Anthrax awareness campaign ramps up

Graziers are being urged to find out how to best protect both their livestock and themselves from anthrax by attending an awareness day next week in St George 

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development Mark Furner said strong, effective biosecurity control methods were crucial to protecting Queensland’s $19.95 billion agriculture industry and environment.

“Recent incidents in the St George-Dirranbandi district indicate that anthrax spores may be present in and around the area and livestock grazing locally may be at risk of infection,” Mr Furner said.

“That is why I am encouraging graziers to attend an anthrax awareness workshop on Wednesday 30 May 2018 at the St George Cultural Centre.

“Speakers from Biosecurity Queensland, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland and Queensland Health will join AgForce Cattle Board President Bim Struss to discuss how to recognise and respond to anthrax as well as personal safety.

“Raising the awareness of biosecurity risks like anthrax will ensure livestock producers continue to safeguard Queensland’s reliable and trusted food supply.”

Anthrax is a naturally occurring bacterial disease which impacts animals. It is most common in New South Wales and Victoria, but has been found in part of south-west Queensland.

Mr Furner said being properly informed and prepared was the best defence against incidents of anthrax.

“Last week, anthrax was confirmed on a Dirranbandi property in a single cow, however the property owners’ proactive approach limited the impact of the incident,” Mr Furner said.

“The affected owners were aware of previous incidents in the St George-Dirranbandi district in the past two years and, wisely, had taken precautions.

“They had prepared a biosecurity plan and were undertaking a preventative vaccination program for anthrax.

“A local veterinarian assisted the producer to rapidly manage the situation.

“Biosecurity Queensland officers have been working with the affected property owner to implement ongoing biosecurity measures.”

For more information about anthrax visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au

Tips for graziers:

• Vaccinate livestock against anthrax to prevent unnecessary cattle and sheep deaths.

• Have a biosecurity plan in place and consult with your local veterinary practitioner to decide what specific measures can be taken to protect livestock and property from anthrax.

• This can include keeping livestock away from soil disturbances caused by earthworks or flooding and undertaking preventative vaccination.

• Always monitoring the health of stock and immediately seek veterinary advice in the event of sudden deaths.

• Unexplained deaths of animals should be reported to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.

The free AgForce St George Anthrax Workshop will be held on Wednesday 30 May 2018 from 9.00am until 1.00pm at the St George Cultural Centre.

To register, text 0401 101 773 or email purcells@agforceqld.org.au