Brains worth their weight in gold

Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin says his department has doubled the money being offered for cattle and sheep brains to prove Australia is free of mad cow disease.

Mr Mulherin said: “Queensland and Australia remain free of TSE (Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies) diseases like mad cow and scrapie.

“But we need to prove this on a continuous basis by conducting surveillance to a standard set by the World Organisation for Animal Health.

“Biosecurity Queensland, a specialist unit of the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F), conducts regular brain testing as part of a national program to prove we don’t have these diseases.

“Recently, the rate of compensation to producers for the supply of brains under the program has been doubled. This means cattle brains are now worth $300 and sheep brains are worth $50.

“We hope this will encourage more producers to contact us about cattle and sheep that fit the criteria we’re looking for,” Mr Mulherin said.

DPI&F Senior Veterinary Officer Binendra Pratap said animals showing progressive behavioural changes such as excitability, apprehension, lack of coordination, falling over and full or partial paralysis are ideal candidates for the program.

“We are calling on producers and vets to contact the DPI&F if they have cattle and sheep showing nervous disorders and are willing to submit brain samples.

"The national surveillance program is critical to maintaining overseas market access for Australian products.

“Producers get the added benefit of a diagnosis of what has actually affected their animal," Dr Pratap said.

Eligible cattle need to be 30 months of age or older, while sheep must be aged 18 months and over.

More than 1,500 Queensland cattle and 300 Queensland sheep have been tested under the national surveillance program since it began in 1998. All have been negative for mad cow and scrapie.

To get involved in the National TSE Surveillance program, speak to your local biosecurity inspector or call DPI&F on 13 25 23.

Minister’s Media: 32396530

DPI&F Media contact: Leonie Lyons (07) 4650 1263