Animals - Veterinary Pathology experts

Introduction

Veterinary pathology is a discipline that encompasses microbiology, virology, biochemistry, toxicology, parasitology, immunology, haematology and cytology, in for the purpose of testing animal health. For example, a veterinary pathologist may examine histological tissue samples for lesions, appraise reports from veterinarians, interpret results of specific pathology tests so as to diagnose an illness, and even conduct autopsies.

A veterinary pathologist can work in forensics, for example, to determine whether animals were treated inhumanely, or how they died, or if they have been sold diseased. They can also specialise in research, working in a laboratory, university department, or livestock firm, where they can develop experimental design and methodology, statistical analysis, and publish in peer-reviewed scientific journals. In the field of clinical pathology, a veterinary pathologist can investigate the health of living animals by examining haematological samples, cytology preparations, serum biochemistry, and endocrinology results, and then appraise these in the context of a clinician’s observations.

In Australia, some of the most common animals diseases are:

• Anthrax
• Australian bat lyssavirus
• Avian Influenza (or Bird Flu)
• Bovine spongiform encephalopathy
• Classical swine fever (CSF)
• Enzootic bovine leucosis (EBL)
• Equine influenza
• Foot-and-mouth disease
• Hendra virus
• Infectious bursal disease
• Johne’s disease
• Newcastle disease (ND)
• Screw-worm fly
• Surra
  

As these experts have a vast knowledge of veterinary pathology, the specific specialisation required by your matter will be determined by the circumstances of the case itself.

At the bottom of this profile are brief details of a number of the experts that Expert Experts represents. Call our office to discuss your requirements and to obtain a recommendation that suits your needs and budget.

Expertise in Action

Experts in veterinary pathology may be required in disputes where the issue is the health of an animal, especially in cases of disease or mistreatment where one party has suffered an economic loss due to the ill health of an animal. They may be required to assess the diet, shelter condition, and medication given to a particular animal. Experts can provide insights into diagnosis and interventions, such as vaccines, essential for disease control. Experts may work in zoos or at the CSIRO or teach at university, which enables them to provide opinions on native, domestic, and livestock animal infections and diseases throughout Australia that maintain national biosecurity.

Sample Reports

For some fields of expertise we have some sample sections of de-identified reports. Please contact our office if you are interested in a sample.

Cost

The overall cost of expert opinion depends on the services required. Some of the key factors that affect the cost of advice include:

• The need for a view or inspection of a location
• The quantity of documentary material to be reviewed
• Whether there are reports of other experts to be reviewed and commented on in detail
• Whether there is a need for conferences with the expert either in person or by telephone/Skype

Relevant Articles National list of notifiable animal diseases

A notifiable disease is one that must be reported to agricultural authorities such as the local state’s department of primary industries or agriculture.

Pets to be kept 'under surveillance' for disease and disorders with new national database

A new program that will for the first time record disease and disorders in Australian pets is set to transform veterinary education and help owners better understand their pets.

Relevant Cases Holdsworth & Ellison v RSPCA [2014] VCC 1186

Pathology results were used in a trial pertaining to the destruction of animals of the basis of neglect as they were in an emaciated condition

Reynolds v Greyhound Racing Victoria (Review and Regulation) [2019] VCAT 604 (8 May 2019)

A matter which required a veterinary pathologist to provide evidence in an instance of live baiting utilised in Grey Hound racing.

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