Page 32 - ACV Journal DECEMBER 2015

News
HEALTHY AND WELL CARED FOR COWS
ARE A PRIORITY FOR EVERY DAIRY FARMER
The Australian dairy industry cares deeply about the health and
wellbeing of its animals, and Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) works
hard to ensure that this is recognised by government, regulators,
retailers, animal groups and, most importantly, consumers. The
following provides a brief snapshot of some of the issues ADF is
addressing, supported by Dairy Australia programs.
Calving Induction
After extensive consultation with dairy farmers, industry and veterinary
experts, ADF has adopted a new policy, which will see the phasing out
of routine calving induction nationally.
Following an industry forum earlier this year, the ADF National Council
agreed to modify ADF’s policy position to the following:
“ADF does not support routine calving induction and will work to phase it national level. The Biosecurity Bill 2014 will provide the primary legislative
out through improved herd improvement practices, tools and technologies.” means and regulatory framework for the Australian Government to manage
The dairy industry’s breeding programs such as InCalf and the
improvement of fertility by genetic selection are already making a
difference and the use of calving induction is reducing. In 2014, fewer
than 2% of the national herd were induced and the industry is now
working to reduce the need to use this management tool even further.
A Steering Group, including dairy farmers, representatives from the
Australian Cattle Veterinarians, Dairy Australia, the Australian Dairy
Products Federation and ADF, has been established to develop an
action plan. Cattle veterinarians are helping to provide data to support
setting annual limits with certain exemptions – learning from the
approach taken by our counterparts in New Zealand.
Bovine Johne ’s disease
Animal Health Australia (AHA) is conducting a review of BJD in
2015.The dairy industry has provided input to, and feedback on, the
discussion papers and there has been wide support for a change in
the management of BJD to remove the stigma and significant trade
impacts of the current BJD arrangements.
Key issues being examined in the BJD review include:
• Monitoring and surveillance;
• Definitional issues regarding the various strains of JD;
• Consistency of application across jurisdictions;
• Quarantining; and
• The importance of disease reduction/minimisation.
ADF is hopeful that the approach being discussed will lead to better
outcomes for dairy farmers.
Dairy Moving Forward Animal Husbandry Steering
Group
The Dairy Moving Forward Animal Husbandry Steering Group, which
is chaired by David Basham (ADF), plays a significant role in guiding
coordinated and focussed investment in research, development and
extension (R,D&E) and training activities in animal husbandry and
welfare for the dairy industry.
The Steering Group has discussed key issues that include:
• An audit of RD&E in key priority areas that impact on animal
welfare;
32 The Australian Cattle Veterinarian | volume 77 | December 2015
• Intensification of dairy farming in Australia and the need to
identify information gaps and set priorities for RD&E; and
• Extension:
-- Improving decision making and management of downer
cows;
-- Improving farmer access to captive bolt technology and
training;
-- National lameness control strategy; and
-- Improving access and use of analgesics for disbudding.
Biosecurity
Biosecurity has far reaching implications at the individual, regional and
the risk of pests and diseases entering Australian territory and causing
harm to animal, plant and human health, the environment and the economy.
ADF had been involved in developing and reviewing the Bill and
advocated for the passage of the Bill with independent Senators and
the Opposition. The Biosecurity Bill 2014 passed both Houses of the
Federal Parliament in mid-2015.
ADF will also be involved in the development of the regulations
and administrative arrangements underpinning the Bill through the
NFF. The legislation is expected to be implemented by June 2016.
All Australian dairy farms must have a biosecurity plan in place and
Cattle Veterinarians can help implement these. ADF is engaging with
the Government on the implementation of the $200 million initiative
to improve biosecurity surveillance and analysis announced in the
Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper.
Cattle Standards and Guidelines
The draft Cattle Standards and Guidelines have been developed over
the last five years with the dairy industry providing considerable input
into their drafting.
The recommended Standards and Guidelines, as they apply to dairy
cattle, reflect the dairy industry’s policies, including areas that have
been identified as priorities in the National Dairy Industry Animal
Welfare Strategy.
ADF and DA have participated in Writing Group (comprising
Government, Research and Industry Representatives) and Reference
Group (Government, Research, Industry and Animal Welfare Group
representatives) meetings.
All dairy farmers have received a copy of the proposed Standards and
Guidelines and dairy companies are working with their dairy farmers
to facilitate implementation of the Standards.
Self-Assessment program for Animal Health,
Welfare, Biosecurity and Traceability
The ADF is looking to develop a self- assessment program for dairy
farmers. Dairy companies are increasingly being asked by their
customers to present their Animal Health and Welfare credentials
and provide evidence of practice change. The Self-Assessment
program should help fill this need as well as identify areas where
greater focus or support programs are needed.
www.ava.com.au/cattle