Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Department of Primary Industries

Acute Bovine Liver Disease

The sudden death of one or more cattle is often the first sign of Acute Bovine Liver Disease (ABLD), formerly known as Rough Dogstail Associated Syndrome.

By Department of Primary Industries - 12th April 2005 - Back to News

Diagnosis of ABLD is difficult as the symptoms are similar to those caused by Facial Eczema, Blue Green Algae toxicity or Boobialla poisoning.

Affected cattle suffer acute liver damage and may die within a day or two of exposure to the toxin, and the survivors generally suffer from photosensitization.

If affected cattle are to be saved, immediate veterinary treatment is necessary.

In recent weeks there have been several suspected outbreaks of the disease in East Gippsland. The clinical picture has been the same in each case; there is a sudden onset of depressed milk supply followed 12 –24 hours later by either death or a very sick animal. Some of the cattle have developed photosensitivity in conjunction with a bloated appearance. On post mortem examination there is severe haemorrhagic signs in the fourth stomach and intestines as well as large haemorrhages on the heart, liver, gall bladder, kidneys and lining of the abdominal cavity. Microscopic examination of the liver shows an extensive picture of cell destruction.

The toxic principle is at present not known but is thought to be a fungal toxin produced on pasture given the right conditions. The disease seems to occur in the autumn when the weather conditions are balmy, with dewy nights and fine, still days. Rough Dogstail is often present, however it is uncertain whether this grass actually causes the disease.

DPI Animal health staff are coordinating the collection of information regarding outbreaks of ABLD in an effort to pin point the cause of the disease.

In the meantime, any sudden deaths or onset of photosensitization in your herd should be investigated and treated by your vet. For further information contact your local District Veterinary Officer.

CROP HEALTH SERVICES - KNOXFIELD

The Crop Health Services (CHS) Diagnostic Service offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic services on plant diseases and pests and will also provide management recommendations as appropriate.

CHS have diagnostic, technical and taxonomic staff knowledgeable in all aspects of plant diseases, plus specialist backup from Institute for Horticultural Development scientists and resources.

Features of the Service

• rapid and accurate diagnosis
• unbiased and up-to-date advice
• specialist staff and facilities
• confidentiality of client information
• AQIS approval
• AS/NZS 9001:2000 quality assurance certification

Benefits

Increased profits through:

• more cost-efficient control of pests and diseases; and
• improved production, quality and marketability of produce.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Morwell CBD double-storey car park set to deliver more than 120 additional free parking spaces soon
  Preparation works have begun for Morwell’s new double-storey CBD car park, expected to start construction in October, adding more than 120 free spaces and completing Latrobe City’s Regional Car Parks Fund projects.
• Howitt Park pedestrian bridge replacement begins, delivering safer and more accessible Clifton Creek crossing by December
  Work begins this month to replace Howitt Park's ageing timber pedestrian bridge with a $652,420 accessible steel and concrete crossing, improving safety and accessibility before expected completion in December.
• Wellington Shire Council retains three-bin waste system as landfill waste falls, delivering savings and supporting long-term waste management
  Wellington Shire Council will retain its three-bin kerbside waste service after landfill waste fell more than 40 per cent, reducing disposal costs and supporting lower household waste charges.
• Upgraded Traralgon Indoor Stadium welcomes more community sport and elite events with $6M investment
  A $6 million upgrade to Traralgon Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium delivers improved facilities, creates local jobs, and positions the venue to attract more elite sporting events and community participation.
• Moe’s first women’s cricket team makes history as $11M Ted Summerton Reserve upgrade boosts regional sport and accessibility
  Moe’s Ted Summerton Reserve has received an $11 million upgrade, delivering improved sporting facilities, accessibility and female-friendly change rooms ahead of the town’s first women’s cricket match. The project supported 370 jobs.
• South Gippsland offers more than 40 free and low-cost activities during Victorian Seniors Festival month this October
  South Gippsland will celebrate Victorian Seniors Festival month in October with more than 40 free and low-cost activities, including movement, sport, socialising, learning, arts, culture and creative events for seniors.
• Latrobe Valley commuters will receive longer trains and more seats under a Nationals-Liberals plan to increase regional rail capacity and reduce crowding
  The Nationals and Liberals plan to allocate five additional V’Locity sets to Traralgon and Bairnsdale, delivering 1,100 extra seats and reducing regional rail crowding.
• Latrobe City Positive Ageing Festival returns with more than 100 events celebrating connection, activity and older residents this October
  Latrobe City’s Positive Ageing Festival returns in October with more than 100 free and low-cost events supporting older residents through connection, activity, learning and community participation.
• Gippsland Line set for longer trains and more seats under Nationals-Liberals plan to tackle peak-period overcrowding
  The Nationals and Liberals have pledged five additional VLocity sets, adding 1,110 seats on Gippsland services to reduce overcrowding and improve peak-period travel for passengers.
• The Nationals blame Labor government after 84 more jobs cut at Maryvale paper mill in Latrobe Valley
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron blamed the Victorian Labor government after Opal announced 84 job cuts at Maryvale, arguing forestry policy and timber supply failures caused ongoing workforce losses.
• Trafalgar BMX track upgraded for safer, faster and more enjoyable riding experiences for local riders
  Trafalgar BMX track has reopened following a $26,000 upgrade, featuring reshaped jumps, straights and berms, improved drainage and enhanced safety. Council says the works will support active recreation and the growing local BMX community.