Bovine Johne’s Disease in Australia
NEWS UPDATE
NEWS UPDATE - 9 May 2013
Bovine Johne’s disease (BJD) was confirmed in a stud beef cattle herd near Rockhampton in late November 2012. It is likely that the infection has been present for some years on this property before becoming clinically apparent
Biosecurity Queensland is working with the owner of the property to develop a management plan and retain the leading genetics of the herd. There have been substantial movements of cattle between the infected property and other properties. However at 24 April 2013, there were three confirmed infected premises including the index property.
Fifteen properties traced from the index property have returned positive test results. Further testing is being undertaken on existing samples from these properties and property risk assessments will be undertaken to provide additional epidemiological evidence.
Movement restrictions remain in place on 57 Queensland properties that received animals from the index property to prevent further spread of the disease. Testing of trace forward animals continues on these properties.
An additional three feedlots that have received cattle from trace forward properties of the index property have movement restrictions in place as part of management strategies to allow low risk animal movements and to minimise the impact on business viability.
Biosecurity Queensland is working with properties under movement restrictions to help them get back to business as quickly as possible. Affected Producers can also access support through the National Bovine Johne’s Disease Financial and Non Financial Assistance Package.
If bovine Johne’s disease is suspected, do not move or cull suspect cattle. Isolate the animals and contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or a private veterinarian.
Click on this link to visit the DAFF Queensland website
http://www.daff.qld.gov.au/4790_22361.htm
The National Bovine Johne’s Disease Strategic Plan
A number of changes to Australia’s arrangements for preventing and managing BJD came into place from 1 July 2012.
In a new eight-year plan, Australian governments and the livestock grazing industries have reaffirmed their commitment to protect the north and west of the country, and the beef and alpaca sectors, from BJD while allowing dairy and goat producers greater control over how they manage the infection in their herds. The main changes affect New South Wales and South Australia, where the previous Control Zones and Protected Zone have been abolished. They will be replaced by the Beef Protected Area (BPA). Within the BPA there will be a separate ‘dairy compartment’, which is defined as farms that supply milk to a dairy factory, and includes any land the dairy cattle have run on.
Recognising that many dairy herds in Victoria and Tasmania are infected with BJD, these states have been classified as Management Areas. Western Australia continues as a Free Zone and the Northern Territory and Queensland remain as Protected Zones. Find out more…
What is bovine Johne’s disease?
Bovine Johne’s disease (BJD) is a serious wasting disease of cattle which can lead to loss of production and death. The disease affects animals by causing thickening of the intestinal wall resulting in a reduction in the normal absorption of food. The disease is caused by a bacterium (Mycobacterium paratuberculosis) that lives mainly in animal intestines, but can also survive in the outside environment for several months. Read more…
Why is there a National BJD Strategic Plan?
BJD is a debilitating disease that can have severe economic effects if it is left uncontrolled and allowed to build up in herds and areas. Infected animals often do not show signs until late in life but can be spreading the bacteria in their manure.
Fortunately, most of Australia has little or no BJD and the industries wish to maintain or improve this favourable position. Although BJD was first recorded in Australia in the 1920’s there has only been a National BJD Strategic Plan in Australia since 2003. Read more …
Further Information
Reports and Other Documents:
- BJD Standard Definitions, Rules and Guidelines 8th Edition
- National Cattle Health Statement
- Epidemology and Pathogenesis of Johne’s Disease in Cattle
- BJD Risk Assessment Protocol for Beef Cattle Herds
- Financial and Non-Financial Assistance Measures for Owners of Beef Cattle Herds Infected with BJD
- BJD Evaluation Reports
- to obtain a copy of the current National BJD Stategic Plan please contact aha@animalhealthaustralia.com.au
Page Updated: 9 May 2013