QDO Disappointed By BJD Decision

June 16, 2016

Queensland Dairyfarmers’ Organisation is disappointed with the State Government’s decision to end Queensland’s “Protected Sone” status for Bovine Johne’s Disease, but says it will work “constructively” with the government.

QDO president Brian Tessmann acknowledged that while the decision was not what QDO and its members had advocated, the dairy industry was prepared to work with the government to see a sensible transition under the new regulations.

“The Queensland dairy industry has held a position for decades to maintain its very low prevalence and freedom from BJD and we hope that this was not all in vain with the lifting of the protections,” Mr Tessmann said.

“A recent survey of the QDO membership determined that an overwhelming majority of our dairy farmer members were against the removal of BJD protections.

“QDO has, and will continue to represent our members’ positions by consulting and engaging with the State Government for a sensible biosecurity outcome.

“It is disappointing that industry was not been given access to the regulations earlier to allow our members to better prepare for the framework change.

“While the government looks to a ‘shared responsibility’ with industry, the stark reality will be a transference of responsibility and liability to the individual producer.

“QDO welcomes the announcement of a surveillance program as part of the new $10.8 million funding for Biosecurity, and will seek urgent talks to target priority areas for dairy.

“It is now essential that all Queensland dairy farmers take all necessary precautions to check movement histories when trading cattle to minimise the impact of Johne’s disease on their property.”

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