CATTLE producers are being urged to let the Queensland Government know that lay pregnancy testing is a key herd management tool that can help producers to lift fertility rates and in turn the productivity and profitability of their enterprises.
AgForce Cattle president Bim Struss said AgForce has been calling on the State Government to allow lay pregnancy testing in Queensland.
"Queensland cattle producers support is crucial at this stage in the process so that the State Government knows the industry supports lay pregnancy testing, both manual and ultrasound technique," Mr Struss said.
"I urge Queensland's cattle producers to get involved with this process so that we do not continue to be at a competitive disadvantage to our counterparts in the Northern Territory and Western Australia where pregnancy testing by non-veterinarians is allowed and has been for years.
"Let me be very clear. This is not about taking away business from vets or reducing standards.
"It is about ensuring there is increased access to reliable and cost-effective pregnancy testing across Queensland."
Mr Struss said high fertility rates were crucial to the success of all beef breeding enterprises. However, it could often be difficult and expensive for producers to have their cattle professionally tested in the required timeframes, particularly in remote areas, he said.
"We have been and will continue to work with the Australian Vet Association, the Cattle Vet Association and the RSPCA to ensure the program meets expectations and the highest standards of animal welfare are achieved,” Mr Struss said.
"Just as we have done with the more invasive dropped ovary spaying surgical procedure which can be legally carried out in Queensland by a lay person.
"We want to have this new professional accreditation scheme in place before the herd returns to normal levels by 2020-21 so producers can take full advantage and our industry can continue to grow strongly."
Mr Struss said AgForce was recommending the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1936 be amended to enable non-vets to practice pregnancy testing, and to allow more testing to be done via ultrasound technology.
"In conjunction with the AVA, we are looking to develop a high level, sustainable system to accredit lay persons based on the principles established in the PREgCHECK program,” he said.
