CATTLE

Cattle Council reassures producers following "good start" to FMD response

Cattle Council calls for harsher travel biosecurity and declaration breach penalties.

Staff writer
 The Cattle Council of Australia says the Government response to an FMD outbreak in Bali is off to a good start.

The Cattle Council of Australia says the Government response to an FMD outbreak in Bali is off to a good start.

CCA president, Lloyd Hick, said Australian beef cattle producers were right to be concerned by the threat.

"This disease would gut our industry and can easily travel back to Australia on clothing," Hick said.

"Cattle Council expects the biosecurity response to increase whenever there is an increased threat. Biosecurity resources must be used in the best way possible, to maximise protection to our industry.

"The steps Minister Watt has announced to protect the livestock industry so far are a good start. CCA is closely engaged with the Federal Government regarding increased biosecurity safeguards. The Government has committed to select returning flights at random and screening everyone onboard.

"This will mean more bags are opened and more items that may carry the disease inspected. This increases the chance of catching people who do the wrong thing and acts as a deterrent," Hick said.

"People who are caught and prosecuted face fines of up to $1.1 million and 10 years in jail. However, the Government should also review its on-the-spot fines that are capped at $2660. Sometimes fines of a few hundred dollars are issued, but the risk to our industry and Australian economy is in the billions."

For travellers, Hick said it is better to declare too much than too little.

"It's also important to recognise this is not the last line of defence against foot and mouth disease. An up-to-date biosecurity plan can prevent Foot and Mouth Disease from reaching your property.

"People who have recently travelled to these areas should also take all necessary steps to decontaminate or be kept off your farm."

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

editions

Research Report: Field Days Wrap (November 2024)

Kondinin Group's research team has the low down on the latest gear that was on show at various field days held around the country in the past few months.

editions

Research Report: Trailing Sheep Feeders (October 2024)

Trailing sheep feeders are on the menu for Kondinin Group's October Research Report with nine popular models covered.

editions

Research Report: Livestock Management Software (September 2024)

Kondinin Group's September Research Report looks at a range of livestock management software platforms which can make life a lot easier when it comes to efficient sheep and cattle production.

editions

Research Report: Grain Storage (August 2024)

This month's Research Report from Kondinin Group looks at the benefits and challenges associated with ground level storage with a focus on growers who have done it successfully.