May 26, 2016
Animal Health Australia is pushing ahead with its deregulation of Bovine Johne’s Disease controls, despite opposition from some Queensland cattle producers.
AHA announced this week that it had begun the evaluation of the “Australian Johne’s Disease Market Assurance Program for Cattle” (CattleMAP), a key step in the implementation of its planned BJD Framework.
A spokesman said that during the evaluation period, it had been agreed that the testing requirement for CattleMAP would be suspended until November 1.
“The review will take place over the coming months and involves consultation with a number of producers still in the CattleMAP, as well as some who have recently left,” AHA’s Executive Manager of Biosecurity Services Duncan Rowland said.
“Identified producers will have the opportunity to state what they feel has worked well within the CattleMAP and what areas need improvement.
“Although suspension of testing is in place, it’s imperative that producers continue to maintain their biosecurity plans and undergo veterinary reviews during this evaluation process.
“Robust biosecurity practices are vital in this new deregulated environment.”
The statement from the AHA said the BJD Steering Committee would implement the recommendations identified at the end of the CattleMAP evaluation period.
Additional steps still to take place in the BJD Framework implementation process included:
- The deregulation and removal of zoning, which will occur as State Governments implement the new Framework
- The completion of tools and resources (such as biosecurity checklists, a risk profiling tool and co-operative biosecurity guidelines) to assist producers reduce the prevalence of production diseases and improve the management of these diseases
- The enhancement of the existing National Cattle Health Statement
- The hosting of two public forums to meet with producers and address any questions they may have.
Related articles:
- Minister Labels BJD Fears ‘ Scaremongering’
- MP Calls For Vote On BJD
- BJD ‘Protected Zone’ To End
- MP Warns Against ‘Southern Push’ On BJD
- QDO Alarmed By BJD Proposals
- Input Sought On BJD Framework
- May Deadline For BJD Comment
- New BJD Property Identified
- $3m More In BJD Aid
- Beef Forum Backs BJD Campaign
- BJD Support Available For Graziers
- Feedback Sought On Cattle Levy
- Rally Behind Graziers: MP
- Sixty Properties Still Face BJD Bans
- Good And Bad News On BJD
- BJD Meeting In Gympie
- Agforce Welcomes New Biosecurity Fund
- BJD Band-Aid No Solution: Katter
- Voluntary Cattle Levy To Support New Industry Fund
- Two More Animals With BJD
- Ex-Chief Vet In BJD Role
- ‘Protected’ Status Key For BJD
- 150 Properties On BJD Watch List
- BJD Updates Available Online
- BJD Scare Locks Down Cattle
- MP Urges Graziers To Watch For BJD