Animal Health Australia says it will take at least four months to trace and test every property that has received cattle from the Rockhampton region stud at the centre of a Bovine Johne’s Disease outbreak.

Every property which has received cattle from the infected stud will require an assessment, the AHA said in an update today.

“The aim is to conduct these BJD risk assessments and undertake any sampling and testing activities to resolve the herd disease status as quickly as possible.

“This is expected to take at least four months, but may be much longer due to the length of time for bacterial cultures to be completed, the number of tracings and the expected wet seasonal conditions.”

The AHA also reiterated its advice that it was “most important” that affected producers do not dispose of any potentially-affected animals, as this would greatly lengthen the time taken to resolve a property’s status.

Affected producers who have been placed under movement restrictions by Biosecurity Queensland can apply for support under the National BJD Financial and Non-Financial Assistance Package (FNF).

“The significant financial and social impacts on the affected producers highlight the importance of getting informed BJD advice before taking any action – affected producers can request the services of BJD counsellors,” the AHA said.

Under the revised National Bovine Johne’s Disease Strategic Plan, which came into effect on 1 July this year, Queensland remains a Protected Zone and regulatory measures are in force to protect all susceptible species, with control and/or eradication when BJD is detected.

The AHA said BJD usually arrived in infected cattle on the back of a truck.

“That is, it is mainly spread between farms and regions by the movement of cattle.

“The best ways for producers to prevent BJD from infecting their animals are to source cattle only from trusted providers (e.g. MAP or Beef Only herds) and conducting a thorough risk assessment before purchase, including by insisting on a National Cattle Health Statement.”

For more tips and tools on preventing or managing BJD visit www.bjdaware.com.au and for more details on the financial and non-financial assistance program click here