Wider bird flu spread worrying, animal health body says
The head of the World Organisation for Animal Health says it is worrying to see the spread of bird flu to more different species.
animal diseases
Search for children who may have handled infected bat
A search for four children who were seen playing with an infected bat in Ipswich continues as authorities warn the infection can be deadly to humans.
Kitty catastrophe as shelters impose ‘paws’ on felines
Just as peak "kitten season" gets underway, the RSPCA has imposed a four-week ban on the intake of surrendered and stray cats at its NSW shelters.
Beekeepers shift to suppress spread of deadly parasite
A parasitic mite that preys on bees has spread so far beyond a containment zone that authorities have been forced to switch to a suppression strategy.
Koala chlamydia vaccine trial secures $750k in funding
The federal government has invested $750,000 in a new Queensland trial to vaccinate koalas against a sexually transmitted infection.
People examined after NSW horse dies of Hendra virus
NSW has recorded its first case of the Hendra horse virus in years and is trying to assess who came into contact with the animal before its death.
Lyssavirus warning after sick bat found on Gold Coast
Members of the public have been warned to never handle bats after a flying fox was found with the fatal Australian bat lyssavirus on the Gold Coast.
Crocodiles are uniquely protected against fungal infections. This might one day help human medicine too
As the threat of antibiotic-resistant microbes grows, so does our need for new and effective treatments. Could the defensins of these beasts hold the answers to help create a new wave of life-saving therapeutics?
WHO working with Cambodia on ‘worrying’ bird flu
The World Health Organisation has described the global H5N1 bird flu situation as "worrying" after two human cases of the disease were reported in Cambodia.
Scientists develop new vaccine for encephalitis in pigs
Scientists have developed a new Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine for pigs to help stop the spread of this mosquito-borne disease.
Warning of tick season with real bite
A wet winter and spring in Australia's east is driving a surge in tick cases among pets, including in normally tick-free areas like Melbourne's suburbs.
Bat behaviour sparks Hendra virus risk
An Australian study has revealed encroachment into the habitat of bats is driving them into agricultural areas, increasing the risk of Hendra virus spillover.
Ditch pig eradication programs: experts
Feral pigs are a major problem for Australian farms and ecosystems but scientists say trying to exterminate them won't work.
Qld plans livestock biosecurity task force
The state will recruit biosecurity officers to prepare the livestock industry for disease risks as Australia strives to remain foot and mouth disease-free.
Scientists buzzing about mite pesticide
Australian scientists are developing a pesticide that can specifically target the varroa mite as NSW authorities remain hopeful they can eradicate the parasite.
Govt foot and mouth response ‘flat-footed’
The federal opposition has again criticised the government's response to the threat of foot and mouth disease entering Australia after an outbreak in Indonesia.
New measures to stop foot and mouth spread
Biosecurity officers could be given extra powers to screen air passengers, with the federal government working to keep foot and mouth disease out of Australia.
Biosecurity boost to halt foot and mouth
The federal government will spend $14 million to help prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease in Australia.
Alarm bells ring on foot and mouth disease
As tourists return to Bali, there are calls for compulsory disinfectant footbaths at airports to prevent the disease infiltrating Australia.
Two people exposed to Hendra virus horse
Two people exposed to a horse infected with Hendra virus in North Queensland are set to receive antibody treatment.
Hendra virus detected on Mackay property
A horse has been put down in Mackay after testing positive for the Hendra virus, Queensland's first case of the disease since 2017.
More beehives destroyed as NSW fights mite
A new eradication zone has been established in NSW as hundreds of beehives are destroyed in the battle to contain an outbreak of the deadly varroa mite.
Mite could indirectly threaten native bees
A ecologist says native bees and plants could suffer if the parasitic varroa mite found in NSW takes hold across the country.
Floods may ramp up fungus threat for frogs
A biologist fears a fungus involved in a mass die off of frogs last winter could take a heavy toll again, on the back of the floods.
More Japanese encephalitis detected in Vic
The mosquito-borne virus Japanese encephalitis has been detected in more Victorian pig farms.