First cattle, now it's all stock in one biosecurity plan

There had been confusion that if a mixed livestock producer had started a J-BAS (Johne’s Beef Assurance Score) plan, whether that would also cover sheep or other ruminants on the farm.

But Animal Health Australia and the Cattle Council  reinforced that it would not, as all livestock needed to be considered in a biosecurity plan on a mixed farm.

The Cattle Council released more information to help producers through the new system.

Howard Smith, Cattle Council of Australia (CCA) President said: “With the recent changes to the management of JD in cattle and the integration of on-farm biosecurity requirements into the Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) program, all livestock producers are encouraged to have their biosecurity plan in place by 1 October 2017.”

“For mixed livestock producers (cattle, sheep, goats, alpacas), if you choose to use the Johne’s Beef Assurance Score (J-BAS) it’s only applicable to your cattle. However, as JD affects other susceptible species, a confirmed clinical case of JD in other ruminants has to be considered when determining a J-BAS score for cattle from the same property,”  Mr Smith said.

Key biosecurity, JD and J-BAS information for mixed livestock producers:

·         You only need to complete one Farm Biosecurity Plan to cover all your livestock.

·         Producers who have developed a farm biosecurity plan as part of their approach to JD management, will not need to complete another under the LPA program requirements.

·         JD can be difficult to eradicate from an infected herd or flock; therefore, sound biosecurity practices are essential in ensuring the disease, if already in the livestock, remains under control.

·         The national sheep industries have recognised the importance of on farm biosecurity through the National Ovine Johne’s Disease Management Plan.

·         In relation to JD management in sheep, it is recommended that any sound management system must include vaccination if the flock is declared infected.

·         Cattle are at minimal risk of contracting JD from sheep on the same property if these sheep are covered by a JD vaccination program.

·         When buying any livestock, producers should request a health declaration relevant to the particular species.

·         Although J-BAS is a voluntary tool, cattle producers should consider the benefits of a J-BAS for managing their JD risk and for access to certain markets that depend on live exports (Western Australia and the Northern Territory).

·         When buying cattle, producers should ask the vendor further questions if worried about JD, and not just focus on the score alone.

·         J-BAS is managed by Animal Health Australia on behalf of the CCA, who represent the beef cattle industry.

Sheepmeat Council of Australia CEO Kat Giles said: “Sheepmeat Council of Australia is echoing the call for all livestock producers to manage their biosecurity risks for all diseases, including JD.”