The Victorian Farmers Federation has reminded beef producers the revised National Bovine Johne’s Disease (BJD) Strategic Plan will come into effect from July 1.
BJD is a bacterial wasting disease of cattle. It’s prevalent in Victoria’s dairy industry but relatively uncommon in beef herds.
VFF Livestock President Ian Feldtmann said the new rules classify Victoria as a “Management Area”, with a focus on risk management and protecting non-infected herds.
“But life won’t change much for Victorian beef producers,” Mr Feldtmann said.
Beef producers in Victoria who want to protect their BJD status and provide assurance to their clients can use a Beef Only declaration or enter the CattleMAP program.
“The Beef Only declaration gives producers a pathway to trade cattle at low risk of the disease into protected areas of Australia without being tested,” Mr Feldtmann said.
“The CattleMAP program is also available to producers and is based on a testing regime.”
VFF members are welcome to call the VFF’s Livestock Project Officers, Charlotte Fox and Zoe Moroz, on 1300 882 833 with any questions relating to the new management plan.
Further information on BJD and the revised National BJD Strategic Plan is available to all farmers through the VFF website, Victorian Department of Primary Industries, or Animal Health Australia.
Source: farmonline.com.au
Back to News Headlines