Pests, weeds & diseases

Pests, weeds and diseases pose a serious risk for primary producers as they can impact on market access and agricultural production.

To reduce the impact of pests, weeds and diseases, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development:

  • works with landholders, grower groups, community groups and biosecurity groups.
  • provides diagnostic services and information on prevention, management and treatment.
  • provides biosecurity and quarantine measures to prevent introduction, and to eradicate or manage current pests.

For advice on pests, weeds and 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

  • Dairy cattle grazing in paddock

    Selenium deficiency in cattle

    25 March 2015

    Selenium (Se) is now recognised as an essential trace element for ruminants.

  • DPIRD approved fluke egg sedimentation test (FEST) procedure

    11 March 2015

    Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) approved procedure for detection of trematode eggs and Eimeria leuckarti sedimentation method (FEST) on faecal samples.

  • Map of WA with surveillance message

    Animal health surveillance in Western Australia

    7 March 2017

    Western Australia has a reputation for producing healthy livestock free from diseases and residues that could harm human health or damage our ability to sell livestock within Australia or overseas.

  • Chickens drinking

    Newcastle disease

    12 May 2014

    Newcastle disease is a severe viral disease of poultry and other birds.

  • Chickens

    Avian influenza

    9 December 2013

    Avian influenza is an infectious disease of birds caused by an influenza virus.

  • Cattle in paddock

    Copper deficiency in sheep and cattle

    22 July 2014

    Copper is an essential trace element for animals needed for body, bone and wool growth, pigmentation, healthy nerve fibres and white blood cell function.

  • The sheep on the left has cobalt deficiency. The one on the right has been treated.

    Cobalt deficiency in sheep and cattle

    22 July 2014

    All ruminants (including sheep, cattle and goats) require cobalt in their diet for the synthesis of vitamin B12.

  • A new Department of Agriculture and Food lamb survival project, and a ramped up 100%+ Club, will provide recognition and support for sheep producers wanting to lift their outputs.

    Infertility and abortion in ewes

    16 June 2015

    There are multiple possible causes of both infertility and abortion in ewes, but making a definitive diagnosis is often difficult. Some diseases which are exotic to Australia can cause abortions.

  • Angus cattle in paddock

    Vaccinate to protect cattle health and profits

    27 November 2013

    Vaccines can prevent a wide range of diseases that cause reduced production, fertility or death in cattle and economic losses to Western Australian producers.

  • Sheep grazing green pastures in warm times of the year may be at risk of haemonchosis.

    Barber's pole worm in sheep

    2 December 2013

    Barber's pole worm (Haemonchus contortus) is a potentially harmful roundworm parasite of sheep which can cause a disease called haemonchosis.

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