The problem is commencing at a young age, and is progressive and permanent. Leptospirosis notifications are increasing in Queensland and New South Wales, and have declined in Victoria. Workers in the dairy, banana, cane and meat works industries are at risk of contracting the disease through contact with infected urine of carrier animals. Q fever is a well established hazard for abattoir workers in Australia, and in dairy and beef cattle farmer and farm workers at least in the coastal and tablelands of eastern Australia. It would appear that the disease is prevalent in Australian sheep, and in kangaroos.
Hydatid disease is a significant disease in Australia, which is under-reported.
It is a hazard to rural workers and others who handle dogs in rural areas. More work is required for a full analysis of available information regarding respiratory disease in the piggeries industry and in the grain and cotton industries in Australia. In addition to medical costs, farm injury results in significant direct farm costs such as damage to plant and equipment and labour costs. The full costs of farm injury are probably not being borne by the industry. Further work to define the costs of farm injury, and the benefits of farm safety programs is required.