Editorial: Johnes Disease Found in Australia

In Australia, four properties in central Queensland near Rockhampton and Moura have been quarantined after cattle tested positive to bovine Johne's disease.

BJD, a muscle wasting condition, which can affect cattle, sheep, goats, alpacas and deer is rare in Queensland and it is not yet known how it made it to the properties.

About 160 properties which purchased cattle from the stud have been alerted.

In Europe, the European Food Safety Authority has published a report analysing the latest epidemiological data available on the incidence of the "Schmallenberg" virus (SBV) in Europe.

The report outlines that by the end of October 2012, the virus, affecting domestic and wild ruminants, was reported by 14 countries. The most recent data reported in this latest publication show that SBV has continued to circulate within Europe with newly affected herds being identified in new regions by October 2012.

Approximately 6,000 holdings have had the presence of SBV confirmed by laboratory tests. EFSA reiterates that the number of affected herds is low compared to the total number of herds with a maximum proportion of confirmed SBV herds per region being 6.6 per cent for sheep and 4 per cent for cattle. The Authority does not have data at this time to assess the impact on affected herds.

In South America, the Chilean veterinary authorities have given the green light to Paraguay for thje export of beef.

The authorities have cleared the measures put in place for animal health and food safety in Paraguay.

Russia has also opened up its markets for exports of British beef.

The exports that have been banned for 26 years could be worth up to £115 million to the British beef industry.