are closely linked and that international, national and

  • Drenching weaner Merino sheep with a drenching gun.

    Sheep worm control in Western Australia

    5 December 2013

    Gastro-intestinal worm infections in sheep are a major cause of lost productivity to the Western Australian (WA) sheep industry and control has become more complex due to widespread drench resistan

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