TSE surveillance
Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies Surveillance
Producers are asked to support the National Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies Surveillance Program (NTSESP).
The national surveillance program creates and maintains overseas market access for Australian meat products where food safety and product integrity are critical issues in trade negotiation meetings.
Australia is free of TSEs, including Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (Mad Cow Disease) in cattle and scrapie in sheep, but needs to continue to prove this in order to maintain overseas market access.
It is your responsibility
All sheep and cattle producers have a responsibility towards the National Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy Surveillance Program to protect their industries and maintain overseas markets.
Brain samples from cattle and sheep showing symptoms of nervous disorders are needed by the Queensland cattle and sheep industries to meet annual quotas for testing under the NTSESP. The program includes funding for producers submitting relevant stock.
The international animal health organisation, OIE, has introduced a points system for TSE surveillance whereby cattle in different categories are eligible for different points. Cattle between four and seven years of age displaying behavioural or clinical signs consistent with BSE achieve the greatest points.
It is important that producers continue to contact Biosecurity Queensland officers if they have cattle or sheep showing appropriate clinical signs. They should inform the Biosecurity inspector or veterinary officer at the local DPI&F office.
Animals showing progressive behavioural changes such as excitability or apprehension or progressive neurological signs are suitable candidates.
Producers will be paid incentives under the NTSESP to encourage the investigation of suitable animals and the submission of suitable specimens for examination.
What can you do?
Report stock with nervous signs to your local QDPI stock inspector or veterinary officer at your local office, or by phoning 132 523.
Producers are asked to support the National Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies Surveillance Program (NTSESP).
The national surveillance program creates and maintains overseas market access for Australian meat products where food safety and product integrity are critical issues in trade negotiation meetings.
Australia is free of TSEs, including Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (Mad Cow Disease) in cattle and scrapie in sheep, but needs to continue to prove this in order to maintain overseas market access.
It is your responsibility
All sheep and cattle producers have a responsibility towards the National Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy Surveillance Program to protect their industries and maintain overseas markets.
Brain samples from cattle and sheep showing symptoms of nervous disorders are needed by the Queensland cattle and sheep industries to meet annual quotas for testing under the NTSESP. The program includes funding for producers submitting relevant stock.
The international animal health organisation, OIE, has introduced a points system for TSE surveillance whereby cattle in different categories are eligible for different points. Cattle between four and seven years of age displaying behavioural or clinical signs consistent with BSE achieve the greatest points.
It is important that producers continue to contact Biosecurity Queensland officers if they have cattle or sheep showing appropriate clinical signs. They should inform the Biosecurity inspector or veterinary officer at the local DPI&F office.
Animals showing progressive behavioural changes such as excitability or apprehension or progressive neurological signs are suitable candidates.
Producers will be paid incentives under the NTSESP to encourage the investigation of suitable animals and the submission of suitable specimens for examination.
What can you do?
Report stock with nervous signs to your local QDPI stock inspector or veterinary officer at your local office, or by phoning 132 523.