Beef cattle

The Western Australian beef herd consists of approximately two million head, half of which free range on extensive pastoral stations in the northern rangelands while the remainder roam the lush pastures of the agricultural region of the south and south-west of the state.

In 2011/12 the Australian Bureau of Statistics estimated the gross value of beef production in WA at $517 million. The state exported some 220 000 live cattle valued at $154 million in addition to 99 000 tonnes of boxed beef products worth $68 million in 2012.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development's current focus is on new and diversified market opportunities for WA live cattle exports and beef products. The department provides support to develop enduring supply chain relationships through effective communication, business model change and market development.

Articles

Effective from 1 July 2021: Johne’s disease (cattle strain) cattle import conditions for Western Australia

5 March 2021

The following import conditions for entry of cattle into Western Australia will apply from 1 July 2021.
Managing blue-green algae on farms in Western Australia

2 December 2014

Blue-green algae are a group of algae including Nodularia spumigena, Microcystis aeruginosa and Anabaena circinalis.
Preventing calf scours in beef herds

28 November 2013

‘Calf scours’ is when young calves develop diarrhoea and become dehydrated. The scour can be white, yellow, grey or blood-stained, and is often foul-smelling.
Property of origin statements for Western Australia

26 June 2016

A key component of live animal exports is the health certification that demonstrates to the importing country that the livestock meet market requirements.
Sheep (S-) strain of Johne’s disease (JD) in cattle

11 April 2019

There are three strains of the bacteria, Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis, that cause Johne’s disease (JD): sheep/ovine (S-), cattle (C-/bovine) and bison strains.
Johne's disease (JD) in cattle

25 November 2013

Johne’s disease (JD) is an incurable infectious disease of ruminants including cattle, sheep, goats, alpaca and deer. It causes chronic diarrhoea and wasting, which eventually leads to death.
Border controls for Johne's disease susceptible stock entering Western Australia

16 June 2017

The border controls outlined below for Johne’s disease (JD) susceptible stock entering Western Australia were implemented by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) on
Control of Johne’s disease (JD) in cattle in Western Australia

25 November 2013

C-strain of Johne's disease (JD) in cattle is not known to be present in Western Australia.
Sampling and post-mortem resources for veterinarians

9 March 2015

The following resources have been produced by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) to assist veterinarians in selecting and preparing samples and conducting livesto
Grass tetany in beef cattle: prevention and treatment

28 November 2013

Grass tetany is a highly fatal disease associated with low levels of magnesium in the blood.