Wildlife Disease Investigations

Funding is potentially available for veterinarians to investigate significant wildlife disease events.

The National Significant Disease Investigation Program (NSDIP) subsidises veterinary practitioners who investigate and report on “significant” disease incidents in livestock and wildlife. Eligible veterinary practitioners are registered, non-government veterinarians who are engaged in clinical veterinary medicine, including all veterinary practitioners in private practice, university clinics, zoos and wildlife parks.

A “significant” event includes high morbidity, high mortality, rapid spread, effect on public health, trade or production or where an initial investigation has failed to establish a diagnosis.

Wildlife Health Australia (WHA) and the NSW WHA Coordinator determine if the case is eligible and gives approval for funding of wildlife disease investigation on a case-by-case basis.

Subsidies are available for field and clinical investigations, necropsy, sample collection and laboratory fees for wildlife disease incidents.  The veterinary practitioner must provide a report with full investigation details, including their assessment and laboratory reports to WHA.

For more information about the NSDIP program and the steps required, see AHA NSDIP Program or contact WHA .