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Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, August 2025
Microbiological testing programs covered in this manual are those programs approved by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to demonstrate compliance with the relevant Australian standards and to meet certification requirements for export meat and meat products.
Nipah virus causes clinical disease humans and animals (mainly pigs). Infected pigs may show signs of respiratory distress, nasal discharge, non-productive cough and lethargy.
In humans, symptoms can include fever, headache, dizziness, vomiting, reduced consciousness and respiratory distress.
Newcastle disease only affects birds, particularly poultry, such as chickens. It can cause illness and death in large numbers of birds quickly. Infected birds may show signs of:
Mikania micrantha
A fast growing vine with heart-shaped leaves in opposite pairs along the stem. Flowers are small greenish-white and found mainly at the end of stems.
(Sternochetus frigidus)
Weevils in rotten mango pulp in seemingly unspoilt fruit.
Limnocharis flava
An aquatic weed that grows to about one metre in height with pale green oval leaves and yellow flowers, each with three petals and numerous bright yellow stamens.
Phytoplasmas
Depending on the disease, look for:
Caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (formerly known as citrus greening disease).
Caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp.cubensealso known as Panama disease.
Fruit may look healthy, but could be rotten on the inside and full of maggots. Look for small spots on the skin of fruit surrounded by rot.
