THE Queensland Government is relaxing rules about how livestock from the cattle tick infested zone can be moved to abattoirs in the cattle tick free zone.
Queensland chief veterinary officer Dr Allison Crook said updates to the Queensland Biosecurity Manual meant producers could minimise or possibly remove the need to chemically treat livestock immediately before movement from the cattle tick infested zone to an abattoir in the cattle tick free zone.
“This gives producers greater flexibility for carrying out low-risk activities when moving cattle into the cattle tick free zone,” Dr Crook said.
“It has the benefit of reducing reliance on chemical treatments, meaning increased opportunities for organic beef production systems.
“Another benefit is improved animal welfare outcomes through the need for less handling of livestock.”
Dr Crook said the update struck a balance between maintaining the integrity of the cattle tick free zone, and allowing reduced restrictions for the movement of stock that posed a low risk of spreading cattle ticks.
To assist producers and processors meet their obligations when consigning and receiving stock, two new guides and a procedure about the new option are available at: www.daf.qld.gov.au, or by calling 13 25 23.
Dr Crook said to ensure that the cattle tick free zone remains cattle tick free, all other requirements under the Biosecurity Act 2014, Biosecurity Regulation 2016 and Queensland Biosecurity Manual remained in place.