As bovine Johne’s disease transitional arrangements ended last week, Local Land Services has been active in helping local graziers understand and adapt to the implications of the industry-led changes.
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The Johne’s beef assurance score (JBAS) system is a tool developed by the cattle industry to manage the risk of Johne’s disease in beef cattle following the removal of the traditional regulation in mid-2016.
Since then, the voluntary JBAS system has been managed by Animal Health Australia on behalf of the Cattle Council of Australia.
Local Land Services executive director, David Witherdin said Local Land Services was well placed to support Animal Health Australia and the Cattle Council in explaining the new arrangements.
“Our staff are on the ground to support farmers. As part of their work, they are often the first port of call for customer enquiries around industry changes,” said Mr Witherdin.
“Most recently they have been working closely with the community to help clarify the implications of industry decisions around the Johne’s disease arrangements.”
Transitional arrangements for Johne's disease ended on June 30. Any producer with a JBAS score of 7 or 8 will revert to a JBAS 6 if no on-farm biosecurity plan was in place by July 1. They can regain their score of 7 or 8 by implementing an on-farm biosecurity plan at any time (overseen by their veterinarian).
To find out more visit the Animal Health Australia website www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au, or contact your Local Land Services office, private veterinarian or livestock agent.