Department of Primary
Industry and Fisheries
GPO Box 3000
Darwin NT 0801
Phone: (08) 8999 2214
ISSN 1320-727X
Editors:
Arthur Cameron &
Stuart Smith
Table of Contents
Editor
Editor .......................................... 1
Top Paddock has expanded to include the Plant Industries Newsletter. This
means that this edition of Top Paddock contains articles of plant industry
interest, along with the regular articles from the pastoral and livestock
industries. So the breadth of articles in this edition is wider than normal,
which will be good for the education of all readers.
Pea Cultivar Trial 2014 ............... 2
Sweet corn cultivar evaluation –
Berrimah NT Dry season 2014 ... 4
Passionfruit Research at
Berrimah Farm............................ 7
Biogas in the Top End ................ 8
Important diseases affecting
cattle productivity in the Northern
Territory ...................................... 9
This month there are articles on growing green peas and sweet corn in the
Top End. Although green peas are not a commercial crop, there may be
some growers out there interesting in cultivating a small amount in this
year’s dry season. Sweet corn is a small industry in the Top End, but could
develop more into domestic and export markets if there are entrepreneurs
willing to give it a go.
Screw Worm Fly ....................... 11
A new disease? Drooling,
diarrhoea and death – the 3D
Syndrome ................................. 12
The passionfruit industry is at an early stage of development in the tropics.
Inside is a short summary of what we are doing to help the industry along
with our trial work on Berrimah Farm.
National Transmissible
Spongiform Encephalopathies
Surveillance Program (NTSESP)
in the Northern Territory ........... 13
This edition also has an article on the use of biogas for energy. Given the
isolation of many NT stations and communities, biogas may be a viable
energy option while being good for the environment.
Pastarol Market Update ............ 14
This month also has articles on some important cattle pests and diseases:
Leptospirosis, Pestivirus, Screw Worm Fly and a possible new disease,
“Drooling, diarrhoea and death - the 3D syndrome”. These pests and
diseases are very unpleasant, and in the case of Leptospirosis, may even
infect people. Our veterinarians share how to recognise these pests and
diseases and manage them in the herd.
There is also information in this issue about the National Transmissible
Spongiform Encephalopathies Surveillance Program. More than just a
mouthful to say, it is important that Australia ensures that we are free from
Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE), or “Mad Cow Disease”.
To do this requires testing of cattle from all regions in the NT, and details of
the program are inside.
An audit of brands in the NT will commence soon. There are 1200 brands
in the NT and it is vital that registration details are correct. You can check
yours online, details are inside. Did you also know that you cannot sell a
brand with a property? Find out inside what you actually have to do.
One of our obligations under the National Emergency Animal Disease
Response agreement is to maintain a core group of people who are
experienced at shooting from aerial platforms. Our staff are finding it
difficult to keep up their experience, so we may be able to offer our services
to organisations involved in feral animal control.
Finally, have a look at the comprehensive Pastoral Market update.
Cheers from the Editors, Arthur and Stuart
Page 1 of 17
Pea Cultivar Trial 2014
Heather Wallace, Technical Officer
Stuart Smith, Senior Research Scientist, Darwin
Introduction
While Green Peas are not grown as a commercial crop in the Top End, home gardeners and hobby farmers may
be interested in growing some for domestic use. There may be a small demand at local markets and
supermarkets. A trial using three varieties of pea was carried out on Berrimah Farm during the 2014 dry season.
As photoperiod and temperature regulate pea flowering and fruiting, it was of interest to determine how quickly the
peas would flower under Darwin conditions.
Method and Materials
Early Gem, Market King and Melbourne Market pea varieties were direct sown into planting holes in plastic mulch
on 28th May 2014. They were not trellised. The growing system used was plastic mulch over trickle tape placed on
top of the ground. Water was applied twice a day for 15 minutes at 9am and 2pm. NitrophoskaTM fertiliser was
added weekly through the drip tape. Basal fertiliser and lime were added prior to planting.
Plants were assessed regularly for height, number of nodes per plant and average number of peas per pod.
Caterpillars boring in pea pods were the only pests detected. These were controlled using Dipel® Bacillus
thuringiensis plus Agral surfactant at label rates.
Results
Attribute
Average Height
(55days after planting)
Days to flowering
Average Number of nodes per plant
Average number of peas per pod
Melbourne Market
32.0cm
Market King
43.4cm
Early Gem
25.2cm
33
9
6
50
7
8
42
5
6
Images of plants and pods sixty days after planting are presented below.
Page 2 of 17
Results
Height
All cultivars were shorter than their advertised height. According to Bruno Tegani, former Chief Executive of
Fairbanks Seeds, the average time to flowering in Victoria for Melbourne Market is around 100 days, followed by
110 and 120 days for Early Gem and Market King respectively. The early flowering at Berrimah Farm was a
consequence of heat and day length, with average temperatures around 25OC for the growing period and day
length around 11 hours 25 minutes.
All varieties developed fruit. Melbourne Market and Early Gem senesced early after producing a reasonable
amount of pods. Market King continued to grow vegetatively more than the other cultivars, but did not produce as
many pods.
Market King and Melbourne Market initially grew at a similar rate. Melbourne Market plants began to decline when
they had produced a good number of fruit with filled out pods. The Early Gem produced few flowers and some
small fruit which were well filled out.
Market King was the most vegetative of all three cultivars, but was not as productive as Melbourne Market. Early
Gem was the least attractive of the three cultivars.
Recommendation
Peas in the Top End will not yield as much as they do in Southern Australia. They will still yield a crop very quickly.
With sequential sowings it would be possible to grow peas all through the dry season. Currently, Melbourne Market
would be the preferred cultivar. Plants should start yielding about 6 weeks after sowing. Planting in this trial
occurred in late May; it could probably continue until mid-July and still provide a successful crop. Further work will
need to be carried out to confirm this. There were few pests and disease in this trial, except for Heliocoverpa which
bored into pods; an insecticide program would be needed to keep them under control.
Market
King
Early Gem
Pea varieties in field; 15th July 2014
Page 3 of 17
Melbourne
Market
Sweet corn cultivar evaluation – Berrimah NT Dry season 2014
Paige Richter, Technical Officer,
Stuart Smith, Senior Research Officer, Darwin
Summary
Two commercial hybrid cultivars of sweet corn, Broadway and Max, were grown at Berrimah Farm during the dry
season of 2014. Number of cobs per plant, number of tillers, weight of cobs (with and without sheath), cob length,
cob diameter, kernel dry matter and brix were all measured and there were no significant differences between
cultivars. Subjectively, there were no differences in growth patterns or time to developmental stages between
cultivars. The only pest problem encountered was Helicoverpa infestation in the silk end at harvest. Neither of the
cultivars had brix levels high enough for commercial cultivation according to industry standards.
Introduction
Sweet corn is a major vegetable crop in Australia, with 70 808 tonnes from 6 744 ha measured at the last census
(ABS 2011). It has been grown commercially in the Northern Territory at Katherine, but there can be problems
sourcing enough workers to hand harvest the crop. All corn currently sold in the NT is grown in southern Australian
states. Most of the sweet corn in Australia is grown in NSW and Victoria with smaller amounts in Queensland,
Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania. Around 80% of Australia’s production is for the processing
market and 20% is for the fresh market.
There is an opportunity to replace corn imported from other States into the NT with locally grown product. Two
cultivars were grown in the dry season in Berrimah, NT in 2014; Broadway (Terranova Seeds) and Max (Fairbanks
Seeds). These cultivars were recommended by the companies. There are many other cultivars commercially
available with new lines being developed regularly. Such cultivars include Goldensweet Improved, Hybrix 5 and
Gladiator.
The characteristics used to determine the quality of sweet corn include cob weight, visual appearance and dry
matter (%) at harvest. Consumers demand large cobs that have a uniform golden colour. Premium prices are paid
for large sheathed cobs weighing approximately 350g.
Cultivars vary in the amount of cobs produced, with some producing only one per plant and others up to three.
Tiller numbers per plant also varies with the cultivar. As tillers rarely produce marketable cobs they are considered
undesirable by growers.
Cobs should be harvested when the dry matter measures 15-25% and a Brix measurement range of 14-22o.
Premium cobs measure at the upper end of the Brix range.
Cob length and diameter were also assessed in this trial. Although there is no reported industry standard for cob
length, the Broadway cultivar should have an average cob length of 18-19cm and Max an average of 19cm. Cobs
are then considered at optimal marketability when at least 90% of the cob has fully developed kernels. Cob
diameter without sheath is generally 4.5-5.2cm.
Materials and methods
Corn seed was planted into holes made in plastic mulch on the 29th May 2014. The growing system used trickle
tape placed on top of the ground under the plastic. The corn seedlings emerged in 4-5 days for both cultivars.
Tasselling/silking started around 5 July, 37 days after sowing. Harvest started on the 1st August, 63 days after
sowing. Harvest finished on the 8th August, 70 days after sowing.
The corn was watered twice a day, for 15 minutes at 9am and 15 minutes at 2pm. NitrophoskaTM fertiliser was
added weekly through the drip tape. Basal fertiliser and lime were added at planting according to local practice.
Page 4 of 17
Max Hybrid – showing plastic mulch growing system; 9th July 2014
The following parameters were assessed:
1. Number of cobs per plant at harvest
2. Number of tillers per plant
3. Weight of cob (with and without sheath)
4. Cob length and diameter (without sheath)
5. % kernel dry matter
6. Brix
Results
Table 1: Average for each parameter and test of significance
Cultivar
Cobs/plant Tillers/plant Cob
Cob
weight
weight
sheath
sheath
on (g)
off (g)
Broadway
1.6
1.25
289
185
Max
1.56
0.95
253
173
Cob
length
(mm)
Cob diameter
(mm)
Dry
matter
(%)
oBrix
165
163
47
45
24.91
20.16
10.45
10.66
There were no statistically significant differences between the two cultivars.
Discussion
The corn grew well and had a reasonable yield. The time to harvest was relatively quick, at the lower end of the
maturity scale at 70 days. The growing conditions for the corn under the plastic was not the industry standard, but
was probably optimal for the growth of the corn. Use of plastic mulch has previously been reported to decrease the
days to maturity by 7-13 days.
There were between one and three cobs per plant, with most having one mature size cob. Most of the cobs
matured at the same time, independent of cultivar. Some plants produced second cobs that were underdeveloped.
Although this is not uncommon, the accelerated maturation may have caused a greater number of small,
unmarketable cobs. There was no discernible difference in the colour of sheaths or kernels between the two
Page 5 of 17
cultivars. Both cultivars also suffered similar amounts of damage to the tips of some cobs due to the Heliocoverpa
infestation.
Plants usually had around 1 tiller in addition to their main stem. Although this is undesirable by growers, there is no
conclusive evidence that tillers negatively affect yield.
Cob fresh weight with sheath averaged 253-289 grams. This is below the optimal weight for marketable fresh
cobs. Cob diameter was also at the lower end of the scale, measuring an average of 4.5-4.7cm. Length of cobs
averaged 16.3-16.5cm. This is shorter than the 18-19cm advertised by the seed companies. This may be due to
the early maturing of the plants, as early maturing crops tend to produce yields of lesser quality.
Moisture at harvest was around industry standard, with most cobs falling in the 15-25% dry matter range. The Brix,
however, was lower than expected. Sensory evaluation showed that the corn was very palatable, but the average
measure of 10.45-10.66 oBrix was about half what was expected at harvest. Cultivation methods and
environmental factors can significantly influence Brix levels in any crop. The early maturation of the crop may have
resulted in a lower Brix average, but other factors such as cultivar selection, soil fertility, weather conditions, and
even the time of day readings are taken will all interact to influence Brix levels.
Post-harvest procedures also influence yield quality. In order to delay the conversion of sugars to starch,
commercial growers precool cobs to remove field heat before storing them in coolrooms. This is often done by
running cold water over the cob crates soon after they are harvested. This cools the cobs’ cores by up to 75%,
which is typically not achieved just by storing them in coolrooms. This trial forewent precooling. Brix readings were
conducted once the cobs had been stored in coolrooms. It is possible this caused kernel moisture to be lower in
sugars, lowering Brix readings.
Neither cultivar is suitable for commercial production in the Darwin region. Factors which may have been
responsible for, or contributed to the poor quality, include the Helicoverpa infestation or use of plastic mulch, which
may have stressed the plants during growth. For instance, the mulch may have intensified soil temperature,
becoming too high for optimal plant growth or causing the watering regime to be inadequate. Further investigation
is required to determine cause of unsuitability of these cultivars in northern NT.
Conclusion
Both cultivars performed below optimum, failing to meet several industry standards for quality measures. Further
studies should be conducted to determine the suitability of Broadway and Max cultivars for tropical regions of
Australia, and the viability of using plastic mulch for growing sweet corn.
Sweet corn trial; 9th July 2014
Page 6 of 17
Passionfruit Research at Berrimah Farm
Mark Tranyor, Technical Officer, Darwin
A major part of the passionfruit research effort being conducted by the Plant Industries
Development Group is the evaluation of available tropical germplasm in a search for
improved panama types. This will provide growers with the option of planting with
superior clonal material and move away from seedling production which can result in
significant variability in vine yields and fruit characteristics.
A total of 300 seedlings was recently planted at Berrimah Farm and should flower and
fruit in around 7 to 8 months. At this time the yield and fruit quality of individual vines
will be assessed and any that show a high level of the desired traits will be vegetatively
propagated. Further assessment of these selected vines may then result in quality
clones well suited to Top End passionfruit production.
Planting passionfruit
Passionfruit Trial - Berrimah Agricultural Research Centre
Page 7 of 17
Biogas in the Top End
Paige Richter, Technical Officer, Darwin
Several staff members from the Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries attended a seminar presented by Dr
Jayant Keskar from the Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the
Environment (CRC CARE), held in conjunction with Territory Natural Resource Management, in December 2014.
Dr Keskar spoke about the possibilities of turning organic waste into energy here in the NT. Such waste included
vegetable/fruit waste, livestock manure, wastes from agricultural and food processing, and biosolids from municipal
wastewater treatment plants. This material can be run through systems that use bacteria to produce biogas, which
is typically 50-80% methane. This methane can be utilised back into businesses, for example as energy for
generating electricity or heat, or can be purified and used as fuel for vehicles. Other solids and liquids, termed
digestate, are also formed during the anaerobic digestion process. Digestate contains substantial amounts of
nitrogen, potassium, phosphorous and carbon, which is ideal to be used as fertiliser or compost.
Biogas systems are closed-looped, where all outputs can be utilised. There are many different designs depending
on the types of inputs and outputs being used, and can be implemented on a commercial scale, right down to a
domestic scale. Biogas plants are substantial investments, but according to Dr Keskar, they can have a payback
period of only 2-6 years depending on the type of waste and biogas system being implemented. Businesses can
possibly save on electricity, waste disposal, and fertiliser costs, or may profit from creating purified gas, vehicular
fuel or through sale of digestate for fertiliser use. There are also environmental advantages, such as reduced
greenhouse gas emissions, reduced fossil fuel consumption and ethical use of organic wastes.
Biogas plants are quite common in some countries, with Germany having over 8000 plants. They are a method of
reducing Australia’s reliance on fossil fuels and give businesses more independence in producing their own energy.
There are some biogas plants in Australia, but most of these are based on wastewater treatment plants. CRC
CARE hopes to raise the awareness of biogas technology in Australia, and to develop more industrial and
agricultural based biogas plants. Unfortunately not all businesses will financially benefit from a biogas system, and
CRC CARE offers consultation with individuals and biomethane potential testing to determine the suitability of a
biogas plant for their business.
Territory Natural Resource Management is keen to continue to explore the potential of biogas in the NT, and hopes
to see the technology develop in the future.
For more information and contact details for CRC CARE, you can visit:
http://www.crccare.com/products-and-services/biomethane-potential-testing
Covered lagoon based biogas system.
Intensive piggery systems, diaries and
abattoirs have proved successful in reducing
waste and saving costs, using CRC CARE
technology in Victoria.
Page 8 of 17
Important diseases affecting cattle productivity in the Northern
Territory
Leptospirosis
Wet and humid environments are the perfect breeding grounds for a number of bacteria, Leptospira is one such
bacteria. Leptospira is the bacteria responsible for Leptospirosis, a contagious disease that has the ability to infect
animals and also cause serious diseases in humans. Animals infected can include pigs (domestic and wild), cattle,
sheep, rats, goats and horses. The strains commonly found in cattle are Leptospira hardjobovis and Leptospira
pomona.
The disease can be spread through urine, or at birth or abortion, resulting in the contamination of water, feed,
pastures and soil. Once in the environment, the bacteria are able to infect animals and humans through damaged
skin or the membranes lining the nose, eyes or mouth.
Clinical signs in cattle will vary depending upon the strain of the disease. In general, signs associated with
Leptospirosis include weak newborns, fever, infertility, mastitis, jaundice, depression and anorexia. Abortion
‘storms’ may also be seen in cows that are greater than five months pregnant. Abortions may occur weeks after
initial symptoms, or even in the absence of symptoms.
It is important to note that it is not only cattle that have recovered from Leptospirosis that are capable of spreading
the disease. Cattle that have not shown any symptoms can be carriers and are considered to be a high risk source
of infection for both animals and humans.
Once exposed, cattle that recover from the disease will develop immunity to that specific strain of leptospirosis for
periods of up to seven months. Calves may also acquire temporary immunity through the colostrum of vaccinated
or previously infected cows.
Vaccination is not common in the Northern Territory. However, there is risk of leptospirosis devastating individual
herds, causing severe economic losses. Options are available in the form of ‘7 in 1’ vaccines, which cover L.
hardjobovis and L. pomona, and bivalent leptospirosis vaccines. Reducing the feral pig population is also an
important management strategy as L. pomona is normally associated with contact of pig and rat urine.
Blood samples are the most practical means of confirming whether stock have Leptospirosis. Ideally, blood
samples will be collected twice with the second set of sampling to occur four to six weeks after initial sampling.
Other methods include analysis of urine samples, or sampling of the blood, liver, kidney or spleen from the foetus.
In the Northern Territory, there are 1-4 cases of Leptospirosis reported in humans per year. People who work in
livestock industries are at risk as they are likely to be infected from contaminated urine, through splashes into
the eyes or open wounds. Infection may also occur from contact with water, mud, soil or vegetation that has
been contaminated with animal urine. Handling the foetus of an aborted calf, or assisting with calving can be a
further source of infection for humans.
Human infection of leptospirosis is a notifiable to the NT Department of Health. Symptoms will generally occur ten
days following exposure to the disease. Common symptoms include, fever, headache, chills, severe muscle pains
and reddened eyes. Illness may last for a number of weeks; relapses are common however it is rare for person to
person transmission to occur. Vaccination of cattle reduces the chance of staff contracting leptospirosis.
Pestivirus
Pestivirus, also known as Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) or Mucosal Disease, is an acute, highly contagious,
worldwide disease of cattle that results in reproductive loss and intestinal and respiratory disease. Results from the
serosurvey conducted in 2010 indicated that pestivirus was commonly recorded in all regions of the NT.
The virus is spread via direct contact with infected materials such as saliva, nasal secretions, urine, faeces and birth
fluids of persistently infected (PI) animals. These PI cattle are the main means of spread of the disease. Temporary
high-stocking situations such as mustering, yarding, trucking and supplementary feeding/watering sites all contribute to
the spread of the virus.
PI animals should always be considered where some young cattle in a mob are doing very poorly while other cattle are
doing very well. These are calves born from cows that were infected prior to 125 days of gestation. PI animals are
Page 9 of 17
generally ill thrifty and most will die before two years of age. However some will appear normal and may even enter
the breeding herd undetected and continue to infect those cattle around them throughout their life.
The Impact
In adult cattle, pestivirus infection usually causes only mild flu-like symptoms with low mortality rates. Once
recovered, infected animals (other than PI cattle), develop a long-lasting immunity to the disease.
The major issue occurs if non-immune heifers and cows are exposed and infected for the first time during pregnancy.
At a herd level this can result in severe consequences. Effects of the disease vary according to the stage of pregnancy
the cow/heifer is in when it becomes infected:




Infection at the time of mating – disrupts cycling and causes early foetal death
Infection at 1-4 months – causes abortion or produces PI calves
Infection at 4-6 months – causes abortions or abnormal calves (brain and eye defects)
Infection at 7-9 months – generally causes no problems
Once a heifer or cow has been exposed to the virus and developed immunity, future pregnancies will not be affected,
even if she is re-exposed to the virus later on. On a limited survey carried out on 13 properties in the NT, it was found
that 63% of animals had been infected with pestivirus by the time they were three years old. In some areas, around
Alice Springs and the Stuart Plateau, it was found that more than 90% of the heifers had been infected with the virus
before they were two years of age and thus vaccination against the virus would be unnecessary in these mobs.
In herds with high numbers of non-immune animals, the introduction of pestivirus can result in massive losses through
abortion storms, where a high proportion of breeding cows will abort their pregnancies. Such occurrences will have
flow on effects as the cows will then be able to become pregnant later in the season, causing increased out-of-season
calves.
In herds with high levels of persistent infection, it is estimated that annual losses of up to 7% of calves can occur.
Management Strategies
A first step toward deciding a management strategy is to define the pestivirus status of the property by serological
testing of cows and heifer herds. There are four strategies that cattle producers may wish to consider regarding the
management of pestivirus:
1. Do nothing and accept current losses and risk of ‘abortion storms’
2. Vaccinate all heifers prior to joining:
o
Immunity lasts 12 months and protects the heifers during their first pregnancy. During this time they
should be exposed to the virus and develop their own natural lifelong immunity.
A course of two vaccinations, four weeks to six months apart is required. The second dose must occur
four weeks prior to joining, as immunity will not develop until after the second dose is administered.
The current cost of vaccination is approximately $5 per dose and can be purchased ‘over the counter’.
This strategy should be sufficient for properties with high levels of infection.
o
o
3. Vaccinate heifers as above and continue to administer annual vaccination to entire breeding herd:
o
This may be necessary for properties with low levels of underlying infection, as heifers may not be
exposed to the virus naturally during their first pregnancy, missing the chance to develop their own
lifelong immunity.
Provides ongoing insurance against an abortion storm.
o
4. Autovaccination program using PI animals:
o
Identify PI animals through blood or ear notch testing. Stock heifers with PI animals at a rate of 34% in close contact for 24-48 hours.
It must be noted that once any control protocol is commenced it must not suddenly be terminated as this would leave
the entire herd in a naive state and open for an abortion storm.
Should readers have any questions or queries regarding this diseases or others, please contact John Eccles, Regional
Veterinary Officer on 08 8973 9716 or John.Eccles@nt.gov.au
Page 10 of 17
Screw Worm Fly
Old world screw worm fly is present throughout South-East Asia and Papua New Guinea and is one of the most
serious emergency animal disease threats to the northern livestock industry.
Screw-worm fly is an insect parasite of warm-blooded animals. The fly looks similar to Australian blowflies, with red
eyes and a shiny blue-green body. Flies lay eggs on the edge of open wounds from scratches, tick bites, injury,
branding, dehorning or castration. Female flies are capable of laying several egg masses during their lifetime, with
each mass consisting of between 100 and 300 eggs.
The larvae (maggots) can grow up to 15 mm in length and 3 mm in diameter, and are white or cream in colour.
They are given a screw-like appearance by the dark spines that grow on each body segment. Once they hatch, the
larvae will feed on the underlying flesh, causing extensive tissue damage. Left untreated, animals can die from
infection and loss of tissue fluid.
When mature, the maggots will exit the wound and drop to the ground where they will burrow into the soil and
remain until they have developed and re-emerged as adult flies. As the adults are able to fly and spread
themselves over large distances, the spread of screw worm would be rapid if not detected early.
Screw worm fly laying its eggs in a wound.
Source: http://www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/screwwormflya
Screw worm fly egg masses (white) deposited in a
wound.
Source: http://www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/screwwormfly
Screw worm fly is a notifiable disease in the NT and suspect cases should be reported.
Call 1800 675 888
If you were to see any maggots on any animals, please:
1. Collect up to ten larvae from DEEP in the wound with forceps. Screw worm fly larvae may be difficult
to remove and burrow deeper into the wound when disturbed.
2. Collect larvae of different sizes if possible.
3. Drop larvae into HOT water for one minute. This causes the larvae to extend allowing better
identification.
4. Place maggots in either: 10% formalin; or 70% ethanol; or vinegar.
Drop larvae samples off at your regional office to continue with the screw-worm freedom assurance
program.
If you require further information about screw-worm fly visit: http://www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/swf
Page 11 of 17
A new disease? Drooling, diarrhoea and death – the 3D Syndrome
Sue Fitzpatrick, Darwin
The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) in New South Wales has advised that pastoralists in the Mossgiel, Hay
and Ivanhoe areas of New South Wales have been reporting cattle deaths from what has come to be known as “3D
Syndrome”. Since first reports were received in 2006, combined losses across properties where the disease is
known to have occurred are reported to be significant.
So far all samples collected have tested negative for exotic viruses and the cause of 3D syndrome has yet to be
identified. The pattern of disease which has been seen on the affected properties combined with the negative
results indicates that the disease is not caused simply by an infectious agent. At present there is no evidence of
property to property spread, so there is no justification in placing restrictions on cattle movements; however
investigations are continuing.
Typically cases of 3D syndrome occur between November and January in cattle older than 5 months, although on
properties where the syndrome has been recognised, cases in calves up to 3 months of age have also been
reported. Affected animals usually present as a mild illness but deteriorate quickly with death occurring in nearly all
affected animals (95 – 100%) about 72 hours after signs were first recognised. Stock are usually in good condition
and exhibit diarrhoea, drooling, tear flow and in some cases noisy breathing. Affected animals feel hot
(temperature between 40° - 42°C) and are frequently reported to be found close to water.
On post mortem, the main findings are erosions and ulcerations in the oesophagus, and reddening and
haemorrhages in the large intestine.
Cases of 3D syndrome have been reported in 2006, 2009 and 2013, and usually cease following decent rainfall.
Drooling cow with discharge from the nose
and eyes (Photo: G. Curran)
Upper oesophagus showing erosions of
the mucosa (Photo: G. Curran)
Property managers in the Darwin Region are asked to make themselves aware of the signs of 3D syndrome and
report suspect cases to their Regional Veterinary Officer or Livestock Biosecurity Officer. Information on the
presence of this condition will help to determine if it is confined to NSW or is more widespread through Central
Australia.
Further information on 3D syndrome can be found on the NSW DPI website:
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/health/specific/cattle/cattle-deaths-with-drooling-and-diarrhoea-3dsyndrome
The information in this article is reproduced with the permission of the New South Wales Department of Primary
Industries.
Page 12 of 17
National Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies Surveillance
Program (NTSESP) in the Northern Territory
To ensure that Australia is eligible to export cattle and meat to a number of overseas markets we must prove that
we are free from Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathys (TSEs). To do this, it is essential that samples from
cattle and sheep from all areas of Australia are tested as part of our National TSE Surveillance Program
(NTSESP).
Therefore it is essential for DPIF to test cattle from regions in the NT and so we need producers to notify us of
eligible cases. There is a subsidy for participating in the program.
TSEs are fatal diseases that affect brain and central nervous system tissues. Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
(BSE) is the form associated with cattle and is commonly referred to as ‘Mad Cow’ disease. Scrapie is the form
found in sheep and goats. Neither exist in Australia.
Payment
Producers are provided with a payment for all eligible cases. The current payment rate for cattle submissions is
$300.
Eligibility
Cattle are eligible if they are:
-
Older than 30 months and younger than nine years
Display one or more of the clinical signs associated
with BSE
Clinical Signs
Clinical signs associate with BSE are listed in Figure 1,
right.
Sampling
Behavioural
• apprehension
• changes in herd
hierarchical status
• excessive nose and flank
licking
• excitability
• frenzy
• head rubbing or pressing
• head shyness
• hesitation at doors, gates,
barriers
• persistent kicking when
milked
• teeth grinding
The crucial samples are the brain and 2-3 cm of spinal
cord. If the brain is damaged during removal, the
animal will not be suitable for submission. Further
samples include bloods and pieces of the animals’
organs (i.e. lung, heart, liver, kidney and spleen).
More Information
Neurological
• abnormal ear position
• abnormal head
carriage
• altered consciousness
• ataxia
• blindness
• circling
• falling
• fetlock knuckling
• hyperaesthesia
(sound, touch)
• hypo aesthesia
(sound, touch)
• moribund without
evidence of infection
or trauma
• paralysis/paresis
• recumbency
• tremor
Figure 1: Clinical signs associated with BSE in cattle
For more information on the NTSESP, please refer to Animal Health Australia’s National TSE Surveillance page:
http://www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/programs/biosecurity/tse-freedom-assurance-program/national-tsesurveillance-program/
To report an animal with clinical signs consistent with those associated with BSE please contact your local
Livestock Biosecurity Officer, regional Veterinarian or private Veterinarian.
Page 13 of 17
Animal Biosecurity Branch
Upon Sale of a Property –
Brand/s in the NT
While the sale of a property may include the stock, the brand cannot be sold to the new owners.
1.
If an agreement is made in the sale contract to transfer the brand to the new owners, an application
to Transfer Brand must be lodged with the Registrar.
or
2.
If the registered owner of the brand no longer wishes to use the brand, it may be cancelled. An
Application for Cancellation of Brand must be lodged with the Registrar.
or
If the registered owner of the brand wishes to keep the brand, but move it to a new property, a Request to
Change of Run must be lodged with the Registrar, together with original certificate/s for amending. If not
registered owner of new property, Owners Permission to Use Run form is required and must be lodged with
the Registrar.
BRANDS ARE NOT TRANSFERRED AUTOMATICALLY BY A PROPERTY SALE OR BY A WILL
More information can be found at: www.dpif.nt.gov.au/animalhealth
Alternatively, or if you have further questions, please contact your Regional Livestock Biosecurity Officer for
assistance:
Darwin Region
Katherine Region
Tennant Creek Region
Ian Doddrell (RLBO)
Josh Haigh (A/RLBO)
Tom Haines (RLBO)
Ph: 08 8999 2030
Ph: 08 8973 9767
Ph: 08 8962 4458
Page 13 of 17
Alice Springs
Region
Greg Crawford
(RLBO)
Ph: 08 8951 8125
Animal Biosecurity Branch
Department to assist Pastoralists with Feral
Animal Control
The Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries Stock Inspectors/Biosecurity Officers are required under the
national Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement to maintain a core group of experienced aerial
platform shooters for emergency animal disease preparedness and response.
Since the successful completion of the Brucellosis and Tuberculosis Eradication Campaign, (BTEC), it has
become increasingly harder for our staff to find cost effective ways of maintaining high levels of competence and
experience in the field.
A plan has been put forward and approved by management to offer the services of this core group to
organisations involved in feral animal control including pastoral properties, aboriginal-controlled areas and other
organisations involved in these activities to assist them and gain the experience we require.
The department would supply the shooter/shooters and firearms required for the job. The other party would be
responsible for the helicopter hire, fuel and ammunition. The job would have to be carried out in accordance
with the department’s high standard of WH&S and animal welfare conditions.
The program will be restricted to the number of hours required to keep our personnel at a high level of
competence, so enquires for these services will be dealt with on a first in, first served basis.
If you think this proposal could assist you or your organisation please contact Ian Doddrell or your Regional
Livestock Biosecurity Officer to discuss your situation.
Darwin Region
Ian Doddrell (RLBO)
Ph: 08 8999 2030
Katherine Region
Josh Haigh (A/RLBO)
Ph: 08 8973 9767
Tennant Creek Region
Tom Haines (RLBO)
Ph: 08 8962 4458
Further Animal Health Information
Want information on a particular animal health topic?
Requests for articles on topics of interest are invited. Please send requests to:
Renae McLean
Ph: 08 8973 9765
E: Renae.McLean@nt.gov.au
Page 14 of 17
Alice Springs Region
Greg Crawford (RLBO)
Ph: 08 8951 8125
DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND FISHERIES
Pastoral Market Update
Live Cattle Exports via Darwin Port – JANUARY 2015
Destination
BRUNEI
INDONESIA
PHILIPPINES
SABAH
SARAWAK
MALAYSIA
VIETNAM
EGYPT
TOTAL
TOTAL CATTLE (includes NT and interstate stock)
Last year at This year at 1-31 Jan
Previous
2013 (total) 2014 (total)
31/1/14
31/01/15
2015
Month
Previous month
difference
4,043
4,925
0
1029
1029
0
1029
282,022
22,403
0
800
14,952
35,396
0
386,183
16,080
0
0
22,309
64,461
0
11,923
0
0
0
0
1,414
0
13885
0
0
300
270
2688
0
13885
0
0
300
270
2688
0
54,322
0
0
0
0
9,888
0
-40,437
0
0
300
270
-7,200
0
359,616
493,958
13,337
18,152
18,152
64,210
-46,058
Please note breakdown for NT cattle unavailable for period 01/01/15 to 31/01/15.
Cattle Head
JANUARY at a glance
18,152 head of cattle through the Port of Darwin during
January
64,058 less than December and
4,815 more than January last year.
TOTAL Live Cattle Exports thru Port of Darwin
2014 v 2015
Live Cattle Exports thru the Port of Darwin
- last 10 years (2004 to 2014)
70,000
65,000
60,000
55,000
50,000
45,000
40,000
35,000
30,000
25,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2014
500,000
2015
450,000
NT Live Cattle Exports thru Port of Darwin
2014 v 2015
350,000
300,000
250,000
200,000
150,000
100,000
50,000
0
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
NT Cattle
Total Cattle
Cattle Head
Cattle Head
400,000
70,000
65,000
60,000
55,000
50,000
45,000
40,000
35,000
30,000
25,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2014
2007
283,046
2008
364,944
www.dpif.nt.gov.au
2009
347,314
Total Cattle through Port of Darwin
2010
2011
2012
295,605
269,617
246,990
2013
359,616
2015
2014
493,958
PAGE
OTHER LIVESTOCK EXPORTS VIA DARWIN PORT (includes NT and interstate stock)
Buffalo
Destination
BRUNEI
Camels
Goats
Horses
Sheep
Pigs
2014
2015
1-31
Jan
2014
2015
1-31
Jan
2014
2015
1-31
Jan
2014
2015
1-31
Jan
2014
2015
1-31
Jan
2014
2015
1-31
Jan
488
0
0
0
0
0
154
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
INDONESIA
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
PHILIPPINES
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
MALAYSIA
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
SABAH
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
SARAWAK
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
VIETNAM
4567
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
TOTAL
5055
0
0
0
0
0
154
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
NATIONAL CATTLE PRICES – as at 05/02/15
HEAVY STEER
MEDIUM STEER
Estimated dressed weight price (cents/kg)
SALEYARDS
Estimated dressed weight price (cents/kg)
O.T.HOOKS
SALEYARDS
NSW
QLD
SA
AV
(Aust)
NSW
QLD
SA
AV
(Aust)
This week
439
438
309
436
414
451
410
410
Last week
436
440
Nq
431
403
442
395
Year ago
317
322
327
321
320
315
Nq
QLD
SA
AV
(Aust)
This week
459
428
369
401
Last week
454
410
323
Year ago
299
285
MEDIUM COW
NSW
QLD
SA
AV
(Aust)
441
405
438
400
402
380
428
394
429
385
402
391
330
306
312
308
nq
319
TRADE STEER
Estimated dressed weight price (cents/kg)
SALEYARDS
O.T.HOOKS
NSW
Estimated dressed weight price (cents/kg)
O.T.HOOKS
SALEYARDS
NSW
QLD
SA
AV
(Aust)
NSW
QLD
SA
AV
(Aust)
This week
404
407
322
403
353
411
359
333
Last week
410
409
Nq
408
342
405
341
325
Year ago
235
245
222
242
256
283
235
253
O.T.HOOKS
NSW
QLD
SA
AV
(Aust)
NSW
QLD
SA
AV
(Aust)
This week
455
448
387
Last week
429
455
370
432
405
440
400
425
403
397
430
385
Year ago
332
305
297
417
315
324
335
310
319
LIVE EXPORT QUOTES
Prices courtesy of
Meat & Livestock Australia
Estimated live weight price (cents/kg)
LIGHT STEERS
(260-360 kg)
Darwin
LIGHT HEIFERS
(260-360 kg)
Broome
Darwin
Broome
This week
270
Nq
255
nq
Last week
270
nq
255
Nq
Year ago
230
nq
210
nq
www.mla.com.au
CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES
Key Currencies
1AUD =
Brunei Dollar
Current
01.01.2015
1.0654
1.0928
Indonesian Rupiah
10,142.9
10,353.0
Philippine Peso
36.5832
38.0825
Malaysian Ringgit
2.8611
2.8861
Euro
0.6741
0.6827
US Dollar
Vietnam Dong
Previous month
1.12.2014
3 months ago
1.9.2014
1 Year ago
03.02.2014
Pre-devaluation
01.07.1997
1.15095
1.10745
1.076
10,921.6
10,629.9
1830
40.5942
39.4786
19.84
2.94996
2.92247
1.9
0.71113
0.64871
N/A
0.8185
0.8500
0.9332
0.87484
0.752
17,294.9
17,909.1
19,576.7
18,248.3
N/A
Prepared by the NT Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries
This publication contains commodity market information prepared for DPIF staff use in strategic research and extension planning. While DPIF
exercise care in the compilation and preparation of this information, no responsibility is taken for its accuracy or for the completeness of any
information that is reproduced from other sources. DPIF denies any loss or damage to any person whether caused directly or indirectly by the
use of any of the information provided.
WWW.DPIF.NT.GOV.AU
PAGE 2