Why can’t I vaccinate my rabbit against Myxomatosis? The myxoma virus which causes myxomatosis is now widespread across the Australian environment which places domestic rabbits at risk of...
Do flying foxes pose a disease risk to my dog? There are two viral diseases affecting bats that can also infect dogs. These are Hendra virus and Lyssavirus. There have...
How can I reduce the health risks for children interacting with companion animals? Interacting with companion animals can have many physical and mental health benefits for children and young people[1, 2]. However, there...
What are common health problems in rabbits? The following is a list of the most common ailments and diseases that can affect your rabbit. It’s very important...
What is cat flu and how is it managed? Cat flu is a general term for a highly contagious upper airway disease that affects cats and kittens. This disease...
What are Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV)? Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) are retroviruses that attack the immune system, the same group of...
What is ringworm and how do I know if my companion animal has it? Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin and hair. Ringworm spreads rapidly, and is zoonotic which means that it...
What is rabbit calicivirus and how do I protect my rabbit from rabbit haemorrhagic disease? Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) is caused by the rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), a type of calicivirus which is fatal...
What is myxomatosis and how do I protect my rabbit from it? Myxomatosis is caused by the myxoma virus, a poxvirus spread between rabbits by close contact and biting insects such as...
Can the risk of free-range poultry contracting bird flu be managed? Avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, is a highly contagious viral disease of birds worldwide. Avian influenza is classified as...
What animal welfare issues are associated with avian influenza? Avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, is a highly contagious viral disease of birds worldwide. The virus is spread by...
What is mastitis in dairy cows? Mastitis is an infection that causes inflammation of a cow’s udder. It is caused by bacteria or by injury, and...
Why do dairy cows become lame? Foot lameness is a common problem in dairy farming and not unusual in wet conditions. It can be caused by...
What is the RSPCA’s view on the release of Cyprinid herpesvirus to kill carp? In late 2016, the Australian Government commissioned a two-year research and planning process to determine the feasibility of using a...
What is toxoplasmosis? Toxoplasmosis is a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans (zoonosis). It is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma...
What is pigeon rotavirus and what should be done to stop it spreading in racing pigeons? Pigeon rotavirus causes a highly infectious and fatal disease. The virus was first detected in racing pigeons in Western Australia...
How can I take care of my horse with Queensland Itch? You should suspect that your horse has ‘Queensland Itch’ if it develops a reoccurring, itchy skin condition every summer and...
How do I keep my horse healthy? To answer this question we first need to know how a healthy horse looks and behaves. What are the signs...
What is laminitis, and how can it be prevented or treated? Laminitis (also termed founder) is inflammation of the laminae of the foot – the soft tissue structures that attach the...
Do flying foxes pose a disease risk to my horse? At certain times of the year (generally September to November for black and grey flying foxes, and April to May...