AUSTRALIA has signed a new protocol with China that now allows the export of Australian bovine blood and blood products.

Speaking from Beijing where the agreement with China’s general administration of quality supervision inspection and quarantine  was signed, minister assisting the deputy prime minister, Luke Hartsuyker, said that China was a multi-million dollar market for Australian bovine blood products.

“China has a very substantial industry demand for bovine blood products, which are used for medical tests, pharmaceutical products, research and the development of vaccines,” Minister Hartsuyker said.

“The agreement signed today re-establishes the export and quarantine protocols required for Australian industry to once again access what was our largest export market for these high-value, specialist products.

Meat and Livestock Australia estimated the value of bovine blood products at between $300 and $750 per litre.

Minister Hartsuyker said trade in bovine blood and blood products to China was suspended following two detections of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) in Australian blood products in 2014 and the expiry of interim arrangements on 30 September 2015.

“We are determined to ensure that Australian producers have the best possible access to premium markets across the globe at every opportunity,” Minister Hartsuyker said.

The new protocol would enable Australia’s access to this market by introducing increased procedural testing for bovine blood and blood products to China.

While China has been the primary export destination, Australia also exports bovine blood and blood products to a number of countries including the United States, Japan, Republic of Korea, Taiwan, India, and countries in the European Union, South America and the Middle East.

Source: Australian Government