Cattle Skin Survey
In this project northern veterinarians sample cattle skin lesions seen during routine work. This helps further describe the typical range of skin conditions in northern Australia and contributes to the ‘evidence of absence’ of LSD. It’s also an opportunity to remind people who work with cattle to watch for skin lesions.
Producers should be clear that these are NOT suspect LSD cases. Any suspect LSD lesions are EAD-urgent: call the hotline 1800 675 888 and notify your jurisdiction.
Each property submission can be invoiced through NABSnet for $600+GST (+ freight where relevant). LSD sampling kits will be supplied, with a standard submission form and simple supplementary form.
An info flyer for the property owner is also available.
Steps to submit samples:
- For each clinical condition on the property, draft off up to 2 animals for sampling.
- Photograph the lesions.
- Collect two biopsies from each animal: a formalin fixed and a fresh sample.
- Collect serum and EDTA blood from each animal sampled if possible (not critical).
- Fill in the history and description of the lesions on the lab submission AND supplementary forms.
- Pack the samples and send to the state laboratory with the two forms, to arrive the next day.
- Email the photos AND the submission forms to NABS@aff.gov.au and to your state lab (addresses below).
NT: BVL.DITT@nt.gov.au
QLD: bslclo@daf.qld.gov.au
WA: DDLS@dpird.wa.gov.au
Any questions – contact Tom De Ridder, NABSnet project manager, 0401 877 670, email NABS@aff.gov.au
Above: Locations of cattle skin survey sampling (to December 2024).
Below: Examples of skin conditions observed in the survey.
