Resources
The Australian Q Fever Register has a range of fact sheets and other useful resources which we encourage you to read and download.
https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/hazards-a-z/diseases/q-fever
The NSW Parliament has passed a Bill detailing a number of changes to companion animal and prevention of cruelty to animals legislation. Most notably a veterinarian is now required to ear mark or tattoo the ear of a female companion animal at the time of desexing unless the veterinarian believes the procedure cannot be undertaken safely or humanely or the owner does not consent.
The recent passing of the Companion Animals and other legislation amendment bill contains a number of future changes to both the Companion Animals Act and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act about which veterinarians should be aware:
- An annual permit is required for entire cats over 4 months of age, dangerous dogs and restricted breeds and this permit is issued by the Council that covers the area where the animal is normally kept. The permit requirement does not apply retrospectively to registered cats, but it does to dangerous and restricted dogs.
- A clear definition for serious injury, as proposed by the AVA, to be used by Council officers when declaring a dog to be menacing or dangerous.
- The allocation of a breeder identification number to all breeders of companion animals by Office of Local Government if a person breeds a litter or by a recognised breeders organisation to its members or by a Greyhound Racing authority.
- Female dogs and cats to be ear marked or tattooed by a veterinarian at the time of desexing when the owner has given consent.
- Dogs and cats must not be advertised for sale, given away or transferred unless the advertisement includes the animal’s microchip number or the breeder’s identification number or the identification number of a rehoming organisation (issued by Office of Local Government).
- Veterinarians or their supervised employees are entitled to have limited access to the Companion Animal Register to locate the owner of a companion animal in the custody of the veterinarian or their practice.
- The above changes and proposed updates to the Companion Animal register will commence when the Act is proclaimed.
The Veterinary Practitioners Board have also posted the following information here.
For further information read the Companion Animals and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018.
Animal Welfare during dry times
Animal welfare considerations are critical when managing stock during dry times, when feed and water resources are under pressure. More information.
Available drought assistance in NSW
Information on NSW Emergency Drought Relief Package, as well as financial assistance, support and advice. More information.
Wellbeing
A range of services are available to support the wellbeing of NSW primary producers and their families delivered through the NSW Government, Commonwealth Government, private and not-for-profit sectors. More information.
For further information, visit DPI's Drought Hub.
An updated APVMA Permit 14236 for Nobivac Inactivated Rabies vaccine in NSW for animal exposure to Australian Bay Lyssavirus (ABLV) was issued earlier in 2018. This has resulted in changes in the management of ABLV exposure cases. For more information visit the DPI’s page.