What should livestock producers, owners and breeders do if they suspect an outbreak of an emergency animal disease?
• “Look, check and ask a vet” Early detection will greatly assist in the control of emergency animal diseases • It may not be an emergency animal disease but its better to know. Its a part of sound animal husbandry (looking after your valuable assets) • Seek help from your nearest government veterinary officer, stock inspector, or private veterinarian • A special Emergency Disease Watch Hotline is also available so people can report promptly any unusual disease signs or large numbers of deaths for the cost of a local call. The number is 1800 675 888 • Keep suspect livestock on your property and isolate them from other animals if contaminated stock come into contact with other livestock a contagious disease, such as foot-and-mouth, could rapidly become a national epidemic with dramatic implications, as we have recently seen in Britain. • Why is it important to be aware of emergency animal diseases and act quickly? • An outbreak of a serious emergency animal disease could be disastrous f
