John McVeigh
Queensland Agriculture Minister
John McVeigh

March 26, 2013

Sixty Queensland cattle properties are still under movement restriction bans following the breakout of Bovine Johne’s Disease (BJD).

However Agricultural Minister John McVeigh said a recent meeting with beef industry leaders had encouraged the State Government to continue eradicating BJD to maintain Queensland’s “protected zone” status.

“There is no desire from cattle producers and the government to change the current approach to eradicating BJD from Queensland and we are listening to the industry,” Mr McVeigh said.

“However, there are a number of issues they want to see addressed, including the need for greater support for large beef properties in the north and north-west which are doing it tough, with the chances of good rains quickly fading.

“Producers have asked for more flexibility in finding pathways for slaughter cattle and the movement of store cattle from quarantined properties for finishing. This is a major issue at the moment with most southern feedlots at capacity and many of northern steers underweight and unsuitable for slaughter.”

Mr McVeigh said that since late November when some 170 properties were initially quarantined, the department had run extensive testing programs, conducted regional meetings and workshops and been able to remove more than 100 properties from the quarantine list.

“My department will continue working with producers and industry to see what restrictions can be eased without compromising the eradication program,” he said.

“Affected producers are looking at what financial support is available and I am working through proposals now on an industry transaction levy to underpin the $5 million Queensland Biosecurity Fund announced by the Premier earlier this year.”

Mr McVeigh said DAFF staff were making good progress with almost 7200 samples from 4500 animals tested.

“We have four confirmed infected properties and another eight that need further testing,” he said.

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