Brains pay in BSE research

Farmonline Network \ Queensland Country Life - Australia

31/10/2008 11:22:00 AM

The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries has doubled the money being offered for cattle and sheep brains, which are used to help prove Australia is free of mad cow disease.

Primary Industries Minister Tim Mulherin said Queensland needed to continually conduct surveillance to prove its BSE-free status in line with standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health.

Biosecurity Queensland, a specialist unit of the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F), conducts the regular brain testing as part of a national program.

The new rates of compensation to producers for the supply of brains under the program has been doubled to $300 for cattle brains and $50 for sheep brains.

"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," Dr Pratap said.

"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."

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

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

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