NSW Department of Primary Industries collects epidemiological data on the prevalence of animal disease by monitoring the presenting problem and result of testing of material submitted to its laboratories. This data is used to satisfy the requirements of our trading partners and to direct research and extension efforts of our staff. This passively-collected data is supplemented by data collected while testing healthy animals for export or interstate movement and by active surveillance programs funded by industry or by the Department.

For notifiable diseases (including emergency diseases) NSW Department of Primary Industries encourages veterinarians to submit samples to their laboratories by offering some 'free' testing.

Notifiable diseases

Veterinarians and livestock owners have an obligation under various Acts of Parliament, to report any suspected occurrence of these diseases to NSW Department of Primary Industries staff.

Generally, no fee will be charged for tests conducted at a NSW Department of Primary Industries laboratory to exclude an endemic notifiable disease. For emergency (exotic) disease, all testing to exclude that disease and to establish an alternative diagnosis will be free of charge to the submitter.

For endemic notifiable diseases, submission of specimens to a NSW Department of Primary Industries' laboratory accompanied by a fully completed Specimen submission form nominating the suspected disease is a suitable form of notification.

For emergency (exotic) disease, contact the Animal Disease Watch Hotline 1800 675 888 or the local Senior Field Veterinary Officer. further information on exotic diseases

Visit the AHA website for details on the National TSE surveillance program (NTSESP). See also Transmissible spongiform encephalopathy in this manual. Veterinarians are encouraged to submit specimens from adult sheep and cattle with progressive neurological disease. The laboratory charges for this testing are charged to the NTSESP. Veterinarians and owners receive incentive payments.