Biosecurity Queensland has appointed former Queensland chief veterinary officer Dr Ron Glanville to an industry liaison role to assist with the state's response to a Bovine Johne's Disease outbreak in Central Queensland.

Dr Glanville will attend a meeting with industry and Government representatives in Brisbane this Wednesday.

"Dr Glanville has more than 30 years of experience in veterinary and biosecurity issues and will make a significant contribution to the response in ensuring the views of the cattle industry are heard," Minister for Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry John McVeigh said.

"Dr Glanville is well known for being instrumental in the eradication of Equine Influenza from Queensland in 2008."

Mr McVeigh said Biosecurity Queensland laboratories were well underway in the testing process.

"The first batch of priority samples has been collected and the laboratory has commenced testing. We are expecting more samples to arrive at the laboratory today to be processed in the system, ready for testing to start prior to Christmas," he said.

"The current BJD testing process is technical and highly complex and a number of concurrent tests must be carried out to effectively test for BJD which can take 12 weeks or more if complications arise.

"The first round of results is expected to be received around mid-March 2013."

Mr McVeigh said Biosecurity Queensland sent risk assessment documents to affected producers on Friday to help them prepare for on-property assessments.

"The documents are also available on the Biosecurity Queensland website, www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au, along with frequently asked questions and an information resource pack," he said.

Further information can on Bovine Johne's disease in Queensland can be obtained by calling  13 25 23.

Source: QDAFF