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DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND RESOURCES Page 1 of 18 Katherine Rural Review EDITION #332 OCTOBER 2017 Inside this issue: Africa Mahogany Australia finalists in NT Export and Industry Awards .......... Error! Bookmark not defined. Pests, production and possibilities ............................................................ 2 Spotlight on technology ................ 6 Welcome and farewell……………...8 Animal Health eNews .................... 9 Pastoral market update……..…….17 NT plantation company African Mahogany Australia were finalists in the Chief Minister’s 2017 NT Export and Industry Awards African Mahogany Australia (AMA), were finalists for the NT Export and Industry Awards Industry Innovation Award for their use of integrated land management technologies. AMA is an agribusiness management company managing the world’s largest African mahogany timber plantation estate along with cropping for cattle feed production. Formed in 2006, the NT-based company of just three employees manages more than 14,000 hectares of timber plantations, produces more than 15,000 tonnes of hay and partners with local cattle producers to graze 3,500 head beneath their plantations. This integration of commodities allows AMA to optimise land productivity through smart, sustainable partnerships in the farming community. In the last 12 months AMA has achieved a significant number of milestones including leading a research and development project to optimise wood products; increasing the capital value of the lands they manage with no capital outlay, achieved through grazing and hay production; and reducing fire risk, weed control costs, chemical use and herbicide resistance in their plantations. This was all achieved while improving the productivity of their long-term product – high value timber. AMA were excited to be part of the awards and look forward to further integration of technology and innovation into their property management. Figure 1: AMA's Regional Manager Chris Oliver (L) and CEO Frank Miller (R), finalists in the Chief Ministers Northern Territory Export and Industry Awards, Darwin, 21 September 2017

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Page 1: NT plantation company African Mahogany Australia were ... · importance is the duration of lactational anoestrus, the time until they resume cycling after calving, experienced by

DEPARTMENT OF

PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND RESOURCES Page 1 of 18 Katherine Rural Review

EDITION #332

OCTOBER 2017

Inside this issue:

Africa Mahogany Australia

finalists in NT Export and Industry

Awards .......... Error! Bookmark not

defined.

Pests, production and possibilities

............................................................ 2

Spotlight on technology ................ 6

Welcome and farewell……………...8

Animal Health eNews .................... 9

Pastoral market update……..…….17

NT plantation company African Mahogany

Australia were finalists in the Chief Minister’s

2017 NT Export and Industry Awards

African Mahogany Australia (AMA),

were finalists for the NT Export and

Industry Awards Industry Innovation

Award for their use of integrated

land management technologies.

AMA is an agribusiness management

company managing the world’s

largest African mahogany timber

plantation estate along with

cropping for cattle feed production.

Formed in 2006, the NT-based

company of just three employees

manages more than 14,000 hectares

of timber plantations, produces

more than 15,000 tonnes of hay and

partners with local cattle producers

to graze 3,500 head beneath their

plantations. This integration of commodities allows AMA to optimise

land productivity through smart, sustainable partnerships in the

farming community. In the last 12 months AMA has achieved a

significant number of milestones including leading a research and

development project to optimise wood products; increasing the

capital value of the lands they manage with no capital outlay,

achieved through grazing and hay production; and reducing fire risk,

weed control costs, chemical use and herbicide resistance in their

plantations. This was all achieved while improving the productivity of

their long-term product – high value timber.

AMA were excited to be part of the awards and look forward to

further integration of technology and innovation into their property

management.

Figure 1: AMA's Regional Manager Chris Oliver (L) and CEO Frank Miller (R), finalists in the Chief Ministers Northern Territory Export and Industry Awards, Darwin, 21 September 2017

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DEPARTMENT OF

PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND RESOURCES Page 2 of 18 Katherine Rural Review

Pests, production and

possibilities

By Jodie Ward, Pastoral Production Officer,

Katherine

A field day for farmers and beef producers

alike was held at Douglas Daly Research

Farm on Thursday 31 August.

The first of many interactive presentations

focused on the influence and importance of

locally conducted research trials on

reproduction genetics in Brahman cattle. Dr

David Johnston from the Animal Genetics

and Breeding Unit of the University of New

England (partners in a reproduction genetics project with NT Department of Primary Industry and Resources

(DPIR)) explained how the data that has been collected in DPIR herds over the years is allowing genomic

studies to more accurately evaluate animals and increase the accuracy of selection.

“Eventually, we will be able to tell what specific genetic traits each beef animal carries by simply taking a tail

hair sample and running an analysis. The current technology is close to being able to do that, however at the

moment, we are still matching what traits are located where on an animal’s genome to verify the information

we think we have so data collection at this point in time is still vital.” Dr Johnston said.

Traits of particular interest to Dr Johnston included those that have the capacity to have a significant impact

on an animal’s ability to contribute towards profitability - age of puberty in heifers and duration of

lactational anoestrus in females.

“Age of puberty is important. As part of the Co-operative Research Centre we monitored cattle that were

managed the same, run in the same locations, were vaccinated against the same diseases, etc, the only thing

different was the genetics. What we found, was that although some heifers had started ovarian cycling at an

early age/light weight (200kg), some were still waiting to start cycling at 530kg, and the only difference

between those two animals was genetics,.” Dr Johnson said.

To demonstrate this difference, Tim Schatz, DPIR Principal Beef Research Scientist, conducted an ovary

scan via ultrasound on a heifer crush-side with the image reproduced on a large television screen for the

field day participants to view in real time. Use of the ultrasound allowed the participants to see how puberty

can be detected by the presence of a corpus luteum that develops after a follicle has been released,

indicating that ovulation has occurred.

“Females obviously only have to go through puberty once. Therefore another reproductive trait of economic

importance is the duration of lactational anoestrus, the time until they resume cycling after calving,

experienced by a female,” Dr Johnston said.

Figure 2: Attendees listening intently to Dr David Johnston from the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit of the University of New England

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DEPARTMENT OF

PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND RESOURCES Page 3 of 18 Katherine Rural Review

“Again, the animals that were monitored in the CRC project were managed the same, run in the same

location, vaccinated against the same diseases, the only difference was genetics. While some females were

able to get back in calf within two months, others weren’t able to recommence cycling until months after the

weaner had been removed. Cycling at this time of year presents problems as the cow then may become

pregnant leading to calving at the least desirable time of year from a nutritional viewpoint.”

Continuing on the genetic theme, Tim Schatz then presented the recent results of the cross breeding trial,

comparing the performance of identically managed Brahman to Brahman cross Senepol offspring. This trial

was developed in response to a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis conducted with

the Katherine Pastoral Advisory Industry Committee that identified reliance upon the live export markets as

a big threat to the profitability of pastoral businesses in northern Australia. At approximately 18 months, the

male progeny of both genotypes were transported to a feedlot facility where the crossbred steer carcasses

were tenderer and received a higher price per kilogram than their Brahman counterparts. The trial was

replicated the following year with the offspring being sold to the Indonesian live export market where their

performance in Indonesia was again monitored and the crossbred steers again performed better than the

Brahmans.

The female portion of these cohorts were retained in lease paddocks near Katherine to determine how the

crossbred females perform in comparison to Brahmans in a harsh environment. Running together under the

same management and nutritional conditions, Brahman Senepol crossbred heifers had similar reproductive

performance as their Brahman sisters. The concluding finding from this project has been that if producers

want to diversify their market options, crossbreeding their Brahman breeders with a tropically adapted Bos

taurus bred sire is likely to not have negative implications on the reproductive capacity of the herd in the

future should the crossbred heifers be retained.

Attendees of the field day were next treated to a tour of the Douglas Daly Research Farm facilities where

DPIR research scientists summarized results and observations from the Cell Grazing trial and learnings found

when establishing leucaena under a 10ha centre pivot irrigator.

Peter Shotton, Senior Research Scientist, Douglas Daly Research Farm, answered many questions from field

day attendees regarding the challenges of establishing and grazing leucaena.

“The biggest challenge we have had so far is matching the available dry matter of the pasture to the protein

content of the leucaena to maximize beef production,” Peter said.

“We are yet to find a pasture species that is able to produce enough dry matter during the dry season, even

under irrigation, to match the recommended dry matter : protein ratio. To address this issue we are currently

opening up additional areas to allow the animals to get the roughage they need, however the strategy is still

not perfect; the leucaena is getting too much growth on it making the most nutritious parts of the plant

unavailable (too high) for young growing animals to reach.”

The next stage of the trial will be to grow enough seed of the pasture species “Nucal” which has good cool

season growth to plant under the irrigation between the leucaena rows. There is currently a shortage of

seed of this particular cultivar.

Arthur Cameron, Principal Pasture Scientist, Berrimah Farm, was able to provide a summary of recent

research on the cool season growth of tropical grasses at Coastal Plains Research Station (CPRS), and

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DEPARTMENT OF

PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND RESOURCES Page 4 of 18 Katherine Rural Review

summaries of a series of trials looking at the rate and timing of nitrogen applications on yield and quality of

grass hay.

“The trial at CPRS showed us that there are seven other alternatives to Finecut Rhodes grass for irrigated

dry season grass hay production, particularly Nucal panic, the highest yielding cultivar. The earlier trials on

amounts and timing of nitrogen application for grass hay production showed that yield was increased by

split N applications, but the amounts needed to raise quality of the hay were uneconomic,” Arthur said.

Tahnee Thompson, Regional Manager of Department of Natural Resource Management, Katherine,

provided an overview of the future plan of the local Weed Management branch staff members.

“While in the past we have worked extensively with pastoralists to control the weeds on their property, this

will no longer be the case looking forward,” Tahnee said.

“The Weed Management Act has been around for almost a decade and it’s time for us to now start acting

upon our obligations. One of the changes stakeholders might notice is that it is no longer the sole

requirement of the owner to do something about declared weeds on their land – under the new legislation it

is also the responsibility of the land occupier, whether that be renter or lessee, to act upon the growth or

occurrence of weeds, and we will be enforcing these regulations accordingly. Upon stating that, we will of

course always be willing and open to providing advice on weed control and the development of weed

control plans.”

Callen Thompson, Senior Extension Agronomist, concluded the event with a workshop experience for

attendees titled “Spray Application Technology”.

The day was attended by representatives from nine pastoral enterprises from across the NT.

Great thanks and appreciation is given to Dr David Johnston, NT Farmers, Territory Natural Resource

Management, Territory Rural Darwin and Y-Tex Fly Tags for co-sponsoring the event.

Figure 3: Jodie Ward gives her thumbs up to the success of the day and the sponsors of the event

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DEPARTMENT OF

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DEPARTMENT OF

PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND RESOURCES Page 6 of 18 Katherine Rural Review

Spotlight on technology

By Callen Thompson, Senior Extension Agronomist, Katherine.

Where can I fly my drone?

Drones have many applications, and agriculture is fast becoming a major user of drone technology. Recent

changes have allowed commercial users such as agronomists, researchers and primary producers to use sub

two kilogram drones legally. This is great news, but where can you fly them and what are the rules?

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has just released an app called “Can I fly there”. The app uses the

location technology on your phone to tell you if you can fly your sub two kilogram drone at your current

location or at the location indicated by where you move the pointer. It also has links to the rules and

regulations around using drones for commercial and recreational use.

I thought I would test the app out at the Katherine Research Station (KRS), which as you know from

whenever we hold an outdoor field day, is close to the Tindal RAAF Base. The screen shot below show

where we are on the map. This is in the approach zone of a controlled airport. The app then tells me that I

am not to fly 90m above the height of the airport. If I want to know more about these requirements I can

follow the link, “LEARN MORE”.

This is a great tool for anyone flying a sub two kilogram drone. I was unsure if I could use a drone at KRS,

but now I know I can if I follow the directions outlined by this app.

Search for “Can I fly there” in your app store.

Please be aware of CASA regulations

before flying a drone. There are heavy

penalties for non-compliance.

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DEPARTMENT OF

PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND RESOURCES Page 7 of 18 Katherine Rural Review

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PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND RESOURCES Page 8 of 18 Katherine Rural Review

Welcome and Farewell

By Mila Bristow, Principal Research Scientist, Darwin, Teagan Alexander, Technical Officer, Katherine.

The Katherine Research Station team has recently welcomed Hemant “Raj” Pandeya who has come from the

Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, to work on two experiments on ‘Nitrogen Efficiency in

Mangoes’ in the research project ‘Optimising nutrient management for improved productivity and fruit

quality in mango’. This project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture and

Water Resources as part of its Rural R&D for Profit program, along with the Northern Territory Government

Department of Primary Industry and Resources, Queensland University of Technology’s (QUT) Institute for

Future Environments and Hort Innovation.

Raj completed his Bachelor of Agricultural Science in Nepal (from which he hails) and his Master of

Agricultural Science in Germany. The ‘Nitrogen Efficiency in Mangoes’ trials are part of his study to gain his

PhD, which is supervised by QUT’s Dave Rowlings and our own senior nutrition scientist Tony Asis. Raj’s

research is all about understanding nitrogen management

in mangoes. He will quantify nitrogen supply and losses

through the soil-plant-atmosphere system of mango

crops. His studies will quantify potentially mineralisable

plant available nitrogen, soil nitrogen turnover, losses,

and supply, and quantify mango leaf litter derived

nitrogen contribution to the plant. Combined this

research will help our mango farmers understand

profitable use of nitrogen in our NT conditions.

Raj will be based in Katherine until late January next year

as he completes his first Wet season trials.

And as we welcome Raj, we farewell Dr Ali Sarkhosh. He has headed off to Florida in the United States of

America to further his horticultural research career with the University of Florida after three and a half years

at Katherine Research Station. His valuable hard-work, experience, knowledge and happy-go-lucky

personality will be missed.

Figure 4: Raj with one of the automated chambers

Figure 5: Ali was always keen to get in and give things a go

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DEPARTMENT OF

PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND RESOURCES Page 9 of 18 Katherine Rural Review

September 2017

Inside this issue:

Livestock disease investigations.. 9

Disease investigation case reports

......................................................... 10

BHV5 can cause sudden death in

young cattle .................................. 11

Review of the Cattle Tick Program

......................................................... 12

National Arbovirus Monitoring

Program update ........................... 13

Northern Australian Biosecurity

Surveillance project ..................... 14

Screw-worm fly ........................... 15

Livestock disease investigations

The Department of Primary Industry and Resources (DPIR) provides a

free disease investigation service to livestock owners for diagnosis of

notifiable emergency, exotic and endemic disease, including zoonotic

diseases. Berrimah Veterinary Laboratories provide free diagnostic

testing for exclusion of notifiable disease for all disease

investigations, and subsidies are available to private veterinarians for

significant disease investigations in livestock. The Northern Australia

Enhanced Disease Surveillance program has been introduced from

2017 to 2019 on a trial basis providing increased subsidies for cattle

and buffalo disease events reported to and investigated by private

veterinarians. This program recognises the higher costs and

challenges associated with conducting disease investigations in more

remote regions.

During April to June 2017, 76 livestock disease investigations were

conducted to rule out emergency diseases or investigate suspect

notifiable diseases across the Northern Territory (NT). Figure 1 shows

the number of investigations by species of livestock.

Figure 6. Livestock disease investigations by species for April to June 2017

Berrimah Veterinary Laboratories processed 177 livestock sample

submissions, including samples to substantiate proof of disease

freedom certifications, for accreditation programs and targeted

surveillance to support market access.

The following case reports are a selection of field investigations of

disease incidents during the quarter.

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Disease investigation case reports

Hendra virus excluded in horse with Crotalaria sp. toxicity

Acute neurological disease was investigated in an 18-year-old stockhorse mare in June 2017. The mare had

been losing weight for the previous three weeks despite a normal appetite, and was observed to suddenly

become unbalanced with a ‘hunched up’ stance. The horse was in a group of three horses that had been

brought to the Darwin property from the Katherine region 12 months previously.

On clinical examination, the mare was mildly depressed and dragging the toes of the hind feet, which was

more apparent when turned in a tight circle. She was easily pulled to the side on the tail sway test. There

was no pain or abnormalities found. Hendra virus infection was ruled out with testing of nasal swabs and

blood. Further tests suggested that there had been injury to the liver, as well as mild muscle damage

associated with loss of muscle/movement control.

On questioning the owners, it became apparent that the horse had access to pastures containing Crotalaria

sp. over several years when residing in the Katherine region. Crotalaria sp. contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that

can cause cumulative liver damage and loss of brain function due to the liver being unable to remove toxins

from the blood (hepatic encephalopathy) in horses several months after ingestion. This condition is

commonly known as ‘Kimberley horse disease’ or ‘walkabout disease’. There is no effective treatment for

this disease. Despite no known recent exposure to alkaloids, the mare continued to deteriorate and was

euthanased. For further information see Agnote K56: Walkabout (Kimberley Horse) Disease.

Figure 2 Crotalaria crispata low growing plant and flower

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DEPARTMENT OF

PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND RESOURCES Page 11 of 18 Katherine Rural Review

Report into an investigation of a suspected case of psittacosis in a cockatiel at a

roadhouse in Central Australia

A notification was received from a member of the public with wildlife expertise who had

visited a roadhouse in Central Australia in late March 2017, advising that three

cockatiels in an aviary cage of 25 were exhibiting clinical signs consistent with

psittacosis – a significant zoonoses. A photograph of the most severely affected bird

was provided, showing the bird ’fluffed up‘ and depressed, with stained plumage and

one eye swollen and partially closed, indicating conjunctivitis and possible sinusitis.

At a follow-up visit by the regional veterinary officer, the most severely affected bird

was euthanised for necropsy. Gross necropsy revealed caseous conjunctivitis involving

both eyes. Histopathology showed a marked squamous metaplasia of lacrimal duct and

nasal mucosae, with massive intraluminal accumulation of keratin. There were no

notable gross or histological findings in other tissues. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of pooled

cloacal, tracheal and ocular swabs from the euthanased and the two other affected birds excluded influenza

type A, Newcastle Disease Virus and Chlamydiacae bacteria.

A diagnosis of hypovitaminosis A was made, and the owner was given advice to change the birds’ diet. No

further losses have been reported.

BHV5 can cause sudden death in young cattle

In the June 2017 Animal Health News we reported on a case of BHV5 which happened on a property

outside Katherine in early May 2017. BHV5 is a virus that causes inflammation (swelling) of the brain in

cattle. It was first discovered in Queensland in 1962, and is thought to be present worldwide. BHV5 is

closely related to bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV1), the virus which causes infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR)

and infectious pustular vulvovaginitis. Infection with BHV5 should be considered in cases of neurological

disease or sudden death in young cattle in Northern Australia.

BHV5 is spread through the nasal fluid of infected cattle. When cattle come into contact with this infected

fluid via the mouth or nose they become infected and the virus spreads to the brain. In the brain, the virus

can lay ‘dormant’ (not having any affect), or it can cause swelling which can cause neurological signs such as:

• depression

• tremors

• teeth grinding, mouth chomping and salivation

• circling

• laying down

There is no treatment for BHV5 and severe cases can result in death. In cattle where the virus is lying

dormant, it can reactivate and begin to cause signs if the animal becomes stressed – such as after weaning,

Figure 3 cockatiel with

hypovitaminosis A

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DEPARTMENT OF

PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND RESOURCES Page 12 of 18 Katherine Rural Review

mustering, transport or overcrowding. Disease due to BHV5 infection is most commonly seen in weaners

under six months of age.

Diagnosis of BHV5 can be made by running lab tests on nasal fluid or tissue

samples to detect the BHV5 virus. Generally a full range of post-mortem

samples, including the brain, is required. As there are some severe strains of

bovine herpesviruses which are exotic to Australia, it’s important to contact

your vet and have the appropriate testing done.

There is no specific vaccine available for BHV5. In cattle vaccinated against BHV1 or previously infected with BHV1, signs of BHV5 may be prevented. Even immune cattle can still shed the BHV5 virus to other cattle.

Review of the Cattle Tick Program

The Department of Primary Industry and Resources (DPIR) is currently responsible for the management and

delivery of a regulated Cattle Tick Program with co-operation from the cattle industry and other livestock

owners which aims to minimise the cost of cattle tick and tick fever in the Territory.

A review is currently being undertaken to ensure that an effective risk-based, practical and financially viable

program is maintained for the management of cattle tick based on clear and simple regulation, sound technical

evidence, and appropriate resource allocation through consultation with the relevant livestock industries and

other stakeholders. A discussion paper was released in September 2017 that is focused on addressing several

key issues to determine the future management and delivery of the cattle tick program in the NT. These issues

include:

which Cattle Tick Zones are required for effective management and whether the Parkhurst Zone and/or the Control Zone are needed

appropriate risk mitigation for cattle tick in high-risk species such as cattle and buffalo and/ low-risk risk species such as horses

what is appropriate risk mitigation for low-risk prior to movement who is most appropriate person to undertake the cattle tick inspection and treatment (government

inspector, third party inspector or livestock owner) and for which species appropriate certification options which may include Inspector or owner declaration.

Following these outcomes, a decision on the funding mechanism (partial cost recovery, full cost recovery, levy or a combination) for the cattle tick program in the short-term and longer-term will be required.

The review provides an overview of the history of cattle tick and management in the Territory including zoning

changes, chemical resistance, regulated livestock inspections and treatment statistics for movement, program

costs and revenue from inspection services and cattle tick management in other states. It also outlines the

current regulatory framework related to notifiable disease reporting obligations, declared areas and

movement restrictions for cattle tick and fees for service.

The potential risks associated with cattle tick management in the Territory and the issues, risks and benefits

associated with options for the future management, delivery and funding of the cattle tick program in the

Territory are presented for the cattle industry and livestock owners to consider. A timeline for the activities

that will be required if changes are to be made to the program management and/or delivery including

Figure 4: BHV5 affected weaner unable to stand

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DEPARTMENT OF

PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND RESOURCES Page 13 of 18 Katherine Rural Review

regulatory changes is also presented in the review. The review will be presented at industry organisation

meetings and livestock owners and other stakeholders can provide feedback on the review to the department.

Contact Sue Fitzpatrick. [email protected] 08 8999 2123 or 0407 498 003.

National Arbovirus Monitoring Program update

The National Arbovirus Monitoring Program (NAMP) monitors the distribution of three important insect-

borne viruses (arboviruses) of livestock – Bluetongue virus (BTV), Bovine Ephemeral Fever (BEF or three day

sickness) and Akabane. For a number of years, the zone of bluetongue virus activity in the Northern

Territory has been largely unchanged and as a result of ongoing sampling from collaborating properties, virus

activity had even been shown to be retreating northwards much to the benefit of producers in Central

Australia. The recent detection of positive animals on a property in the southern Tennant Creek District has

necessitated the movement of the NAMP Bluetongue Line southwards into the northern Alice Springs

District.

The Northern Territory currently has three zones under investigation namely a free zone, a surveillance zone

and a virus activity (transmission) zone and these zones can change seasonally. Fifteen properties have been

affected by the changes in their bluetongue status and DPIR has been in contact with properties in the new

surveillance zone to obtain additional blood samples.

BTV Zones as at 19 July 2017

Source: https://namp.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/public.php?page=pub_home&program=2

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NAMP information is used to:

support trade

NAMP information is used during export protocol negotiations and to assist exporters in meeting

export certification requirements.

provide an early warning to producers

Surveillance detects new incursions and warns producers of arbovirus spread into new areas where

cattle not previously exposed may suffer severe symptoms.

manage risk

Exporters can identify areas free from arbovirus activity to source live export cattle for arbovirus

sensitive markets. The movement of the NAMP bluetongue line southwards will prevent access for

live cattle to bluetongue sensitive markets from properties in the zone of possible transmission. As

this zone is largely determined by the distribution of the culicoides vectors, there is little that can be

done other than to monitor the distribution through blood sampling and insect trapping.

Northern Australian Biosecurity Surveillance project

The Northern Australia Biosecurity Surveillance project is funded by the Commonwealth Government under

the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper, and is focused on improving disease surveillance in northern

Australian. A number of key activities have been identified to achieve this in our extensive conditions in

2017 - resources such as tools, technology and training for cattle producers and vets, and subsidies for

livestock disease investigation.

Post-mortem (PM) sampling kits

All pastoral properties in the NT will be provided with a post-mortem (PM) sampling kit during the annual

property visits undertaken by the Livestock Biosecurity team. This kit can be used to collect samples for

laboratory diagnosis in the event that livestock get sick or die.

Private cattle vets are encouraged to use the property PM sampling kit to assist them in disease

investigations. There is also funding available to subsidise the cost of disease investigation in

livestock across northern Australia from 2017-2019.

Early-case blood samples and nasal swabs (prior to death preferred) are sought from any horse that

may have unexplained and progressive illness.

The PM sampling kit includes a maggot collection kit which staff can used to collect maggots from

fly-blown wounds.

We suggest keeping the PM sampling kit on the property in a location known to staff. The Regional

Veterinary officer will provide guidance and instruction on using and returning the sampling kit. DPIR offices

in Darwin, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs will return replenished sampling kits to the property

when submitted as part of a disease investigation.

To get a PM sampling kit for your property, please contact your local Regional Veterinary or Livestock

Biosecurity Officer.

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DEPARTMENT OF

PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND RESOURCES Page 15 of 18 Katherine Rural Review

Figure 4: PM sampling kit available for all pastoral properties

Screw-worm fly

Screw-worm fly (SWF) is an aggressive insect pest of warm blooded animals (including people, wildlife and livestock). The fly lays eggs on wounds or moist body openings. The eggs then hatch to become aggressive flesh eating maggots. SWF is related to the blowflies that cause fly-strike in Australian sheep, however SWF prefer hot, humid climates and cannot survive in frost-prone areas.

SWF is widespread through tropical regions, including some of Australia’s closest neighbours – Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. The potential spread of this pest from Papua New Guinea is one of the major biosecurity threats to northern Australia. Establishment of SWF in Australia would have major impacts on northern livestock production, livestock export trade and public health.

In order to eradicate SWF, Australia would need to establish a facility where sterile male flies could be produced in sufficient numbers to interrupt the SWF breeding cycle. The construction of such a facility could take a number of years by which time costs could approach $500 million a year in lost production and control measures. It has been estimated that up to 15 per cent of cattle could be struck at any time in the potential zone of infestation, with the greatest losses due to the deaths of newborn calves as a result of navel strike.

Keeping Australia SWF free relies upon early detection, containment and ideally eradication before it can

spread to other areas. The NT Department of Primary Industry and Resources (DPIR) maintains a number of

traps close to East Arm Wharf which specifically target SWF. In addition, biosecurity officers regularly

inspect cattle for evidence of fly strike.

Regular sampling and laboratory examination of maggots from infested wounds anywhere in Australia is also

critical to early detection. Maggot collection kits will be distributed by your local Livestock biosecurity

officer in the next few months during property visits. If you see an animal with maggots in a wound please

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DEPARTMENT OF

PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND RESOURCES Page 16 of 18 Katherine Rural Review

support surveillance by sending maggots to Berrimah Veterinary Laboratory – early detection and response

is the key to control.

Figure 5. Left- the adult Old World screw-worm fly (Chrysomya bezziana). Right- screw worm fly egg masses (white) deposited

in a wound (Animal Health Australia, 2017)

For more information go to www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/what-we-do/disease-surveillance/screw-

worm-fly/ or contact Peter Saville, DPIR SWF Coordinator, on 08 89518181 or 0401 118 181.

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DEPARTMENT OF

PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND RESOURCES Page 17 of 18 Katherine Rural Review

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DEPARTMENT OF

PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND RESOURCES Page 18 of 18 Katherine Rural Review

Katherine region events calendar

Event Location Date

Spray Technology Workshop

Katherine

Research

Station

Tuesday 17

October

2017

[email protected]

89739724

Calf Alive Capella, QLD

Friday 24

November

2017

[email protected]

Please email us with updates of events happening in your area: [email protected]

Disclaimer

While all care has been taken to ensure that information contained in this publication is true and correct at the time of publication, the Northern

Territory of Australia gives no warranty or assurance, and makes no representation as to the accuracy of any information or advice contained in this

publication, or that it is suitable for your intended use. No serious business or investment decisions should be made in reliance on this information

without obtaining independent and professional advice or both in relation to your particular situation.

Reproduction of Rural Review articles

The Department of Primary Industry and Resources (DPIR) welcomes the reproduction of articles appearing in this newsletter, but requests that the

technical information be confirmed with the editor or author, prior to publication. The department also requests that acknowledgement be made for

any original work sourced from the Katherine Rural Review.

If undelivered

please return to:

PO Box 1346

Katherine NT 0851

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