WA maintains bovine Johne's disease free zone status
Media release : 24th February 2009
Western Australia has maintained its bovine Johne’s disease (BJD) free zone status, with four cattle herds in quarantine now cleared of the disease.
The Department of Agriculture and Food’s animal biosecurity acting director Brad McCormick said there were now no cattle herds currently in quarantine for BJD.
BJD, which is present in low levels in cattle herds in eastern Australia, causes diarrhoea and chronic wasting.
Dr McCormick said that as part of the response to the detection of a case of BJD in a beef herd at Albany in July 2006, four herds were quarantined for two years.
“Adult cattle in the herds have now been tested twice with negative results and the herds have been released from quarantine,” he said.
“Following our testing and other surveillance measures for BJD, the National Animal Health Committee has confirmed WA’s BJD free zone status,” Dr McCormick said.
“The BJD free zone status allows WA cattle to be traded to other states without the need for specific movement controls and testing,” he said.
“The cattle industry has strongly supported work that assisted WA to stay free of BJD.
“Dairy Australia paid for the testing of milk and faeces samples from 100 dairy herds and the Cattle Council of Australia provided a rebate for veterinary investigations into cattle with chronic diarrhoea or wasting.
“The WA Cattle Industry Compensation Fund also pays for BJD testing and for compensation for the slaughter of infected or suspect animals,” Dr McCormick said.
Media Contacts
| Brad McCormick, Acting Director Animal Biosecurity |
9368 3309 / 0429 932 266 |
| Katrina Bowers/Lisa Bertram, media liaison |
9368 3937/9368 3325 |
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