The new, national approach to Johne’s disease (JD) in cattle will officially commence on 1 July 2016, with the removal of zoning occurring across Australia.

The new approach, endorsed by the cattle industry and state governments, is guided by the BJD Framework and focuses on managing on-farm biosecurity risk rather than controlling disease through regulation, said Animal Health Australia’s (AHA) Executive Manager of Biosecurity Services, Duncan Rowland.

“This approach treats JD as just one of many diseases that producers must manage within their business. Supported by more flexible regulation, producers will be able to make informed decisions about the opportunities and risks associated with purchasing livestock,” said Mr Rowland.
A number of changes will occur under the new Framework including:

• deregulation and removal of zoning: most state/territory jurisdictions are on-track to remove regulation by 1 July 2016

• ceasing of quarantining of properties as a control measure

• movement to a market-driven approach where producers undertake practices dependent on market requirements.

 “To ensure Australian producers and interested stakeholders are informed and supported throughout this reform process, industry and governments are developing tools and resources to provide guidance.

“We’ve released a useful fact sheet, New approach to Johne’s disease in cattle, which clearly outlines what the approach means for the individual producer and also addresses some frequently asked questions,” said Mr Rowland.

Additional steps that will take place over the next month include:

• provision of additional tools and resources

• enhancement of the existing National Cattle Health Declaration to reflect the new approach

• hosting of public forums, to address any questions producers may have

• continuous updates on the AHA website.

AHA says it will continue to work with industry and government to ensure the Framework is implemented as smoothly and quickly as possible to enhance the biosecurity credentials of Australia’s cattle industry.

Source: Animal Health Australia