2026 NABSnet Masterclass, WA

‘one of the best programs – fantastic enthusiasm’

• 32 private veterinary practitioners representing 25 businesses across WA, NT and QLD
• 11 government veterinarians, including speakers, veterinary pathologists (from WA and QLD) and members of the NABSnet program steering committee
• 9 others – production animal veterinarians from Murdoch University, botanists who presented on toxic plant investigations, and Murdoch University veterinary students who were recipients of the 2026 NABS student subsidies

Highlights included SDI case presentations by private vets – describing outbreaks of babesiosis, coccidiosis, equine neurological disease and occurrence of ill-thrift – with shared disease investigation experiences and tips.

Guest speakers covered approaches to investigations where nutrition or plant toxicities are suspected, and the pathologists covered ways to enhance the usefulness of samples submitted.

Go pathology! – 80% of responses to the ‘what will you do differently?’ evaluation question involved techniques for sample collection

Australia’s acting Chief Veterinary Officer, WA’s Chief Veterinary Officer, veterinary epidemiologists and pathologists provided global updates on EADs – Lumpy Skin Disease, HPAI Avian Influenza and African Swine Fever – and the results from a recent northern Australia vet and producer survey regarding likelihood of detection and reporting of EADs, specifically LSD and Screw Worm Fly.

A tour of DPIRD’s molecular laboratory demonstrated the processes, requirements and timeframes for EAD screening and exclusion testing.

Overall another fantastic NABSnet Masterclass – lots of opportunities to learn, meet people and make new connections (and earn 13 VetEd CPD points)! Thanks to all, especially Tom Clune at DPIRD who did so much of the organisational heavy-lifting.