The new Cattle Diseases Guide will better equip South Australian (SA) cattle farmers to deal with livestock illnesses, according to the SA Government.
Developed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions’ (PIRSA) Red Meat and Wool Growth Program and Animal Health Australia, the Guide will assist farmers in taking action when confronted with common cattle illnesses and conditions encountered on SA farms.
Animal health officials and veterinarians from the red meat and wool industry contributed to the handbook, which includes the most up-to-date guidance on how to recognise illness signs and symptoms, as well as recommendations on treatment and preventative alternatives for farmers.
The Guide is based on the Sheep Disease Guide, which was recently revised and has been warmly welcomed by producers since its publication in January 2023. Both guides include photos and descriptions of endemic diseases as well as exotic diseases that are most likely to occur in the State, such as foot and mouth disease and lumpy skin disease.
Red Meat and Wool Growth Program Dr Jodie Reseigh explained that farmers have been demanding a cattle counterpart following the popularity of the recently revised Sheep Disease Guide, which has been a glovebox staple for SA producers since it was originally released in 2016.
“The opportunity to work with Animal Health Australia has helped to fast track the production of the Cattle Guide meaning SA farmers can start growing their knowledge of how to identify common diseases and take action faster to prevent production losses and disease spread,” Dr Reseigh stated.
Best practise management recommendations for on-farm biosecurity, immunisation, traceability, and animal movement responsibilities are also included in the guide.
“South Australia’s red meat and wool industries generated $3.7 billion in production and processing revenue in 2021-22. Tools such as the Cattle and Sheep Diseases Guides help to protect these industries by equipping farmers with valuable knowledge to identify diseases in their livestock to prevent production losses,” Clare Scriven said.
According to Scriven, with critical animal illnesses like foot and mouth disease already established in Indonesia, the Cattle Diseases Guide is an important resource for South Australian cattle farmers.
“The responsibility to keep South Australia free from emergency animal diseases lies with every one of us but livestock producers play a key role in identifying and preventing the spread of disease and this guide will help equip them with the ability to recognise the difference between common diseases and exotic diseases,” Scriven added.
Animal Health Australia Head of Biosecurity Dr Rob Barwell said, “This Cattle Disease Guide is adding great value to the series of guides now developed in collaboration with PIRSA, and we are pleased that cattle producers now have access to quick and easy disease information.”
