Inspection of the intestines and associated lymph nodes of adult sheep is one of the most sensitive and cost-effective ways of detecting early ovine Johne's disease (OJD) infection on a property.

Vaccination is an important control tool in managing infected flocks and high risk areas or enterprises.


The genetic potential of pigs can have a major influence on the productivity and profitability of a pig enterprise.

Pigs encounter humans in varying degrees on farm and at the abattoir. The consequence of pigs being handled negatively before slaughter is a reduction in pork quality.

Arthritis means inflammation in one or more joints. In sheep, it is usually the result of bacterial infection.


SheepMAP is a market assurance program designed to provide producers with a source of sheep which are at low risk of having ovine Johne's disease (OJD). The program is a voluntary scheme.

Pulpy kidney (enterotoxaemia) is a disease of sheep, goats and cattle.



Ovine campylobacteriosis is an infectious disease of breeding ewes causing abortion in late pregnancy. It is caused by the bacteria Campylobacter fetus ssp. fetus.

The persistent nature of organochlorine (OC) residues in soils is an ongoing issue for livestock producers. Cattle are the most susceptible to the accumulation of OC residues.

Pregnancy toxaemia and hypocalcaemia affect lambing ewe flocks and have similar signs but different causes.


The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development conducts a surveillance program for ewe abortion and newborn lamb deaths to assist sheep producers to identify the cause of abortions a

Salt poisoning or water deprivation in pigs can cause severe health problems, and in some cases it can become fatal.


There are multiple causes of infertility, abortion and stillbirths in cows. These include some diseases that are exotic to Western Australia and some zoonotic diseases.