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Government and beef industry unite to control Bovine Johne’s disease

Industry and government are on the same page when it comes to the management of Bovine Johne's disease (BJD), said Queensland's minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, John McVeigh.

Earlier this week McVeigh met with beef industry representatives to discuss the status of the disease, and said the government's position reflects that of the industry.

"The Newman government has dedicated significant resources to manage the situation and Biosecurity Queensland is working with industry to retain our Protected Zone status for BJD," McVeigh said.

"Industry groups including AgForce, Cattle Council of Australia and the Australian Brahman Breeders’ Association are working with us to manage the situation.

"We have a very low prevalence of BJD in Queensland and it's really important for industry that we maintain this status.

"Having a low prevalence of BJD facilitates exports and provides Queensland producers with greater market access than other parts of Australia that do not have protected status," said McVeigh.

A number of measures are in place to manage the disease, including risk assessments, sampling and testing on affected properties including one property near Rockhampton (the only to be confirmed as being infected with BJD) where three out of 600 heads of cattle had BJD.

"Movement restrictions are now in place on 150 properties that have received animals from the infected property," said McVeigh.

He said movement restrictions must remain in place until a property's disease status is resolved, and that the government is working hard to prioritise testing.

"Testing is being undertaken by Biosecurity Queensland and should the need arise we have contingency plans in place to manage the volume of tests required.

"As the nature of BJD testing is complex it can take 12 weeks or more to obtain results. Biosecurity Queensland is in contact with Sydney University about a new diagnostic test they are developing.

"As soon as this new test is available and validated in the laboratory in Queensland, the government will be able to start using the test," he said.

For more information visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au

 

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