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Victorian Beef Heifers Gain Access To Interstate Markets

Victoria’s ‘Beef Only’ designated cattle have the all clear for unrestricted access to interstate markets, according to Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Hugh Millar.

By Department of Primary Industries - 31st March 2004 - Back to News

Dr Millar said the ‘Beef Only’ program, which saw an agreement reached on the lifting of restrictive trade protocols in New South Wales, could provide a boost of up to $3 million to Victorian beef producers

"The new BJD biosecurity quality assurance arrangements for low risk Beef Only herds were tested at Euroa in January and the results were outstanding. Livestock agents and producers have embraced the ‘Beef Only’ status.

"In every single audit conducted, the cattle had a clean bill of health. This has allowed Victoria to make a strong case for the on-going use of the Beef Only assurance scheme for interstate trade in breeding cattle.

"Now I’m pleased that the arrangements have been accepted by the national Animal Health Committee as the basis for on-going trade between Victoria and its neighbouring states."

All eligible Beef Only cattle from Victoria may now enter NSW without further restriction provided they are accompanied by the appropriate Animal Health Statement signed by the vendor.

South Australia has advised that, pending final sign-off by that State’s cattle industry representatives, all Beef Only cattle from weaner sales at Myrtleford, Running Creek, Benambra, Omeo and Gelantipy will be eligible for free entry into South Australia.

"This decision represents a huge step in regaining access to traditional markets for many Victorian beef producers, and it is something we have been working towards for some time as part of our overall $24 million biosecurity drive," Dr Millar said.

"A decision on the movement of Beef Only cattle into Queensland awaits the outcome of further trials in northern NSW and Tasmania over the next few months." Dr Millar said.

The Beef Only scheme:

• Beef Only herds are those that operate in strict isolation from the dairy industry. They may contain no dairy or dairy-cross animals, nor can they graze areas that have been recently grazed by dairy cattle.
• A Beef Only herd will not have to undertake check testing for BJD but individual cattle must be identified by NLIS and the owner will have to make a written declaration supporting their application.
• As well as providing BJD assurance for local buyers, cattle from Beef Only herds are eligible to move into the bovine Johne’s disease Protected Zones in NSW and SA.

For more information on the beef only scheme, producers are advised to contact their local animal health officer or visit the DPI website.

KEEPING STOCK ALIVE AND WELL

The number of calls to DPI Animal Health staff from people concerned about livestock in poor condition, on paddocks with little or no feed available, has increased recently. Hopefully the end to the dry conditions is in sight, however careful management and planning will be required to deliver livestock to the next feed surplus alive and well.

Codes of Acceptable Farming Practice for the Welfare of Cattle and Sheep and other livestock species set an industry standard by defining minimum acceptable livestock management practices. The codes require that livestock should have access to or be provided with food of adequate quality to maintain their well being. Feed needed must take into account the nutritional requirements of maintenance, growth, pregnancy and lactation and provide for any extra demands such as exercise or cold stress. Cattle in late pregnancy or early lactation are most at risk if starved.

In times of seasonal shortages or in the severe feed shortage being experienced now as the result of prolonged periods of low rainfall, arrangements must be made to ensure that the quality and quantity of feed is sufficient to maintain health and adequate body condition. It is unacceptable for animals to be allowed to starve to death or reach the stage requiring destruction because of weakness caused by food depravation.

Where minimal feed and water requirements cannot be met, cattle should be moved or agisted to a place where feed and water is adequate, or they should be sold or humanely slaughtered.

Livestock being fed for survival should be inspected regularly, at least twice per week. Where possible they should be grouped appropriately by sex, age and size to reduce competition. Shy feeders require special attention and treatment depending on the type of feed offered, method of feeding and strength of competing stock.

The Department of Primary Industry has excellent publications on drought feeding sheep and cattle. Copies are available free of charge from DPI offices at Maffra 51470 800, Bairnsdale 5152 0600, Ellinbank 5624 2222, Leongatha 5662 9900 and can be posted on request. Copies of the Codes of Accepted Farming Practice are also available on the DPI website. Log on to www.dpi.vic.gov.au; select Agriculture and Food, then Animal Health and Welfare, Animal Welfare, then Legislation and Codes of Practice.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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