PRODUCERS are being urged to attend an anthrax awareness day after another case of the bacterial disease was detected in Dirranbandi last week.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development Mark Furner confirmed in a media statement that a single cow had contracted anthrax, but the property owners’ proactive approach limited the impact of the incident.
“The affected owners were aware of previous incidents in the St George-Dirranbandi district in the past two years and, wisely, had taken precautions,” Mr Furner said.
“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.”
A free community workshop will be held in St George next week where 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.
Mr 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.
“Raising the awareness of biosecurity risks like anthrax will ensure livestock producers continue to safeguard Queensland’s reliable and trusted food supply.”
Anthrax is most common in New South Wales and Victoria, but has been found in part of south-west Queensland.
The free AgForce St George Anthrax Workshop will be held on May 30 from 9.00am until 1.00pm at the St George Cultural Centre.
To register, text 0407 101 773 or email purcells@agforceqld.org.au