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) and for mortality investigations, 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.

Mortality investigations

NSW Department of Primary Industries subsidizes laboratory fees for the investigation of mortalities in livestock. To qualify for this subsidy:

• The animals involved must be from a commercial livestock herd or flock. Horse mortalities are eligible. For poultry there must be at least 100 birds in the affected flock.
• All owner and property details (including tail tag or PIC) must be provided on a fully completed Specimen Submission Form.

NB.
Foetuses and neonates up to one day of age are not eligible for this subsidy.

When this subsidy is applied, submitters pay the first $100 (GST inclusive) of the laboratory fee and NSW Department of Primary Industries the residual.

When the total laboratory fee will exceed $350, the Department reserves the right to delete some of the tests requested or to ask for a further contribution from the submitter