South Australian cattle farmers can now tackle livestock diseases more effectively with the newly launched Cattle Diseases Guide. Developed in collaboration between the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) “Red Meat and Wool Growth Program” and ourselves, this guide empowers farmers to take timely action when confronted with common cattle diseases and conditions prevalent in South Australian farms.

Contributions from animal health officers and vets within the red meat and wool industry ensure that the guide provides the most up-to-date advice on identifying signs and symptoms of disease, along with recommendations on treatment and prevention options available to farmers.

Following the success of the recently updated Sheep Disease Guide, released in January 2023, the quick-reference Cattle Diseases Guide features photos and descriptions of both endemic and exotic diseases most at risk of occurring in SA, including foot and mouth disease and lumpy skin disease.

Additional features include best practice management guidelines on-farm biosecurity, vaccination, traceability, and livestock movement obligations.

Following the success of the recently updated Sheep Disease Guide, which has been a glovebox staple for SA producers since it was first published in 2016, farmers have been calling for a cattle equivalent.

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 Jodie Reseigh, Red Meat and Wool Growth Program

This Cattle Disease Guide adds great value to the series of guides developed in collaboration with PIRSA, and we are pleased that cattle producers now have access to quick and easy disease information.

It is important that cattle producers are aware of the disease risks not yet in our country, but also aware of the disease risks locally as well. This guide gives a great synopsis of both emergency diseases (those not here) and endemic diseases (those here).

Dr Rob Barwell, Head of Biosecurity, Animal Health Australia

Producers can request a copy of the guide from PIRSA or download a digital version at www.pir.sa.gov.au/cattle.

For more information about cattle health and diseases, visit: https://www.pir.sa.gov.au/biosecurity/animal_health/cattle.

*Feature image: Tom Cosentino, Fleurieu Peninsula beef producer (and Livestock SA Executive Officer) holding copies of the April 2023 Cattle Diseases: The Farmers’ Guide