Northern Territory Cattle Stations Linked to BJD Outbreak
AUSTRALIA - Four cattle stations in the Northern Territory have had movement restrictions placed on them, because of links to a Brahman stud in Queensland which tested positive to bovine Johne's disease in November.
18 December 2012
1 minute read
The NT Department of Primary Industry has identified 103 bulls, which have been moved to the Territory from the infected area in Queensland (during 2005 to 2012), reports ABC Rural.
The NT's chief veterinary officer, Malcolm Anderson, says testing of the animals will begin as soon as possible, but no decision has been made on whether any animals will be slaughtered.
"We're working with the property owners and they'll make the decision on how it's handled," he said.
"Bulls can be located, tested and isolated (while we) wait for results.
"If all the bulls are negative, then that will be the end of the story, but if they have positive BJD bulls, then the property will be placed under quarantine and will need follow-up action."
Dr Anderson says test results can be achieved a lot quicker if the animals in question are slaughtered.
"Properties will have that as an option," he said.
"Some of these properties (in question) have got a single bull on there, so for them it (slaughtering) might be what they choose, but there'll be no compulsion for slaughtering animals."
Dr Anderson says there are no animals in the Territory which have shown clinical signs of the disease.
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Further ReadingFind out more information on Johne's Disease by clicking here. |
