4 July 2013

2 minute read

Oceania

The changed entry requirements cover all livestock entering and intended to reside in our state. 

Chief Veterinary Officer with Biosecurity SA, Dr Rob Rahaley, summarised the changes and new entry requirements from the start of next month as:

• Dairy Cattle need to be accompanied by a completed National Cattle Health Statement showing the dairy assurance score. (Since 2005 all dairy cattle sold in SA have been required to declare this score, so purchasers can make informed decisions about the risks or assurance they want regarding Johne’s disease). Instructions on how to calculate the score are on the form.
• Female Beef Breeding Cattle that qualify for ‘Beef Only’ or Market Assurance Program (MN) status need to be accompanied by a completed National Cattle Health Statement.
• Female Beef Breeding Cattle that don’t qualify for ‘Beef Only’ MN status need a permit to enter and stay in SA. This permit can be obtained by the SA owner who agrees to certain management conditions. Permit application forms are available on the PIRSA website.
• Bulls and steers need to be accompanied by a completed National Cattle Health Statement.

“These changes are in line with the nationally agreed management plans for BJD,” Dr Rahaley said. 

“SA maintains a very low prevalence of Johne’s Disease in every species and extensive testing continues to show we maintain this enviable low disease status.

“Johne’s Disease management programs in SA are funded by South Australian farmers and are continually being reviewed to maintain the balance between protection of SA livestock and trade requirements.”

The new entry requirements underpin South Australia’s strategic priority of Premium Food and Wine from our Clean Environment, by upholding strict biosecurity standards.

Further information is available from the PIRSA website.

TheCattleSite News Desk