ENTERING into agistment arrangements can make good business sense for farmers – especially during dry times, following floods, and when sheep and cattle prices are strong.
But Livestock Biosecurity Network regional manager Jess Coad says bringing agistment livestock on to a property can pose a serious risk for introducing diseases, pests and weeds if biosecurity measures aren’t in place.
“Some diseases can have huge productivity and trade impacts on enterprises, resulting in economic losses and often changes in management practice,” Dr Coad said.
“One of those risks is Johne’s Disease (JD) in cattle, an incurable infection that results in death. Farmers considering their agistment options should be aware of recent changes to the management of JD in cattle and consider the following to maintain good on-farm biosecurity.”
Dr Coad said the new National Cattle Health Declaration, which was updated on August 1, was a useful tool for providing information on the prior health history of cattle.
“It’s a good idea to view a signed copy before making an agistment decision,” Dr Coad said.
“The new Johne’s Beef Assurance Score (available on the Animal Health Australia website) will ensure you don’t agist cattle of lower Johne’s status.”
Dr Coad said agisting adult cattle (24 months or older) that were infected but not yet showing clinical signs of JD can contaminate pastures with JD causing bacteria by shedding it in their dung.
“These pastures can remain contaminated for many months, and sometimes for over a year,” she said.
“Grazing contaminated pasture is a high risk for infection for cattle less than 12 months of age. Grazing management of young stock, so not to be exposed to contaminated pasture, is particularly important and should be a consideration when agisting cattle.”
