Cattle industry stakeholders have the opportunity to provide their views on how Bovine Johne’s Disease (BJD) should be managed in Australia ahead of a key industry forum to be held in Sydney next month.

The open facilitated forum is the first step of a major review of the National BJD Strategic Plan which kicks off in February 2015.

Anyone wishing to make comments ahead of the forum are invited to provide a maximum two page submission prior to the close of business on January 30.

All submissions will be placed on the BJD review webpage and will be provided to participants of the forum.

Submissions can be emailed to bjdreview@animalhealthaustralia.com.au by the close of business on January 30.

People wishing to attend the forum must also register their interest before January 30. The event is limited to 100 attendees. Animal Health Australia advises that some applicants may be rejected in order to ensure balance.

The review process was originally planned for the 2015-16 financial year, however it was brought forward by Animal Health Australia at the request of the BJD Steering Committee.

In a statement AHA said it is ensuring the review will be undertaken in a manner that allows for all parties (including industry, government and community) to provide input into how Australia is going to manage BJD into the future.

“With this in mind, AHA has organised an independent facilitator to bring together the views of all parties involved. Community, industry, government, and research stakeholders interested in the future of BJD mechanisms in Australia are invited to attend the BJD National Forum in Sydney on 16 February.”

Topics to be covered include:

• Diagnostics – now and the future
• Trade implications
• B, C and S strains – what does this mean?
• Economics of various control measures
• Vaccination – does it work?
• Where to from here?

For more information about the review process and BJD in general, visit AHA’s BJD page.

Registrations and submissions close: 30 January 2015 (RSVP today to secure your place – workshop limited to 100 people)

When: Monday 16 February 2015

Where: Rydges International Airport Hotel, Sydney

RSVP and more information: bjdreview@animalhealthaustralia.com.au