How the SMS surveillance network operates
Members of the network will participate in a short series of SMS texts each fortnight asking if they have seen any new signs of illness in their cattle. A single yes (Y) or no (N) response by SMS is all that is required.
Any member who responds Y will receive a further two messages, asking what signs of illness they have observed and how many animals were affected.
Any member can request a call from their local DPIRD vet to discuss their cattle health queries.
Anyone with significant reports will receive a phone call from a DPIRD vet to discuss the case and see what assistance DPIRD can provide. This might include services such as subsidised disease investigations and post-mortem sampling to try and reach a definitive diagnosis. However, the network does not replace timely discussion with your private vet.
Early investigation and diagnosis of diseases that occur on-farm can provide producers with information to help minimise production losses during the outbreak and guide future management practices to prevent the problem from occurring again.