Emergency Animal Disease Training – Foundational overview module

About the course

This introductory overview module defines an emergency animal disease (EAD), the role of veterinarians in an EAD response, how to report a suspected EAD, and an introduction to Australia’s EAD response Agreement (EADRA) and the Australian Veterinary Emergency Plan (AUSVETPLAN).

The foundational module is part of the Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Online Training developed by the University of Melbourne in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). It is designed to equip veterinarians and veterinary students with essential knowledge and skills for recognising, reporting, and responding to suspected EADs in Australia. Each module can be completed independently.

The case study concludes with a quiz to provide an opportunity to assess your knowledge. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate as evidence of course participation.

What you’ll learn

On the successful completion of this module, you will:

• be reminded of your professional and legal obligations as a private practitioner to identify and report cases of suspected EADs to government authorities and be able to identify appropriate reporting mechanisms
• understand key response strategies and intervention options in an EAD incident
• be aware of key roles for private veterinarians in the detection, investigation, reporting and response to EAD incidents
• know where to find technical resources on EADs.

Course content

Part 1: Understanding EADs and their management:

• Definition and classification: Explains what constitutes an EAD, criteria for classification, and comparison with international terminology.
• Veterinary roles: Details the responsibilities of private veterinarians in early detection, investigation, and reporting of suspected EADs.
• Reporting protocols: Covers legal obligations and procedures for notifying authorities via the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.
• Response activities: Describes field roles during an EAD response, including sample collection, biosecurity enforcement, and quarantine procedures.
• National frameworks: Introduces EADRA and AUSVETPLAN, including cost-sharing categories and strategic response options.
• Practical guidance: Includes protocols for PPE use, sample handling, and communication with stakeholders.

Part 2: Case study

A scenario-based learning activity where a new graduate veterinarian identifies a suspected anthrax outbreak in cattle. The case includes:

• Clinical investigation and use of diagnostic kits.
• Decision-making around reporting and biosecurity.
• Interactive questions addressing real-world challenges in communication, confidentiality, and disease control.

Part 3: Summary and resources

• Recaps key concepts and reinforces the importance of early detection and reporting.
• Provides links to technical resources including the Blue Book, jurisdictional notifiable disease lists, and online training platforms.

Enrolment

To access this training, you will need to log in to the platform, eadonline.com.au. Access is free and aimed toward veterinarians and veterinary science students, however, the modules are available to anyone with an interest in emergency animal diseases. If you are not already registered on the Emergency Animal Disease Online Training platform, then you will need to register and create a new account.

For help with the online training platform, please contact [email protected]

Funding acknowledgement

The development of this course was funded by the Australian Government’s Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper, the Government’s plan for stronger farmers and a stronger economy, and the Australian Government’s Other Exotic Disease Preparedness program, to provide for the Commonwealth’s contribution to Australia’s commitment to safeguard animal health status to maintain overseas markets and protect the economy and environment from the impact of exotic pest and diseases.