Production

Cattle Council urges use of National Cattle Health Statement

Beef Central, 04/03/2013

Beef cattle producers are being urged to use the National Cattle Health Statement when buying, selling or agisting livestock.

Cattle Council of Australia chief executive officer Jed Matz, said the National Cattle Health Statement can play a vital role in limiting the spread of infectious diseases.

“The Cattle Health Statement was developed through industry-wide consultation to help producers assess the health status of livestock they are planning to buy or receive onto their property for agistment,” said Mr Matz. “It’s available on line from www.farmbiosecurity.com.au”

Mr Matz pointed out that a number of diseases spread to healthy herds primarily through the introduction of infected animals.

“Diseases such as bovine Johne’s disease, pestivirus and leptospirosis have significant impacts on animal health and can ultimately lead to heavy financial losses for producers,” he said. 

“It is therefore vital for individual producers to seek information about the health of the animals they introduce onto their properties.  The Cattle Health Statement is the best tool for this.”

Not all animal diseases are immediately apparent and for some, like bovine Johne’s disease, the infected or carrier animals do not necessarily display the symptoms until the disease is very advanced.

"Recognising the importance of biosecurity and obtaining a Cattle Health Statement when buying or agisting livestock helps protect your herd and your business,” Mr Matz said.

Click here to visit the Farm Biosecurity website. 

 

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