Johne's disease occurs at a very low prevalence in the Australian beef cattle population with known infected herds accounting for less than 0.1% of the nation's herds. About two-thirds of the beef herds are located in Free and Protected Zones. Control in most areas has primarily been through a highly regulated approach involving herd testing, preferential culling and quarantine of known infected herds and zoning to prevent the spread of disease.

Objectives

To improve control of Johne's disease, principal stakeholders in the Australian national program aimed to establish a strong partnership to provide a broad range of support to beef producers, whether their herds were affected by Johne's disease or likely to be free of infection. This program encourages individual producers to become more aware of Johne's disease, understand how infection spreads and manage the risks associated with the purchase of stock.

Approach

The national cattle industry, through the Cattle Council of Australia (CCA), recognised the negative social and economic impacts of regulatory disease control programs on known infected and suspect beef herds and on sales of cattle from beef herds in zones in south-eastern Australia (where Johne's disease is more common in the dairy industry). This has been the catalyst to develop new approaches to managing and controlling Johne's disease. Herd owners who complete a written declaration that their cattle satisfy the nationally standardised criteria to be given the low risk status, known as Beef Only, enjoy improved trading access and market prices. Governments provide the regulatory framework for auditing Beef Only sales and approving the movement of Beef Only cattle to Protected Zones. To date in 2007, 702 lots representing 348 owners across Australia were audited at saleyards, with a compliance rate greater than 95%. Governments also provide penalties through legislative support if producers provide misleading information about the status of their herd.

CCA has also worked with Animal Health Australia and state governments on improved strategies for infected and suspect beef herds. The beef cattle industry funds two special counsellors as part of a National BJD Financial and Non Financial Assistance Package (the Package). The counsellors, who coordinate both social and financial support for Beef Only producers who voluntarily enter into programs to eliminate Johne's disease from their herds, are the first point of contact for producers who wish to access the benefits of the Package.

Since its inception in July 2004, 105 producers have accessed this service and in excess of A$2 million has been allocated to eligible producers. Government veterinarians work in partnership with the counsellors by providing sound technical advice upon which to base the disease eradication program in each herd.

Outcomes

The Beef Only status has improved risk awareness of Johne's disease resulting in increasing numbers of beef producers sourcing replacement breeding cattle from these herds. A recent external review of the Package has confirmed the program is addressing most of the earlier negative impacts on owners of infected and suspect herds, by reducing the social impact of BJD on herd owners, the economic impact, and following eradication reduces the trade impacts associated with regulation. Participation in the Package is also improving producer understanding about animal health risks.