Queensland minister for agriculture John McVeigh has met cattle producers in Rockhampton who are affected by the most recent movement restrictions put in place for bovine Johne’s disease (BJD).

“It’s important for us to meet with producers being affected by BJD so they have the latest information to help them make the best possible decisions for their businesses,” Mr McVeigh said.

“I am assuring those affected that the Queensland Government is committed to working with producers to resolve testing on their properties and to lift movement restrictions as quickly as possible.

“Tracing has identified 40 grazing properties at risk. Of the 40 grazing properties identified, 11 have already been assessed as low-risk and resolved, 16 have been put under movement restrictions pending further investigation, and the rest are still being assessed in conjunction with the owners.

“In addition to this latest response, just 28 properties remain under movement restrictions following the BJD detection on the Rockley property back in November last year. This is good progress considering initially more than 170 properties were originally affected.”

Mr McVeigh said strain testing on the latest detection was yet to be finalised.

“While our laboratory in Queensland confirmed the property was definitely infected with BJD, we are still waiting for results from the BJD reference laboratory in Victoria on the strain.”

Mr McVeigh said assistance was available for those affected and details of how to access support would be provided to those producers under movement restrictions.

“Last month the Premier confirmed an additional $3 million would be put towards the Queensland Cattle Industry Biosecurity Fund which now provides a total of up to $5 million in support for the BJD response,” he said.

“Our goal is, and always has been, to support industry as much as possible through this response.

“It is important that we maintain Queensland’s protected zone status so Queensland producers can continue to access premium trade opportunities, both domestically and abroad.”

Source: QDAFF. For more information visit www.daff.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.