PARTICIPANT INFORMATION SHEET

Project outline:

Why is the research being conducted?

Producers are often the first to observe signs of disease in their cattle. However, cattle may be observed infrequently in the extensive northern cattle industry, potentially delaying the detection of disease on-farm, or resulting in detection further along the supply chain. Early detection of disease may also be difficult when only a small number of animals are affected, or where a significant disease looks similar to other common conditions.

The aim of this project is to understand how frequently northern Australia cattle populations are likely to be monitored, and what types of clinical signs and severity of lesions would trigger further investigation. To achieve this, we are distributing a questionnaire to people involved in the extensive cattle industry across northern Queensland, along with those involved in the cattle supply chain that may receive cattle from this area.

Who can participate?

We are seeking responses from cattle producers and managers, private and government veterinarians, stock transporters, tick inspectors, saleyard staff, stock agents, exporters and abattoir veterinarians to understand the typical number of cattle being observed over the course of a year and what types of visually apparent lesions might be investigated further.

How will my data be used? What if I have a complaint or any concerns?

Responses will be collected and aggregated (summarised) to provide information about how general surveillance is performing in northern Queensland cattle. Identifiers, such as location and Property Identification Codes, may be collected for internal data validation purposes to ensure data quality and avoid duplicate responses. All identifiers will be removed prior to analysis and aggregated responses will be provided to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry in the form of a written report. Only Ausvet will have access to individual responses and these will be kept strictly confidential. Responses will only be used for the purpose of this current research project.

Any questions or concerns about the project or use of the collected survey responses can be directed to Robyn.Hall@ausvet.com.au. This study has not been formally approved by a Human Research Ethics Committee.

Who is undertaking the study?

This project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Robyn Hall and Isabel MacPhillamy from Ausvet Pty Ltd are conducting the survey and analysis.

Participant involvement:

Voluntary participation and withdrawal

Participation in this survey is voluntary, which means that individuals are free to choose to participate without any pressure or coercion. Your decision to participate or decline participation will have no impact on your relationship with Ausvet Pty Ltd or the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. If you wish to withdraw a submitted response (prior to 28 September 2025), please contact Robyn.Hall@ausvet.com.au.

What will I be asked to do?

We are asking you to complete a single online survey. We expect this should take 10–15 minutes. Responses to the survey will be collected through Survey Monkey, whose privacy policy can be found on their website. Responses will be collected until 28 September 2025.

Are there any risks associated with participating in this study?

There are no foreseeable risks to you through participating in this survey. However, the survey contains images of clinical signs in cattle that may be distressing to some people. If any part of the survey makes you uncomfortable, you are free to end the survey at any time.

What are the benefits of this project?

By knowing better how effective our existing general surveillance activities are, we can understand how confident we can be that we are currently free of important diseases in the northern cattle industries. We can also better understand at what point along the supply chain we are likely to detect disease. Finally, we can identify ways to improve the effectiveness of our general surveillance.

Confidentiality:

Your information will not be made public. Any identifiers will be removed from the data once collected, and the full dataset will be securely stored at Ausvet Pty Ltd. The dataset will be securely stored for a minimum of 5 years and securely destroyed when no longer needed. The information and results may be used in academic and industry publications and may be presented at conference events. At all times only aggregated (summary) data will be made available to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry; no individual data will be presented or released. No individual participant will be attributed or mentioned in any project outputs.